Possible alternative to PE

I do pretty good with the Testor's tubes... Or any products that come in a metal tube, for that matter... The Testor's tubes though, they can be pulled apart into two pieces, delaminated, as it were.  The label side is super-thin...

 

Great suggestion Quincy! I have beer cans all over the place!......another V-8 moment! (Slap!)

How can I be so blind? Can metal will work!

TY! 

Namrednef - hope it works out (I've used that a lot on 1 to 1 aircraft - the FAA frowns on sanding aluminum on aircraft).  I've been tinkering with a couple of ideas for sources of soft metal to use in modeling.  One is rather common on my modeling desk - the empty soft aluminum Coca Cola cans that seem to appear on a regular basis around and on the desk and a dead soft aluminum tape made by 3M for the aircraft industry.  Am currently attempting to make a set of landing gear doors for a 1/72 Heller Bf 109 C out of one of the cans (one of the doors apparently was taken by the carpet monster/6th dimension).  I've made Alice suspenders for a couple of 1/35 figures and seat belts/harness for a couple of my models from the 3M product.  Only problem seems to be the incredible stickiness (AKA 500 mph duct tape) and the cost - last roll (2"x40yd) set me back $45!

 

Quincy and Gerald.....et al.

I happens that my idea hit a wall! As thin as it is.....the flashing is just too tough to work with in such a size as 1/48. Someone might have great success in 1/32.

Also have tried treating the aluminum duct tape to etch it a bit.....that's still in-work. If the tack remains (and it seems too) and will take paint......it may be a keeper.

Folks could split the cost of a roll....about $12 for a 3" X 50' roll and send a foot long piece to friends....enough seatbelts for a lifetime!

Well, maybe not for Lufty and a few others!

Mobious wrote:

Hey namrednef,  That's a great tip, I'll see if I can find some scrap flashing around the house or at the hardware. I've been using aluminum wire for some of the detailing. It's easily bent and with a little pressure from flat jaw pliers, can be flattened. I've used it for door handles in 1/35 scale and it worked great. The door handles looked better than the PE and was alot easier to do. I'll be looking for the flashing. I've got tons of stuff I could use it for.  Thanks again for the tip,  Best Regards,

Mobius another great heads-up about the aluminum wire! That is soooooo simple! (Head Slap!)

Tons of uses! 

qmiester wrote:

You might try etching the surface of the tape.  Cut it to shape, then drop it in a small cup of vinegar for a few minutes, let it dry and apply your paint.  Another suggestion would be to mold the piece to it's final shape before painting.

I will attempt that qmeister! If I can maintain that great stickiness.......that would be great! Makes sense to me!

Yeah guys.....try the flashing and see what it gets you! You all must know someone that can get you a chunk somewhere! A whole expensive roll would last us all forever. But the stuff is sold in mall sheets also. 

Great idea Nam!  Sounds like an exciting and CHEAP idea, I love it!

 Hey namrednef,

 That's a great tip, I'll see if I can find some scrap flashing around the house or at the hardware. I've been using aluminum wire for some of the detailing. It's easily bent and with a little pressure from flat jaw pliers, can be flattened. I've used it for door handles in 1/35 scale and it worked great. The door handles looked better than the PE and was alot easier to do. I'll be looking for the flashing. I've got tons of stuff I could use it for.

 Thanks again for the tip,

 Best Regards,

 

You might try etching the surface of the tape.  Cut it to shape, then drop it in a small cup of vinegar for a few minutes, let it dry and apply your paint.  Another suggestion would be to mold the piece to it's final shape before painting.

 

Gerald! Funny you say that! I use the stuff daily......but it is a major chore to get paint to adhere to it......oh! I have tried! I cannot find a combination of paint/primer that will accept bending without flaking off!

The stuff would be great as the tack of the tape is second to none! 

Check out the metal foil tape used for sealing duct work...it too works great for modeling.