Nice work Steve!!!  I'm with Gamera on that one, all that PE would drive me batty!!  I have a couple of kits with some PE and I just keep moving them down in the pile because I'm afraid I dont have the patience to deal with it yet.

Oh gee Steve, those ladders... I think they would drive me to madness.  

OK, here's some superstructure work. I'm planning on working the bridge and masts this weekend. Looks like I'm starting to make a dent in the PE sheets. 

Son Of Medicine Man

Nomad53

Nice job again Steve. At that scale I doubt  if anyone will see the breaks in the barrels. How do you glue the small PE parts? I would have CA all over the place. I have a kit coming up that has PE and resin parts. I have worked with PE but very little. I have never worked with resin.

Please any help with gluing PE and working with resin parts is needed.

Thanks

Doug

Thanks Ken for posting the photo.

Hi Doug,

 

My preferences and experiences with PE and resin will of course be different than others, but I am glad to share my two cents worth on the topics!   

 

For PE, it depends on what I am working with.  If the surface I am applying it to is nice and flat, (for instance an instrument panel) I like to use Future as the glue.  This is because most likely there are going to be dials showing through, and the Future is good to use in the places where the dials are showing to give it an appearance of glass.

 

Using PE in other areas I prefer to use Gator's Grip Hobby Glue.  It gives you plenty of time to position the part where you want it, it is easy to clean up with water (before it dries), and it is a very strong glue that dries clear.

 

For resin, one thing you will need is a razor saw for the larger parts.  Almost all resin parts will have a large block of resin that is part of the mold.  You will need to cut this off.  Another note here is that you need to have some type of filtering mask to wear so that you don't breathe in the dust.  After sawing off the block, to get the remainder off you will need small files and sandpaper to finish the area.

 

Another thing about resin is that you will need to clean the parts to remove the release agents used in the production.  My preference for this is Westley’s Bleche Wite Tire Cleaner.  It is caustic so you have to wear rubber gloves when using it.  Just put your resin parts in a container that can withstand the cleaner and pour the cleaner into it until it covers the parts.  Then leave it soak overnight.  I also go an extra step and use an old long bristle paint brush and gently scrub the parts with the Bleche Wite before rinsing them off.

To attach resin parts to plastic, I prefer using epoxy.  I have not had good luck using super glue.  It comes in different setting times, from 5 minute to 60 minute.  Just remember if using the 5 minute that it sets up pretty quick, so if you’re assembly is complex, you might use the slower epoxy.

Well that is my quick overview for using PE and resin.  I hope it helps you out.  And as always feel free to ask questions.

Ken

My view on Photo-etched parts? when I am working with it, I sometimes swear that it has to be one of the most devious forms of self-inflicted torture ever devised by the human mind! However, when I finish and look at the results, I think it was worth the trip! Two of my favorite completed projects are my EA-18G Growler and my A-7D Corsair II, both of which had over a hundred parts to add! Those two models I wouldn't mind entering into a show if one ever comes along!

My best advise is, of course, Patience! And some fine tweezers and a magnifier!

Jim

Nomad53

Nice job again Steve. At that scale I doubt  if anyone will see the breaks in the barrels. How do you glue the small PE parts? I would have CA all over the place. I have a kit coming up that has PE and resin parts. I have worked with PE but very little. I have never worked with resin.

Please any help with gluing PE and working with resin parts is needed.

Thanks

Doug

Thanks Ken for posting the photo.

Hi Doug,

My preferences and experiences with PE and resin will of course be different than others, but I am glad to share my two cents worth on the topics!   

For PE, it depends on what I am working with.  If the surface I am applying it to is nice and flat, (for instance an instrument panel) I like to use Future as the glue.  This is because most likely there are going to be dials showing through, and the Future is good to use in the places where the dials are showing to give it an appearance of glass.

Using PE in other areas I prefer to use Gator's Grip Hobby Glue.  It gives you plenty of time to position the part where you want it, it is easy to clean up with water (before it dries), and it is a very strong glue that dries clear.

For resin, one thing you will need is a razor saw for the larger parts.  Almost all resin parts will have a large block of resin that is part of the mold.  You will need to cut this off.  Another note here is that you need to have some type of filtering mask to wear so that you don't breathe in the dust.  After sawing off the block, to get the remainder off you will need small files and sandpaper to finish the area.

Another thing about resin is that you will need to clean the parts to remove the release agents used in the production.  My preference for this is Westley’s Bleche Wite Tire Cleaner.  It is caustic so you have to wear rubber gloves when using it.  Just put your resin parts in a container that can withstand the cleaner and pour the cleaner into it until it covers the parts.  Then leave it soak overnight.  I also go an extra step and use an old long bristle paint brush and gently scrub the parts with the Bleche Wite before rinsing them off.

