Scribing Panel Lines

If you will be painting, especially a darker color, you are okay not worrying about it.  Panel lines are not that visible on darker paints, like OD, especially in areas like tail that didn't get that many fluids and crud on them.  I know some folks believe you should always accent panel lines, but look at pictures of the 1:1 planes in service and decide for yourself whether panel lines are necessary.

Also, there are two kinds of panel lines- one around removable access panels, others just between two pieces of aluminum riveted to framework. Latter are much less visible.  Many aircraft tail surfaces lacked much in way of access panels.

Thanks Don.  I was going to do a NMF bird, specifically Major Chester Van Etten's "Look No Hands."  I've noticed that panel lines are little more pronounced on NMF birds.

Yes indeed, nmf does show panel lines.. If you have good scale drawings or photos you can get the same effect by varying the shade of the panels.  Select an overall finish and do the whole plane with that color (after masking and painting any paint areas).  Then, use a very low tack material to mask off various panels, and spray them with slightly altered tints (if using alclad, either use different aluminum shades (they make three), or you can get variations merely by varying the thickness of coating (thickness of application is very important with Alclad.  The result will show different panels even though there is no physical grooves.

These two videos should give you some options for scribed and engraved detail ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqLXyWqkBoQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGOBPHsO0fw

Paul

Thanks Paul!  I'll have to watch the videos a few times before I'll be ready to put a scriber to plastic, and find a few models to practice on before I tackle the P-47.

Silentbob33, you may want to try resin panel lines by http://www.archertransfers.com. All panel lines s/b subtle! When I restore damaged raised panel lines, I simply scribe them as recessed lines. I have a P-51B that was hacked to create a D model (two kits). The fuselage has raised panel lines and the wings are recessed. You need a magnifying glass to tell the difference!