Hi - although I've been making models for as long as I can remember I've sturggled along until I got the Internet and saw what you Guys were getting up to.
I've probably learned more in three years than everything that has gone before.
However - and this is the crunch. ARE WE PAYING MORE THAN WE HAVE TO FOR SPECIALIST PRODUCTS?.
It seems to me that there is an awesome array of manufacturers offering modelling products in VERY small quantities at VERY high prices when most of these things are already available in the market place.
Let me start the ball rolling if you don't mind,
Microscale Kristal Klear (1fl oz) - Formula 560 (2fl oz) - both good products but here in the UK exactly the same, as far as I can see, as Wickes wood glue which is about 5 times cheaper. (I'm sure there is an equivalent in the US).
Tamiya polishing compounds are great - but expensive. What's wrong with an automotive paint restorative polish (T-Cut) - but 'Hey!' I hear you say 'that's not as good as Novus 2'. Mothers Plastic Polish comes in 100ml bottles (twice the size of Novus) and is made for polishing back windows on soft tops (www.motherswax.co.uk) - just the same as Novus and save a whole lot of money, (again - there must be a US equivalent).
Sorry to go on a bit - I'm sure there are a whole lot more suggestions out there so let's have 'em
Happy modelling - don't spend too much!
Martin
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Martin
http://www.freewebs.com/martsmodels/