How to cut neat holes in fuselage? - 1/72 Eduard BF110

Nathan T

Take a small drill bit in a pin vise and drill out the four corners, then cut with your Xacto. Or drill lots of tiny holes along the perimeter of the shape, called chain drilling.

Yes, the multiple holes is my goto if I cannot figure any better way.  Holes should be within about 1/8 inch of each other.  When you get it cut out you will have wavy edges- that is time for a small milling bit and a good variable speed Dremel.

They are indeed for shell casings.  I have the 1/48 version on the bench now.  Even at that scale they are pretty small.  If you just painted them flat black I doubt anybody would notice.  If you still want to cut them out, I agree with Nathan.  If you haven't glued the two halves together yet you might try thinning the plastic on the inside just over the cuts to make it easier.

Thanks for the responses all. I think the chain drilling option might work best, although skipping the holes entirely are also an option. The are not for mounting a part - I believe they are exhaust ports for shell casings perhaps?

Or skip the holes entirely and create an alternate solution.  If the holes are for mounting a part, you could probably glue it directly on top without cutting out the holes.  I cheat a lot like that, especially with 1/72 scale.  Most of those details will never be noticed when it's finished.

Take a small drill bit in a pin vise and drill out the four corners, then cut with your Xacto. Or drill lots of tiny holes along the perimeter of the shape, called chain drilling.

Dremel tool comes to mind...