finishing your models

[kennb]

So you got the primer on. Big deal. It will take as long to finish the project from here as it took to get here, unless you have taken care along the way. Finishing your model starts when you take it out of the box. Let’s take a look at what I have learned along the way. My Tatra looked good. I sanded and sanded and sanded. My Italia I tried a new filler. And found it reacts with water, badly. The T-Bird I am using practically no filler, but changed to Squadron,(that is what Carrs had). Let’s compare a few aspects of finishing.

Prior to filler file, sand, sand, sand. Use the filler sparingly. Take a look at the comparison between the two models, you will see the difference. Granted I don’t take a lot of time to start with but as I make more I get better at putting them together so I need less filler.

Once the primer in on take a critical look at what you have after the initial sanding. There are high spots, low spots, dimples and pits. If you don’t fix these now they will show up on the final product. Just because you sand over a spot does not mean it is done. Use a magnifying glass if you have to. I use 3x reading glasses to work on my models.

Look at the photos again to see things to look for and to fix at this point, not after the first coat of color. Also look at the inside of your model. Is it a mess or at least nicely smoothed out at least ready for primer, even if you leave it raw. Take pride all the way through your model, not just get it done for the next one.

I strive to make each one better than the last. I learn new things, new methods, and just plain through trial and error, gain skill it doing things.

Have fun and thank you for looking and commenting

KennB

[scaleauto]

Ken, I agree with you. Take pride in your work, we are craftsman.

[Dr. Cranky]

Yes indeed, the detailing you do to those bodies is wonderful. It's the kind of thing I wish I were braver in order to do.