peteski

First of all, what you have there is *NOT* a true "sprue cuter". It is a pair of flush-cutting diagonal cutters (aka. dikes). IMO those are way too large to deal with most (but some very large) plastic gates. Sprue cutters are smaller, more precise tools. Sure, you can modify your cutter (grind down jaws, etc.) but why bother when you can get the proper tools which work really well. Here is what is called a "sprue cutter" It is has a shape of a pair of tweezers, but the end is modified to serve as a precision flush cutter that fits in the tight space between the part and the runner it is attached to. Thsi type of tool allows you to precisely control the pressure, and the shape of the jaws minimizes and the ripping force, so the cut is clean. This type of sprue cutter is not expensive, and well worth the price regardless of how much they cost. Since styrene is very soft, and the tool is only used for cutting styrene, they jaws will stay sharp for very long time. These are available from several sources, inducing Micro-Mark, UMM-USA, many online hobby shops, and eBay. I would stay away from the really inexpensive versions as the jaws night not be ground accurately. I also have a pair of high quality cuticle trimmers which I also use to cut the parts off the runners. I mentioned those in the other hread about the sprue cutters. I highly recommend ditching the dikes, and using the proper tool for the job.

I wouldn't have used that language. "Their forklifts"? Um . . . Just stating that the shipping box was damaged or crushed should have been a better description. I'm not sure why the USPS problems seem to exists in some areas and not in other areas. While I do experience some delays, and a very rarely a screw-up, overall I'm happy with USPS doing the best they can in this changed world we live in.

Ah, then they would need to go for a space walk without a helmet! On a serious note, why those same windows do not seem to distort, add curvature to the horizon when still on earth (or at low altitude)? I know, I'm trying to apply logic here. Sorry!

As I recall one of the recent BMF discussion thread here, the reason for the changed formula was that the foil supplier BMF uses was no longer providing the said foil. Reasons unknown, probably COVID related? Maybe they went out of business? Whatever the reason might be, no amount of complaints will bring the original foil back.

Many ready-to-airbrush paints (like Alclad II or Scale Finishes) are thinned so much that the metallic particles will start settling down rather fast. When I shake those paint bottles I turn them upside down and check if there are any metallic particles caked up on the bottom. If there are none, the paint is ready to use. My airbrush is bottom-fed (glass jar) and I do swish it often while airbrushing to keep the metallic particles suspended in the liquid.

Welcome to the forum Marc. Your Cobra looks very nice! You are also welcome to join the Classic Plastic club. Or at least drop in for one of our meetings (no strings attached). See my signature for a link to our website.

Funny, if you read Mr. Miles' post, he is not happy with amazon. As for all the crazy problems we have to put up with, it is pretty much all due to COVID-19. That nasty bug changed the entire world. It also exposed the shortcomings of the way the world commerce runs. As I see it, it will take years (if ever) to return to normal (or new normal). Amazing what a microscopic virus did to our entire planet! Also to put this in perspective, I believe that COVID would have not spread like this 200 years ago (before global travel became the norm). That's all I'm going to say - we aren't supposed to discuss this stuff here.

I still say they should put one of the flat-earthers on one of those spaceships.

You might be able to get away not attacking the paint if the Molotow removal is done quickly. After all, it takes much longer time to strip paint.

The clear undercoat for the "chrome" is usually light amber color, and the plastic is usually whatever color they were using for molding the kit during that run. You mentioned that the clear coat was stripped (which is as expected considering you used Lye). Is it possible that the bare plastic used for the "chromed" parts was naturally yellow to begin with? If the part are still on the tree, scrape the top layer of the bare plastic on one the runners (some call it "sprue") to see of the yellow color is only on the surface. Also, be really careful when working with Lye (by itself, or in other fluids that contain it)-- it will attack your skin and eyes!

Since the BMF is scored all the way through at the edge of the tape, if anything, it would actually be beneficial for the tape to pull up the BMF that is under the tape. The tape is over the BMF that is supposed to be puled up.

I wasn't taking it personally. I guess it is just my style of communicating. I was just surprised with why someone participating in online forums would not click on a link posted by someone who obviously included the link to present some additional info relevant to their post. In light of what you mentioned, I'm glad you actually posted that quote from the Wikipedia page. I'm good -- we can move on.

That part might be tough.

The Internet is based on linking, right from its infancy. HTTP is based on links (hypertext). What's so wrong about referencing some material in a link? I don't get it. It is not like some virus or spoof. I'm paranoid, but not *THAT* paranoid. I guess in the future I'll have to remember not to reference any external websites.

Well, I posted the link last Friday, early on the first page of this thread, without actually quoting it, but I guess nobody clicked on the link.

No meaning? Why? Is electric charge in batteries infinite? The batteries (just like a fuel tank in IC vehicles) have specific capacity, and increasing the range of EVs is the Holy Grail of electric vehicles. Plus, if you drain the battery, you can't just refill is in couple of minutes (like gas tank). It will take hours to recharge.

How about these?

I guess then that you know better than me what places I visit. Your last sentence seems to show that you might need a freeze plug rammed into your . . .

Yes, I called him couple of months ago to see if he still in business. I believe he is really getting up in age.

Yes, Little Motel Kar Co. See this post for contact info: I recommend calling Dale instead of email. Old-school guy.

Good quality cuticle trimmers available from beauty supply store. They cut flush.

I understand Ron. I live in New England -- the Northeast part of USA where we get those nasty Nor'easters, and all that crappy frigid winter weather. You know, the area where salt eats cars. While your explanation makes sense, nowadays I doubt you will see many split blocks in junkyards. It is the year 2021. Who would run straight water in the cooling system anymore (especially in this area of the country)? And to put things in perspective, I have never directly dealt with freeze plugs (I just have anecdotal knowledge of them).

Can't they serve dual purpose? Allow to drain the sand from the casting, and when plugged up, serve as freeze plugs? If you want to show them in natural-metal finish, why not install them after the block is painted? Also, in factory stock engines they would be painted the same color as the block anyway.

Not that I recall. While it doesn't make much difference, but I use the heavy duty kitchen foil. Even if I did poke a hole, the glue doesn't have far to go (just down into the glass well).

Meh, that is a snap kit. Doesn't count, plus it is likely targeting adult Lego addicts. Did you see the $45,000 scratch-built USS Arizona model discussed in the Crew Lounge?