"Back to Basics"

[Guest]

Exactly! Plus the "internals": e.g. wiring, batteries, elctrics, electronics, motors, rigging, painting figures and, of course, etcetera!

Bob

[Guest]

Thanks for the support Bob and welcome to the forum. We try to make our resources as user friendly as possible and welcome any suggestions as to how we can do things better.

I haven't actually added anything to the Back to Basics thread for a long time, maybe I need to have a think about one or two more subjects.

[Guest]

These posts have been really informative. As a beginner these posts are helping me a lot.

Thanks

Jim

[Guest]

Bunkerbarge: 1)Knife. I spent most of my modelling life using surgical scalpels. Which are, of course, extremely sharp and a very effective cutting tool but they do have drawbacks. They do not have a very strong blade so heavy cutting will require something more substantial, such as a Stanley Knife, and the blades do not remain keen for very long.

Most of the time it's only the tip that is used to cut, so if you run the back over some wet n dry you can keep the point/tip sharp.

[Guest]

Bunkerbarge: 1)Knife. I spent most of my modelling life using surgical scalpels. Which are, of course, extremely sharp and a very effective cutting tool but they do have drawbacks. They do not have a very strong blade so heavy cutting will require something more substantial, such as a Stanley Knife, and the blades do not remain keen for very long.Most of the time it's only the tip that is used to cut, so if you run the back over some wet n dry you can keep the point/tip sharp.

I don't know how many times a scalpel blade has 'pinged' across the room because I was trying to cut too big a lump of sprue with it!!

[Guest]

Yep bin there! no amount of sharpening can bring them babys back.

[Guest]

Pastels

I've started modelling again a few years ago after a break of 25 years. I have come across many mentions of "pastels" and their use in "ageing" and "weathering" the finished model. Could someone please tell me: What are pastels? and how are they best employed?

Many thanks

Derek

[Guest]

Pastels are basically a solid block of colour that can probably best be likened to a square section stick of chalk but much much denser in colour.

You can either rub them on sand paper and make a coloured powder, draw directly on your model and spread with a brush, apply the powder with a brush, mix the powder with water or thinners to make a wash etc..etc.. The possibilities are endless.

They are a very versatile source of colour that only your imagination can limit the ways in which you can apply them. Buy a set and enjoy, they really are great fun to use!!

Don't forget pastels are only one method of applying colours for a weathering effect, there are also washes, pigments, dry brush effects, paint chips etc Use any combination of them to achieve the effects you are after.

[Guest]

can i just add that make sure that if you do go out and buy pastels you get normal ones and not "oil pastels"

oil pastels can work but have completely different porperties and cannot be used with water for a wash (but a decent white spirit can do the job)

also, pastels are expensive. but worth it. individually they can range from 50p - £2 and a decent set will set you back £20 odd.

Richard

[Guest]

The pastels suitable for weathering are "soft pastels". "The Works" sell small sets of pastels for £2.99 or £.99 in various "themes" the one that's best for weathering is called something like "autumn" or "earth" colours and is browns greys etc. Better value that shelling out for a larger set which is largely surplus....

[Guest]

The pastels suitable for weathering are "soft pastels". "The Works" sell small sets of pastels for £2.99 or £.99 in various "themes" the one that's best for weathering is called something like "autumn" or "earth" colours and is browns greys etc. Better value that shelling out for a larger set which is largely surplus....

Quite right Matti, the ones I have are "Alphacolor" soft pastels, made in Mexico and purchased in the US. They come in sets of tones and the one I got is called "Earth Tones".

I also have a set of Doc O'Briens Weathering Powders, purchased through "Micro-Mark" in New Jersey who take credit cards and ship internationally. These arec also particularly earthy colours. I haven't used these yet but I'm itching to have a go!!

[Guest]

Pastels

Many thanks for that. A shopping I will go!!

Derek

[Guest]

How about some filling advice? Like what to fill with? I am new to modelling and made a little more work for myself than really was necessary on my first attempt.

[Guest]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll see if I can come up with something usefull.

[Guest]

If anyone thinks that "Back to Basics" is too basic please let me know. I don't want to embarrass myself by boring everyone!!

I recently returned to model making after a 30+ year gap. Ive gone right back to basics and am attempting to learn new techniques. So for me your "Back to Basics" articles are just what I need. Keep em coming please.