To attach resin parts to plastic, I prefer using epoxy.  I have not had good luck using super glue.  It comes in different setting times, from 5 minute to 60 minute.  Just remember if using the 5 minute that it sets up pretty quick, so if you’re assembly is complex, you might use the slower epoxy.

Well that is my quick overview for using PE and resin.  I hope it helps you out.  And as always feel free to ask questions.

Ken

modelcrazy

Thanks guys for you kind words. I'm having a blast with this build.

Nomad53

How do you glue the small PE parts? I would have CA all over the place. I have a kit coming up that has PE and resin parts.

Doug,

I place a drop small puddle of medium or thin CA (I personally prefer Bob Smith Industries CA) on a piece of plastic (you know the plastic bags that the sprue trees come in) and use a sharpened toothpick to get the tiniest bit of glue to the area I'm attaching the part to, or dip the part itself into the puddle. Sometimes I'll spray (or drip) a drop of accelerator on to that same plastic, not in the same area of course, and using a separate toothpick, I'll just dampen, not soak,  the target area with the accelerator. Then I attach the glue laden part to the target area for a faster adhering. Those parts are so small that just the smallest movement with the tweezers will mess up the whole area.

As far as resin, I don't have a lot of experience with it, but again, CA seems to work well.
I have been....I guess you can say...questioned on other threads, for my exclusive use of CA, but it always works for me.

Gamara,

I was planning to work on some superstructure tonight and this weekend. There is quite a bit of the original kit that is removed in areas in lieu of a PE replacement. I'm excited to get into it and see.

Thanks Steve for answering my question. I will remember that when I get started on my next kit with PE.

Looking forward to seeing the superstructure.

Doug

Thanks guys for you kind words. I'm having a blast with this build.

Nomad53

How do you glue the small PE parts? I would have CA all over the place. I have a kit coming up that has PE and resin parts.

Doug,

I place a drop small puddle of medium or thin CA (I personally prefer Bob Smith Industries CA) on a piece of plastic (you know the plastic bags that the sprue trees come in) and use a sharpened toothpick to get the tiniest bit of glue to the area I'm attaching the part to, or dip the part itself into the puddle. Sometimes I'll spray (or drip) a drop of accelerator on to that same plastic, not in the same area of course, and using a separate toothpick, I'll just dampen, not soak,  the target area with the accelerator. Then I attach the glue laden part to the target area for a faster adhering. Those parts are so small that just the smallest movement with the tweezers will mess up the whole area.

As far as resin, I don't have a lot of experience with it, but again, CA seems to work well.
I have been....I guess you can say...questioned on other threads, for my exclusive use of CA, but it always works for me.

Gamara,

I was planning to work on some superstructure tonight and this weekend. There is quite a bit of the original kit that is removed in areas in lieu of a PE replacement. I'm excited to get into it and see.

Doug: Very nice work! I think I said before I really like the figures, I think tanks look kinda drab without a figure or two to give it some 'life'. 

Steve: Ok, well six isn't too bad I suppose. Still sure you're glad they're done and curious here as to what part of her you're building next. 

Btw: I finished painting the Hellcat, or at least she's to the point of decaling. The colour demarcation line should be a soft edge but I've read in 1/48th the line would look hard so that's what I went with. I had some issues with the edge on the wing leading edge but I decided to quit while I was ahead before I messed something else up repainting. 

Nice job again Steve. At that scale I doubt  if anyone will see the breaks in the barrels. How do you glue the small PE parts? I would have CA all over the place. I have a kit coming up that has PE and resin parts. I have worked with PE but very little. I have never worked with resin.

Please any help with gluing PE and working with resin parts is needed.

Thanks

Doug

Thanks Ken for posting the photo.

Great job on Paula Doug.  Looks like it's ready to beat it out with a Sherman.

I finished all 6 Quad Bofors tonight. I have several duel and single to make still. I think I'm going to take a break from guns for a little bit and work on some superstructure tomorrow night. There's plenty of PE for that as well.

I know all the barrels don't look perfect, however some of the muzzles were broken off when removing them from the tree. I found out the hard way, they are very brittle and very hard to reattach. If anyone builds this kit in the future, be aware of this.

Nomad53

Wow agsin Steve. I too would go blind.

Jim those panel lines look sharp. Great job.

Okay Ken here are two photos of the finished Pz IV. The panzer is from the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend ("Hitler Youth") a German Waffen-SS armored division.

  Doug

PS Ken you pick the one you want to use for the completed page.

Great job Doug!  Well done!      The front page has been updated.

