Realistic welds

One of the most common methods is to soak styrene rod in liquid glue, lay it where you want it and then texture it with an exacto blade. The glue will soften it and make it easier to texture.

Good question. Thanks sherm.

I tried two methods on my current build (I will post real pictures soon ) One was the buildup method stated by shermanfreak, the other was, and you have to be very careful, using a 'burring' bit in Dremel on the lowest speed possible, let it kinda bounce on the surface while running along he seam. Both were very effective, the buildup produces a raised weld like you would get when attaching parts and the dremel produces a more flush(slightly indented) surface like when plates are joined. I also found some extra cement on small parts can be manipulated with an exacto after it sets up.

Great ideas! I am going to try both, too.

Matt

Here's pics of the methods I mentioned. these are extreme closeups of 1/35 Tiger.
The first is of the rough weld on the lower plate, with my basecoat sprayed:

The second is the 'indentation' weld on the turret. The roughened outer steel is to represent the torch cutting marks during construction. This weld hasn't been cleaned up yet and also shows the bit used:

I forgot to mention...a flex shaft on the dremel makes this a lot easier and also slows the bit down even more.
Hope this helps.

The method the guy who wrote the new Ampersand Tiger book used is to outline the weld seam with masking tape, put putty (he used red) in between the tape edges, then sculpt it with and exacto knife as the putty set up.

Good luck and show us the results.

Nice work, ausf. I really like the job on that strengthing plate.

Thanks for the great information Guys.
Very nice job ausf. Thanks for posting the pictures.
mark956

For some more techniques, check out "Creating realistic weld seams" by Jeremy Pearse in the July 2002 FSM (p. 60).

Hey Lawrence;
Any of these qualify for 'reader tip of the month'?

Thanks Lawrence, I have that issue.
mark956