Scale Aviation Modelers of Muscatine

Advanced tools & other ramblings

Jul 22, 2000

In the previous articles(which seem to be in reverse order for some unknown reason)dealt with the basic items needed to comfortably assemble a scale model.The basics go for just about every type of model,from planes and autos,to ships and figures.There are plenty of other tools,some specialty,that can be used for each type of model.Since my "thing" happens to be scale model aircraft,especially WW2 vintage craft,that of course,is what this site will deal with.That is not to say we occasionally won't dealve into the modern age,or even go back to 1918,anything is possible.I sometimes get an urge to purchase a jet plane kit.As a matter of fact,there are a couple sitting on the shelf as we speak.To me,this hobby is just about perfect.Inthe summer,you can do most of your buying,so as to have plenty to build during the winter months.Not being a skier,my winters are pretty much free.If the urge strikes,you of course can build during the summer as well,however for me,this is usually at night,and not too often.That is not to say I never think of the hobby during the summer.Nothing could be farther from the truth.I am always on the lookout for a hobby store in my travels.The mail is also welcomed,as in the bottom of the stack of bills,there usually lurks a hobby store flyer or catalog.

At any rate,if you have a chance,check out the link to Micro-Mark.That may help explain some of the things my lack of command of the English language failed to convey.

When you have gotten the hang of using the basic tools and have a few kits under your belt,you may decide to purchase other,more serious equipment.You probably shouldn't do this until you are sure you really enjoy the hobby.I'm sure many a marriage has been on the rocks due to a big investment in stuff used only one or two times,only to be shoved into the corner of the attic.I will attempt to explain some of these home-wrecking tools now.

While this hobby isn't as expensive as,say,woodworking,the investment can still be fairly large.With proper care,the tools for both hobbies can last a lifetime.Plus,our chosen hobby has the added benefit of turning out something really useful,rather than just some nappy old cabinet,chair,or table(what is the sense in that!?).

One wonderful tool that comes highly recommended is the air brush.While convincing paint jobs can be attained without an air brush,having one will open a whole new dimension to your modeling.It will now be much easier to do a seemingly complex camo scheme with a little practice.

The two basic types of air brushes are the single action,and the double action.The single action simply uses the "push the button and paint" method.Or,simply put,the paint and air come out at the same time,regardless of finger pressure.The double action however,still uses one button,but,at least on my model gun,pushing down releases air,pulling back releases the paint.So you must push down,and while pushing down,pulling back on the same button will spray the paint.This method allows you to vary the pressure and amount of paint coming out of the tip.That,in turn,allows more control over the size and shape of the spray pattern.You can,with practice,acheive everything from a pencil thin line to a decently wide spray pattern using a double action gun.There are also internal and external mix versions of each,but that is a rather boring discussion(as if this isn't),which is self explanatory.Besides,I don't know the pros and cons of internal versus external mix.Someone out there does,and they are more than welcome to explain.

Now that you have your new air brush in your hot little hands,put it down and get back to the hobby store and pick up an air compressor!!There are several compressors on the market just for air brushes,and you should find a couple of these listed in the Micro-Mark website and catalog.Do your house mates a favor and get the quietest one you can.One is nearly silent!

After you get all this fun stuff home,you will probably have your checkbook taken away for a few weeks,so that will give you plenty of time to scrounge up a cardboard box to use as a spray booth.There are commercial models available,but you thought the compressor cost alot?!You could also build one out of wood,or maybe even metal,if you are really handy(build me one ,too!).Basically,what you are looking for is something to contain the fumes and overspray.Iwould strongly suggest using the new acrylic enamels,as these are non toxic,water based colors,with no fumes.You still must contain your overspray,though.The women in your life will not appreciate RLM 71 colored wallpaper.

while not really an advanced tool,the tweezer is very helpful.Again,there are many styles available,and again,Micro-Mark has almost all.I prefer the types which spring closed on their own so you don't have to squeeze them.These can also be used as clamps.I'm sure the surgeons thought of this first.

That brings up another item which probably should be in the essentials list.Clamps.Grab everything you can.Clothes pins(spring type),rubber bands and mini "c" clamps.There are also some great small Quick-Grip (brand)clamps available at hardware stores.A bit pricey,but well worth it.Grab three or four.I also found the hair clips that your wife,girlfriend,or mother may use are good clamping devices as well.Just sneak in and grab several different sizes and get out!Women don't like it when you mess with their hair stuff.Grab some masking tape too.You will be using this alot.Get a couple different widths.

Well,unfotunately,time is running short.It is just about time to head to the racetrack,so until next time,keep your tools clean,and happy modeling!!