Simviation Forum - modifying plastic aircraft models

Sep 8^th, 2012 at 6:16pm

wahubna Offline
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I have several aircraft and tank model projects I would like to do but have absolutely no idea how to do them. Most involve mating sections of other planes/tanks with another plane/tank. My question is, how does one go about modifying plastic models?

‎"At that time [1909] the chief engineer was almost always the chief test pilot as well. That had the fortunate result of eliminating poor engineering early in aviation."- Igor Sikorsky

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Reply #1 - Sep 8^th, 2012 at 7:23pm

expat Offline
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There is no set way of modifying kits, no rule book or well anything. It is generally down to the individual. Have an idea of what you want to do, get a sharp knife and do it. The best advice I can offer is Google images. Before I build anything, I spend quite a bit of time looking at how other people have done it. From that I either try an replicate or I go my own way. Generally I go my own way using ideas I have got from other model makers. The one thing that is standard across the board when doing this is.............

and lots of it.

Even a standard kit requires it. My Sea Venom used about two tubes just to get it looking presentable.

Matt

PS, forgot to ask, what are the kits you have??

PETA People Eating Tasty Animals.

B1 Boeing 737-800 and Dash8 Q-400

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Reply #2 - Sep 8^th, 2012 at 8:15pm

wahubna Offline
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I dont have any yet, due to school, I am un-easy about putting money and time into any project I do not know how to do Grin

One project I want to do is a Panzer IV with a Panther turret and a 7.5cm L70 gun. Then some battle-damage representations of Jagdtiger, Tiger I, Tiger II. For aircraft I would like to try making some Reno Unlimited racers like Strega, Precious Metal, Rare Bear, etc.

The Panzer IV mod:
http://fingolfen.tripod.com/panzer4/pz4panth.html
I should note it does not use the first Panther turret but the later version, or rather a similar style. I however want to just use this late Panther turret.

Another tank project:
The M8A1 gun motor carriage (Tank Destroyer)
http://ww2drawings.jexiste.fr/Files/1-Vehicles/Allies/1-USA/04-TankDestroyers/M8...

Then there are about a dozen other ideas that escape me at the moment...suffice to say there is a LOT I want to do (especially besides models) but I cannot due to college... Angry

‎"At that time [1909] the chief engineer was almost always the chief test pilot as well. That had the fortunate result of eliminating poor engineering early in aviation."- Igor Sikorsky

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Reply #3 - Sep 9^th, 2012 at 4:25am

H Offline
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Although I assembled some WWII warships as well as a Tiger and a T-4 tank, the vast majority of my models were 1/48-scale aircraft.
Since I liked moving parts (canopies, landing gear, etc.), I often used the sprue to make parts modifications; tools included fine-grade sandpaper, an etching knife, razor blade, a small file and a small drill (the drill and file also made a sort of miniature 'sanding' lathe to make prop spinners and other similar pinions.
There were/are tubes of modeler's paste (sort of equivelent to autobody putty for the full-size, actual vehicles) although, nowadays, certain epoxies could be used.

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Reply #4 - Sep 9^th, 2012 at 3:18pm

1olehippy Offline
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I'll try it once for sure
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wahubna wrote on Sep 8^th, 2012 at 8:15pm:

I dont have any yet, due to school, I am un-easy about putting money and time into any project I do not know how to do Grin

One project I want to do is a Panzer IV with a Panther turret and a 7.5cm L70 gun. Then some battle-damage representations of Jagdtiger, Tiger I, Tiger II. For aircraft I would like to try making some Reno Unlimited racers like Strega, Precious Metal, Rare Bear, etc.

The Panzer IV mod:
http://fingolfen.tripod.com/panzer4/pz4panth.html
I should note it does not use the first Panther turret but the later version, or rather a similar style. I however want to just use this late Panther turret.

Another tank project:
The M8A1 gun motor carriage (Tank Destroyer)
http://ww2drawings.jexiste.fr/Files/1-Vehicles/Allies/1-USA/04-TankDestroyers/M8...

Then there are about a dozen other ideas that escape me at the moment...suffice to say there is a LOT I want to do (especially besides models) but I cannot due to college... Angry

The M8A1 looks like an interesting project. In looking for more info I stumbled across this, Tamiya Kit No. 35110 , & googling that I found lots of other models of rather obscure military vehicles..

Dave

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Reply #5 - Sep 9^th, 2012 at 4:29pm

ViperPilot Offline
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KLMO Denver, CO USA

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Another source of inspiration and tips are within the pages of Fine Scale Modeler. Many basic and advanced modeling tips are covered, and there are some pretty cool dioramas! Another source are the series of books by Verlinden on modeling tips. Many of their products are showcased, often with spectacular results.

I mainly fooled around with 1/72nd scale aircraft and naval vessels like submarines. Many a weekend was spent tinkering around with 1/700 waterline ships, making the plaster 'sea' they embarked upon.

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"I created the Little Black Book to keep myself from getting killed..."
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Reply #6 - Sep 10^th, 2012 at 2:29pm

U4EA Offline
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I have had relatively decent successes using X-Acto tools, Dremel, Testor's Putty for Plastic Models, and superglue when kitbashing.

My last project was making a rollback flatbed tow truck out of a 1/24 Canepa Kenworth T-600. Before that was a 1/18 diecast Pontiac Grand Prix stockcar I turned into a road warrior that Mad Max would've been proud to drive. Missiles, machine guns, etc....definitely loaded with all the options.

I still have a few new-in-the-box 1/8 scale Revells that I've yet to get into. Been contemplating crossing the '85 IROC Camaro with the T-Bucket streetrod during the next winter or two.

Kitbashing plastic models is only limited by one's imagination in my humble opinion.

I love the smell of radials in the morning!

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Reply #7 - Sep 11^th, 2012 at 9:46pm

U4EA Offline
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Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm
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My bad! Forgot to mention the aircraft model mods that can be done with the aforementioned tools. Especially Dremel and superglue.

Like a 1/72 KC-135 I built with AIM-9 and AIM-7 stations, and a belly turret. And my pride and joy...a jet-powered B-25.

I love the smell of radials in the morning!

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