10 replies to this topic

[Casey]

Here's something which costs nothing, but I think the small shadow line lends a bit more realism, and helps separate the seat base from the floor, making it easier to paint/texture both. A real seat base like this in't molded as one with the floor, and is never the same sheen (and sometimes a different color) as the carpet/vinyl on the floor, so why shouldn't your models be the same?

All you need to do is use your favorite scribing tool to make a small groove where the seat base and carpet meet, like so:





I have yet to scribe over the transmission tunnel in the above pic.

You can use this same technique to add definition and fool the eyes into thinking parts which are molded as one are actually separate parts, Things like consoles, seats in promo-style interiors, washer reservoirs and batteries in Monogram kit engine compartments, etc. Simply adding a little shadow line, or going even further and slightly undercutting the molded in 'part' will make a difference visually, yet costs nothing, other than a few minutes of your time.

[JunkPile]

Very good idea. Thanks

[Danno]

Good tip, Casey!

It's the little things ... and they add up quickly...

[Scuderia]

I never thought of that, but def. will keep in mind. Good stuff.

[cchapman195]

Great tip. As it turns out I am starting the interior on a new model today. Guess what I am going to do first?

[Casey]

If you're really into the details, round over the seat's bottom edge so you don't leave a sharp edge...and add seatbelt clips if you're really into details...and building a '67 Dart sedan.

[G Holding]

Can you even see that when its built?...I prefer an ink line or wash....can't slip doing that!

[martinfan5]

Good tip Casey, Its on of those, oh yea why didnt I think of that

[cruz]

If you're really into the details, round over the seat's bottom edge so you don't leave a sharp edge...and add seatbelt clips if you're really into details...and building a '67 Dart sedan.

Wow man! How did you get those leaves to look so cool and in scale???

[Junkman]

Why didn't you post this 40 years ago?
Now I can never again look at my models built hitherto.
There will not be another model built by me without applying this cheap trick wherever I can.

[jdcar32]

Casey you mentioned some great modeling points. "Fooling the eye" doesnt cost anything, just a little time, and adds alot. Look closely at the top of the seat back , I added wrinkles to it to make it fool the eye and look more like real upolstery.

Edited by Casey, 21 July 2012 - 12:32 PM.