How much has your build technique, and tools changed over the years?

[dennismcc]

I've been reading on a bit since I replied to this thread and this is the result of my deep thoughts.

In my reply I did not mention tools, the progress in this area is quite extensive.

So here is the ramblings.

Sanding sticks and micro mesh rather than using wet and dry from the garage.

Tamiya tape instead of decorating masking tape.

Blu Tac sausages.

Mini clamps for holding parts while they get painted.

Bigger clamps for stubborn jobs.

Lots are different types of modelling blades, blunt blades being binned rather than persevered with.

Micro saws instead of hacking away with the afore mentioned blunt blades.

Scribing tools and templates, game changers with old Revell kits.

Using reference books instead of relying on kit instructions.

CA and other types of adhesives, it's rare for me to use polystyrene cement nowadays.

Modelling putty has been replaced with CA, Mr Surfacer and for big gaps plastic strips.

Klear for those nice shiny clear parts.

Airbrush replaced my dodgy brush painting,

Air compressor, a great improvement on canned air.

Pippettes to accurately measure paint so the mix is repeatable.

Pin vice and micro drills instead of boring holes with a #11 blade.

Tweezers certainly help my sausage fingers hold small parts.

Aftermarket stuff especially decals

Decal solutions such as set and sol, though I'm still rubbish with decals.

Paint masks instead of decals see above.

Proper modelling mats instead of dining room place mats.

With declining vision, magnifying lamps and Optivisor assistance.

Recently a Christmas present of a building stand, how did I manage without one I now wonder.

I was quite happy using bog rolls, thick books and other dodgy stuff.

The other huge difference to my modelling is this thing that I am typing on, a PC and the internet.

All these wonderful modelling websites packed with friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people.

And the ability to order essential modelling stuff online.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

 

 

[Christa]

You've covered it for my progression Dennis, all bar an Optivisor, touch wood.

[RadBaron]

I was extremely fortunate growing up with a dad who was an award winning modeller, so right from the get go I had all the inspiration, knowledge and equipment ready to go. At that time, Plasti-weld, Testors and Humbrol enamels and the Paasche single action airbrush were all the name of the game.

 

You can imagine how much has changed since THEN!

 

Each time I've come back after a break from the hobby, the tools and equipment have evolved, along with the techniques, so there's always a change.

Most recently, I try to have a go of something new on each build. A new painting technique, or surface texturing, or something. Just to learn something new and see if there's a technique I'd enjoy adding to my fold. 

 

For me, that's a part of the fun, learning a new skill to try to bring my completed models that little bit closer to the way I imagine they'll look at the beginning of the build.

 

Denzil.