HOW TO CUT OPEN AIRCRAFT PANELS

If you are unsure about a technique, use a practice model to practice the technique. Good practice models are the Revell airplanes and cars you can get for $10.99 at Wal-Mart. They are cheap, which is all you really need. You can also buy some at moving and garage sales. I haven't seen many around here in garage sales.

Thanks ryanpm and swanny for your thoughts. This guidance seems to be overlooked when you see the excellent work of those who show their detail in the various articles that apear in build " how to do". It may come natural to them, but when you have not done it before, you start to sweat.

If I am going to salvage the panel I will trace the panel lines repeatedly with a fresh Xacto blade until it breaks free. If I am going to create a new panel I'll just grind the old panel out with a burr bit on my Dremel.

You can use a Dremel or an x-acto knife with a serrated blade. Most modeler cut the panels open and then use sheet styrene to add details and reinforce the opened panel.