Ken

jimbot58

Steve - That is just... OMG! I can barely handle the 1:72 PE work I do. I have barely enough patience to do maybe 2 or 3 parts in a sitting!

Doug, nice job on the Panzer!

I finally finished the decals on the A-10, sealed it all with some Testors Glosscoat, and started on the panel line pin wash. I am using artist oils and turpinoid thinner. I applied a drop here and there along the line and it flowed along the line. I wait a bit then wipe it away with old t-shirt rags.

The deeper recesses may require multiple applications as the paint tends to clump up a little in the larger gaps.

Mistakes can usually be rubbed away and sometimes I may need to hit some spots with a swab and a bit of the turpinoid thinner.

Also hit the upper wing of the F-8 -  I have to be more careful here as the turpinoid can soften the paint. I can't let it pool too long.

Inside the gear bay - the thinner did start to soften the paint here and it could have worse. I should lay down a coat of the lacquer first. The thinner doesn't affect it.

I know that top side of the bay looks a little rough here (plane is actually upside down) but it wont matter because the other door mounts there.

Jim

Great job on the wash Jim!  You always do such a good job applying your wash.

I think I mentioned the Flory Models wash here before.  I have not yet had a chance to use it, but it will not harm paint.  Looking forward to trying it out.

Ken

modelcrazy

OK, I may have been a little too ambitious with the amount I could do in an evening. This AA gun took me 2 hours, and I have 5 more to complete. I also have numerous other guns to complete.
I broke off the muzzles of 2 guns and they are almost impossible to reattach.
Does anyone know how Academy's customer service is?

You looking at seats, sites, ammo racks, elevation cranks, and tracks

 

Nice work Steve!  That looks great!   

Ken

Wow agsin Steve. I too would go blind.

Jim those panel lines look sharp. Great job.

Okay Ken here are two photos of the finished Pz IV. The panzer is from the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend ("Hitler Youth") a German Waffen-SS armored division.

  Doug

PS Ken you pick the one you want to use for the completed page.

Yow Steve, those are awesome! How many AA guns does she have? I swear I'd go blind before i finished them all.

Jim: Very nice work there on the wash. You're moving right along on her.

modelcrazy

Doug,
Great work on the Pz IV.  May favorite German AFV. I don't know why, just classic lines.

Here's tonight progress. I built up some life rafts, watertight doors and installed the PE to the #2 turret.
Tomorrow night I think I'm going to build up the AA guns and finish turret #1 and #3. Wait till you see the AA guns. I'm going crosseyed. Thank goodness for the Optivisor.
 
Steve

Hi Steve,

Nice work on the turret!  Nice detail.     

Ken

Steve - That is just... OMG! I can barely handle the 1:72 PE work I do. I have barely enough patience to do maybe 2 or 3 parts in a sitting!

Doug, nice job on the Panzer!

I finally finished the decals on the A-10, sealed it all with some Testors Glosscoat, and started on the panel line pin wash. I am using artist oils and turpinoid thinner. I applied a drop here and there along the line and it flowed along the line. I wait a bit then wipe it away with old t-shirt rags.

The deeper recesses may require multiple applications as the paint tends to clump up a little in the larger gaps.

Mistakes can usually be rubbed away and sometimes I may need to hit some spots with a swab and a bit of the turpinoid thinner.

Also hit the upper wing of the F-8 -  I have to be more careful here as the turpinoid can soften the paint. I can't let it pool too long.

Inside the gear bay - the thinner did start to soften the paint here and it could have worse. I should lay down a coat of the lacquer first. The thinner doesn't affect it.

I know that top side of the bay looks a little rough here (plane is actually upside down) but it wont matter because the other door mounts there.

Jim

OK, I may have been a little too ambitious with the amount I could do in an evening. This AA gun took me 2 hours, and I have 5 more to complete. I also have numerous other guns to complete.
I broke off the muzzles of 2 guns and they are almost impossible to reattach.
Does anyone know how Academy's customer service is?

You looking at seats, sites, ammo racks, elevation cranks, and tracks

Nomad53

modelcrazy

Yeah, I was thinking last night, "what in the world am I doing. you probably won't even notice the life boats let alone the propellers". Oh well, I plunked good money for this set, so by gosh I'm going to put them on. Believe it or not, the platforms in the aft gun tubs were more difficult than the props.

Holy Cow!!!!!! Steve that is just nuts. I have a hard enough time doing 1/48 PE. What an awesome jop you have done. I can't wait to see more.

Makes me not want to post my photos. LOL.

Okay here goes. I am not done but here is the progress that I have made. I hope that what weathering I have done is good so far. I am going to darken the mud a bit and I still have to dull coat everything.

