Heat and Models .
Hi Ya'll ;
I know we've talked about this before. This is an update I thought of after I read the latest Scale Talk . I did some further research, and discovered some interesting things about this .
Here's the findings from my stash and storage shed . I did mention before about an Airfix " E " boat that was an odd color . As you ship builders know this kit early on was almost a light pearl grey in color . Mine was a very brittle grey-green .
Now checking some older models of another type I was surprised to find a piece of armor , supposedly molded in Desert Tan. It was a deep Caramel Brown!. Same with a motor vehicle molded in Cream. It turned a real pale Muddy Yellow .
Now here's the twist. The models molded in Silver or if you will,Aircraft Aluminum, were close to Stainless Steel in color with All panel lines a darkened Steel color .They were also very brittle and the clear parts on everything that had them were very hard and Very Brittle .
This heating and freezing will change the testure of the plastic in that it will harden or slump ( not Melt ) and measuring it against a new model will confirm this .Slumping naturally occuring in areas that are thicker retaining heat and cold longer .
In many cases with judicious trimming and sanding,you can still build a beautiful model of any of these .It just takes more patience and perseverance to do so . I personally will buy a model wither unassembled or partially done where this is obvious .If it works fine.If not the parts file box gets fuller .
The one thing I have learned.Surface prep takes longer because some paints don't want to stick to bare plastic that has been there, done that. So, You do have to prime every part with a good primer .I use Rattle Can Rusteoleum Pearl Grey and I will decant some for finer coats with the airbrush .
Now ,for those brittle clear parts .If you can get some Crystal CD cases for flat stuff an get Vac-Formed canopies and windshields .You cannot polish the very faint yellowish cast out of aged clear .No matter whose kit it is . That's it for now . Bye T.B.