<> **** DONE: 1/32 Corsair F4U-1A - WW1 / WW2 over Water.

[turbo]

Thanks Andy. Yes, I did notice that but don't have a Dremel to conveniently bore out holes that size so decided to leave it as it won't be obvious when in place. I briefly thought about trying to punch them out with a punch and die set but had visions of shattered plastic flying in all directions!

Good catch though, I was wondering if somebody would pick it up!

 

[Crimea_River]

I would have used drills if I had done it. Start small, then get big enough to sick a circular file in then open them up to the required diameter with the file. Dremels make me shudder!

 

[Robert Porter]

A lot of the Dremels have a very fast "low" speed. I bought one of the ones with a fully adjustable speed and it really makes a difference. But for holes like that a pin vise would probably be best.

 

[Airframes]

Very nice work indeed, and good photography too.
I agree about using a drill and file - Dremmel-type tools have very limited uses in plastic modelling, even on the 'slow' settings, as they are still too fast and aggressive, the friction causing the plastic to melt and clog into Panzerplas.

 

[turbo]

Thanks guys, I think I need a couple of additions to my tool kit for this kind of job!

 

[A4K]

Agree with Robert. Used to do it with both drill and file, but since getting my (Tamiya) pin vice, have never looked back. Takes all the work out of it.

 

[Wayne Little]

Fine work there Kirby.

 

[JKim]

That cockpit looks boss! Great work on the pit! I agree with the above comments... micro drill set and pin vise are invaluable additions to the tool box. The pin vise is also great when you need to work on a part that is too small to grip with your fingertips. And I chuck a sewing needle in one as scribing tool. Great to have a few pin vises around.

 

[turbo]

Thanks for the advice guys. I do have a pin vise but the biggest drill bit I have is 1.2 mm which wasn't going to be terribly useful for these holes which may have been 4-5 mm. It looks as though one of the spare chucks I have for the pin vise might take bigger drill bits, what's the biggest drill bit sizes you guys have for the pin vise?

 

[Robert Porter]

The largest I have ever used in my pin vise is a 1/8th inch which I think equates to about 3.175 mm.

 

[Wurger]

There are pin vises for drill bits of bigger diameters ( like the set in the pic below ). But these of 3-6mm ones are enough large and long to use them without the handle. Usually, I use the 1-1.2mm drill bit with a pin vice to set the centre of the hole and then I use the 3-6mm drill bits for drilling of the hole of needed diameter. If you need a such set though you just need to check on the hardware shops at your area.

The set .. for drill bits of diameter ...

2.9-4.8 mm (0.115-0.187 in)
1.3-3.2 mm (0.050-0.125 in)
0.8 - 1.6 mm (0.030 - 0.062 in)
0-1 mm (0-0.040 in)

 

[Gnomey]

Lovely work so far!

 

[A4K]

The Tamiya pin vice (with a 'c' in the Queen's english ) takes bits from 0.3 to 3.0 mm. Two double headed bit holders, one stowed inside the handle.

...and with all - beautiful job so far mate!

 

[Airframes]

I think my pin vice, very like the Tamiya (probably the same but half the price!) is from either Shesto or Modelcraft tools. I also bought a set similar to the one posted by Wojtek, although the pin chucks are nylon, which I found on e-bay for around £4 from memory.
My largest drill bit is 3mm, but I normally drill smaller, and then ream or file with a rat's tail jewellers file.

 

[turbo]

Thanks guys, I know what I'll be getting on my next trip to Bunnings!

 

[turbo]

Righto, time to finish the interiors and button her up. Black-basing combined with subtle oil washes and drybrushing was used again. The 1A interior other than the cockpit and cowl area was zinc chromate yellow so I have used Tamiya XF-4 at the rear.

Like everything with this kit so far fits together perfectly. Next job will be the P&W R-2800 radial engine...

 

[Wurger]

 

[Robert Porter]

Like what I see! Great work!

 

[A4K]

Just love it... Great job mate!

 

[Crimea_River]

Absolutely stunning.