Please tell me what you thing and what I need to do to make it better.

Thanks All.

Doug

PS. Keep up all the great work.

Hi Doug,

Nice work!  Your Panzer looks awesome!     

Ken

modelcrazy

Thanks Ken, I had no idea something like that existed, I can;t swing it now, but I got it on my wish list. In the mean time, I will go about it the old fashioned way.

OK here's crazy man's update for tonight. 
The life boats, davits, aft gun tubs, and whatever those barrel racks are?? (maybe someone else knows, I never have) were completed tonight. The instructions call out for me to install the davits and life boats now. Are they nuts? They would break off and get lost if I looked at them wrong, let alone the whole building and painting process. Duh.
Check out the life boat propellers. I believe they are the smallest I have to fiddle with on this PE set. A whole lot of good they did in the end though.

Steve

Hi Steve,

Wow!  Just the thought of cutting those propellers loose from the fret without losing them makes my head spin!  Then trying to attach them to the plastic parts is insane!

Excellent work so far!     

Ken

Nomad53

It is giving me the fuel to start my P-47 that has PE. Not a lot of it like yours but enough to give me a run for my money. I may need you to give me some tips on working with it.

Thank you Doug

1. Optivisor.
2. Exacto to cut parts from the sheet.
3. Needle nose tweezers to bend and apply the parts.
4. Something to place a drop of glue on. CA medium and thin in my case.
5. Toothpick or similar pointy object for applying glue to the parts.
6. A white sheet placed under me and my chair/table to aid in finding a part WHEN I drop one.
7. PATIENCE.

That's about it for tips on PE. I'm sure others have different methods, but that's mine.

modelcrazy

Gamera

Steve: Wow, that turret looks great! What is it, about the size of your fingernail?

Maybe twice the size.

That's still pretty dang impressive though! 

Doug: Cool, looking forward to the finished photos. 

Thanks Gamera.

Steve that is amazing work. It is giving me the fuel to start my P-47 that has PE. Not a lot of it like yours but enough to give me a run for my money. I may need you to give me some tips on working with it.

It also has resin parts that I have never worked with. Any help on resin parts is welcome.

Going to dull coat the Pz IV today and call the kit done. The base will come later.

Thanks,

Doug

Gamera

Steve: Wow, that turret looks great! What is it, about the size of your fingernail?

Maybe twice the size.

Doug: She's coming right along. I like the mud and the figures look cool. I think a tank with figures looks much better than one buttoned up with none.

Steve: Wow, that turret looks great! What is it, about the size of your fingernail?

Doug,
Great work on the Pz IV.  May favorite German AFV. I don't know why, just classic lines.

Here's tonight progress. I built up some life rafts, watertight doors and installed the PE to the #2 turret.
Tomorrow night I think I'm going to build up the AA guns and finish turret #1 and #3. Wait till you see the AA guns. I'm going crosseyed. Thank goodness for the Optivisor.
 
Steve

modelcrazy

Yeah, I was thinking last night, "what in the world am I doing. you probably won't even notice the life boats let alone the propellers". Oh well, I plunked good money for this set, so by gosh I'm going to put them on. Believe it or not, the platforms in the aft gun tubs were more difficult than the props.

Holy Cow!!!!!! Steve that is just nuts. I have a hard enough time doing 1/48 PE. What an awesome jop you have done. I can't wait to see more.

Makes me not want to post my photos. LOL.

Okay here goes. I am not done but here is the progress that I have made. I hope that what weathering I have done is good so far. I am going to darken the mud a bit and I still have to dull coat everything.

Please tell me what you thing and what I need to do to make it better.

Thanks All.

Doug

PS. Keep up all the great work.

Yeah, I was thinking last night, "what in the world am I doing. you probably won't even notice the life boats let alone the propellers". Oh well, I plunked good money for this set, so by gosh I'm going to put them on. Believe it or not, the platforms in the aft gun tubs were more difficult than the props.

Propellers? I can't even SEE them except in the close-up photo... 

AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I hope it doesn't take you over the edge from Modelcrazy to just plane crazy...

Thanks Ken, I had no idea something like that existed, I can;t swing it now, but I got it on my wish list. In the mean time, I will go about it the old fashioned way.

OK here's crazy man's update for tonight. 
The life boats, davits, aft gun tubs, and whatever those barrel racks are?? (maybe someone else knows, I never have) were completed tonight. The instructions call out for me to install the davits and life boats now. Are they nuts? They would break off and get lost if I looked at them wrong, let alone the whole building and painting process. Duh.
Check out the life boat propellers. I believe they are the smallest I have to fiddle with on this PE set. A whole lot of good they did in the end though.

Steve