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Darkening recessed panel lines

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  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: and just won't go away.
Darkening recessed panel lines
Posted by Quagmyre on Friday, February 13, 2004 4:56 PM
I've been looking for an alternative technique to darkening panel lines aside from sludge washes, which tend to be messy if you don't get the mixtures just right.

Just wondering if anyone else has heard of these ZIG Memory System Millennium Pens/Markers. I happened upon a black 0.20mm tip (a.k.a. size 005) version of one of these pens at a Hobby Lobby so I thought I'd give it a try. When scribing the recessed lines with this it came out rather dark, a little too dark, but the tip was fine enough to fit the recessed lines of an old P-51 I use to test new techniques on (admirable known as "Mistake Millie"). To lighten the dark panel lines I moistened a Q-tip and went over the panel lines. It either cleaned it right up or lightened it to a shade that was pretty darn respectable. Being able to lighten/erase the ink depended on how dry the ink was, how hard I pressed along the lines with the Q-Tip, or how moist the Q-Tip was. Also, I found saliva worked better as an erasing/lightening agent than water when moistening the Q-tips, but if that grosses you out, that is understandable.

These Memory System Millennium Pens/Markers come in 5 colors Black, Red, Blue, Green, and Violet. And I must say are one of those products I've been wishing I knew about a long time ago. Clean up is easy if you make a mistake, and I'm fairly pleased with the results. I'd be interested in hearing about other experiences about using these if any one out there is willing to share theis experiences.


Current and Subsequent Projects:
1/48 scale Tamiya P-47 "Razorback" - Complete
1/48 scale Testors/Lone Star Models PT-22 Recruit - 20% Complete 
1/48 scale Monogram C-47 Skytrain - Not Started

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, February 13, 2004 6:03 PM
I use black Sakura "Micron 005" drafting pens with a 0.20mm tip for scribing panel lines and basically outlining all raised detail on AVFs. I don't worry about the stark appearance, since I over-spray the vehicles with a light dusting when I'm done, which fades it to a respectable shade. Plus, weathering washes, pastel chalks, etc., help blend in the effect so that it isn't too bold of an appearance.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: A Spartan in the Wolverine State
Posted by rjkplasticmod on Friday, February 13, 2004 6:51 PM
Same as leopold, I use the Sakura Micron archival ink pens. I keep a supply of 005, 01 & 02 on hand for accenting panel lines. They work the same as you describe for the Millenium Markers. Iv'e only found them in black however, which is a bit too stark on light color finishes. Wish they were available in dark grey and burnt umber, but my art supply store says nope. Biggest drawback is life of the pen. The nibs wear out long before the ink does and they are fairly expensive. I haven't seen the markers you mention, but if I do I'll give em a try.

Rick
RICK At My Age, I've Seen It All, Done It All, But I Don't Remember It All...
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, February 13, 2004 8:22 PM
I have to agree with you Rick. You don't get much life out of the Sakuras before the nibs wear out. Too bad, because I really like them. I too wish they were available in dark grey or burnt umber. They do come in a sort of medium brown. I bought one, but I don't like the color. They come in red, blue and green too as I recall.
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: and just won't go away.
Posted by Quagmyre on Saturday, February 14, 2004 7:53 AM
I have seen these ZIG Memory System Millennium Pens at a cost of $1.44(Hobby Lobby) to $1.99 (online).

Yes a dark grey or maybe brown / rust colors would be nice. I haven't used the green, but depending on how dark it is it might do well for dark green and OD surfaces.


Current and Subsequent Projects:
1/48 scale Tamiya P-47 "Razorback" - Complete
1/48 scale Testors/Lone Star Models PT-22 Recruit - 20% Complete 
1/48 scale Monogram C-47 Skytrain - Not Started

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: A Spartan in the Wolverine State
Posted by rjkplasticmod on Saturday, February 14, 2004 11:16 AM
leopold, I have seen the red, green & blue Microns, but they arent useful for my purposes.

Quagmyre, the black will look fine on an olive drab finish. The ink has some sheen, even when dry, but a flat top-coat takes care of that. I've used the black on OD, dark grey's, dark greens & dark blues too good effect. Light colors and NMF gets a little stark. The Brit's refer to it as the "Road Map Effect" in their Mags.

Rick
RICK At My Age, I've Seen It All, Done It All, But I Don't Remember It All...
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