Model building tool for handicap

Hey Scott - maybe something like this? 

 https://www.micromark.com/Third-Hand-with-Light

Poke around the micromark site - they have lots of cool gadgets.

  Glad to hear that you are coming back to the hobby. Nothing is impossible with determination. I knew a gentleman who lost both thumbs in an accident loading a chain gun on an Air Force fighter...he built 72nd scale planes, darn good ones. The only limit is your will. Go for it.

Hi Scott,

Here's one idea for you. In 12 yrs since my return to modeling, the most useful jig/fixture/holding tool I use is a glob of poster tac stuck to a self healing cutting board.

Here are two globs I positioned as a jig to hold a 90 degree mitre joint for gluing, as an example.

What you hopefully find useful about this idea is at no time should you need more than one hand. You could do this to hold a piece whilst gluing another, paint something, etc.

That's my two cents worth idea, anyway.

Have fun, that's the main thing.

Greg,

Thanks for the idea I would never thought of that. I will definitely give that a try. I am easing back in with what I hope will be relatively easy couple die cast models.

John,

Thank you for the suggestion, I actually was looking at a similar device/tool. I will definitely check out that website.

Thank you,

Scott

Thanks for the encouragement.

Same here. That's saved me a lot of frustration

Hi Scott 63!

         I have found that the "Helping Hands" in the various configurations works for me many times. Also there are sources for Alligator clips that you can mount on skewers and use these as well. Their adjustability is phenominal!

        I was gifted my first set"Without the magnifier or light "about sixty years ago, when I suffered an injury at work. It took much therapy and determination to get back to " Normal". This side is also what was affected first by what Now is my nemesis. Not for long though! I will work around it or my name isn't Tanker-Builder

I have a slight palsey in my fingers.  I am taking pt for general finger disfunction.  Before I started PT I had fiund a solution that helps.  I kept removing the distance along my body between left and right fingers.  I put a wooden block on the bench and rest each had on the block, with joint between thumb and hand touching the block.  Helps a lot.  Sometimes if piece in left hand is easy to clamp I place that clamp on block with left hand piece in clamp.  The clamp or vise must hold piece close above block, not more than inch above.

Scott63

Greg,

Thanks for the idea I would never thought of that. I will definitely give that a try. I am easing back in with what I hope will be relatively easy couple die cast models.

 

You're welcome, Scott.

Hope to hear back with how you are getting along.

Greg,

Currently I have put a '57 die cast sting ray together and I have a 1929 Ford model a diecast model kit to build yet.`I realize it is not really bad of building per se, because glue or paint is not required. Lol

I have been looking at some YouTube videos on modeling and to be honest I am a little bit overwhelmed at what's required as far as supplies equipment, and especially the cost.

I am currently trying to determine whether I should try painting using brushes or should I try to use a airbrush? Granted, if I use an airbrush, I will buy in an expensive model at first.

I recall that modeling some 15 to 20+ years ago could be so much expensive, but wow has the prices gone up! Seeing the prices of metals and paint has kind of been a downer. I now know why my friend used to only buy one model or two models a year.

I am welcome any input or suggestions as to what my next step would be such as do I attempt airbrushing or do I start out slow and easy with the paint brushes and perhaps not the best paint job on models.

thanks and I will keep you up-to-date as to what I'm doing.

Scott63

Greg,

Currently I have put a '57 die cast sting ray together and I have a 1929 Ford model a diecast model kit to build yet.`I realize it is not really bad of building per se, because glue or paint is not required. Lol

I have been looking at some YouTube videos on modeling and to be honest I am a little bit overwhelmed at what's required as far as supplies equipment, and especially the cost.

I am currently trying to determine whether I should try painting using brushes or should I try to use a airbrush? Granted, if I use an airbrush, I will buy in an expensive model at first.

I recall that modeling some 15 to 20+ years ago could be so much expensive, but wow has the prices gone up! Seeing the prices of metals and paint has kind of been a downer. I now know why my friend used to only buy one model or two models a year.

I am welcome any input or suggestions as to what my next step would be such as do I attempt airbrushing or do I start out slow and easy with the paint brushes and perhaps not the best paint job on models.

thanks and I will keep you up-to-date as to what I'm doing.

 

Two comments.  First, there is a third option for car models- spray paint.  Auto touchup paint is an option that many of us use, but you do need to practice on scrap to get the hang of it.

Second, there is now a much wider spread in prices that give a sense of inflation.  You can still buy kits that are in line with inflation, but they are not amuch improvement over old simple kits.  Lots are repops of old kits.  The more expensive ones have super detail, molds have high quality and kit accuracy.  You are getting much higher quality kits than in yesteryear.

Hi!

     I can Agree with you on the price of things. But, also I am in agreement about the moldings and details. My Tamiya, U.S.S. Missouri is leagues ahead of others. But, Trumpeter's, U.S.S. North Carolina(Issued First) was still leagues ahead on the details.

     What surprises me at least a little, the old Missouri molds and models By Revell(Wholly Incorrect) Are still out there. Cheaper, but way wrong in many ways. The shift to 1/700 for many Ships is a pain but the detail is incredible for the size!

    This also holds true for planes. Many are now showing up back in 1/72 that are eye poppers. So Many more New ones for sure!  Airbrush? Well, I think you should try one if you know someone that has one. You may not like it. My first Badger felt to light to me and it was a learning curve . The De-Vilbiss detail sprayer I used on real Autos had some heft and that's what I used at first. 

Scott,

I can't comment on painting diecast models becuase I've never done it. Hopefully somebody who has will chime in.

I think it is your choice if you want to buy an airbrush or start out with brush painting. I bought an airbrush soon after my return to the hobby, but I tend to overdo it in a big way when I find a new endeavor, not always good or smart. Seldom financially prudent.

Don's (Missleman) suggestion to try spray can paint is a another good option.

Maybe at least wait until you are pretty sure you are having fun with the hobby? Just my two cents.

Scott63

I am currently trying to determine whether I should try painting using brushes or should I try to use a airbrush? Granted, if I use an airbrush, I will buy in an expensive model at first.

You can buy a Paasche H airbrush, which is relatively inexpensive, and it will be the only airbrush you'll ever need.  I have had mine for 36 years now and paint pretty much everything with it.

When I have to hold the very small parts to glue or paint then, I have this device ( see the photo) that, so far has worked for me very well, the yellow base is solid steel, and all the "fingers" are magnetic, so they can be located anywhere withing the base that you need them to be. They are fully flexible and you can buy one whith a magnifier glass that has a light ( This one is extra charge ). My dauthers gave it to me for my birthday. They got it in Amazon and the price, including the magnifier glass, was around $70.00

Hope this helps.

Joe