Photoetched Parts

[Njaco]

I've noticed since I've gotten back to building that alot of models come with photoetched parts. I've stayed away because, frankly, I don't know what to do with them. So here are some questions.....

How do you attached them?

How do you paint them? What is the best type of paint?

How do you get them off of trees and such?

What is the advantage of using PE?

 

[Sweb]

Attach: CA.
Paint: Any type.
Tree removal: Small pair of cutting pliers or garden sheers and jewelers files for removing cut off tabs. (Hammer and hand grenades optional)
Advantages: Scale detail is better and in most instances PE parts are created to add what isn't suppled in the kits. Instrument panels are usually of better detail than IM panels, etc.

 

[Wurger]

I agree with Sweb. CA glue for attaching, a paint can be of any type but I suggest painting with an airbrush and using of a primer for acrylate paints.
For cuting off - a piece of thick and flat glass and a sheet of paper to avoid slidding, also a scalpel razor for cutting off ( very nice tools are these of X-Acto)
Also I suggest annealing of the non painted PEs firstly in order to make the metal much flexible.It makes easier to cut off and shape elements.

 

[Arsenal VG-33]

I've always been skeptical of photo-etched parts in kits. Plastic model molds have become very detailed, and I've always wondered if photo-etched parts were necessary? Is it just another way for model makers to make more money from a cheap process? Opinions?

 

[Airframes]

I think, in the main, I share your views Arsenal. Although in certain cases, PE parts can have a distinct advantage, for instance, for use in small, scale brackets, rudder pedals etc., I personally think that their use, and production, is over-rated. You are quite right, given that the equipment is available, the production of PE parts, a 'spin-off' from PCB production techniques, is relatively inexpensive, fairly simple, and fairly quick.
It seems to have become, in some circles, the 'done thing' to use PE, when some modellers can turn out 'museum quality' models that don't really demonstrate modelling skills, but more a proficiency in assembling ready-made accessory parts.
I think I have used PE parts twice in the past thirty years; once for a boarding ladder for a BAC Lightning, and once, as a kit part, for the cockpit hood armour in a Bf109E. Again, personally, I wouldn't purchase these parts, prefering to at least attempt to make my own, scratch-built detail. The reasons for this are twofold and simple; I find PE difficult and messy to handle, due to disability, and the cost is prohibitive, when I can normally 'do it myself', and gain a sense of acheivement.
However, I have nothing against such accessories; if people want to, or feel a need to use them, that's their choice. But, I do find it irritating when PE is expected in a kit of a certain price, and some individuals complain or grumble if it's not included.
Instead of buying these relatively expensive accessories, perhaps some modellers should look around, and find suitable materials to use in the production of their own, finely detailed parts. Afterall, even the IPMS rules have changed drastically since I last competed as a member, many moons ago. Then, plastic models had to be plastic, with only a very minimum of other materials allowed, such as balsa wood for major conversions, or perhaps, the then 'new fangled' white metal undrcart legs!
Maybe these old 'standards' are too deeply ingrained for me to change, but it's doubtful if I'll be using PE in the foreseeable future, unless there are some parts in a particular kit. Even then, I think I'd try other methods first.

 

[Maglar]

I havent came in contact with PE or resin pieces. I'm a firm believer of OOB and scratch-building, but PE can give some nice touches. I saw a plane in waynes thread with the PE gunsight on the machine gun, now that looked really nice because it gave it that much more realism. Theres a fine line drawn from using some PE parts to make nice differences compared to making the model PE'd lol! The same applies to resin, some people just buy it all!!

 

[A4K]

Jan posted a link once somewhere on handling PE parts, if he reads this maybe he can find it again.

 

[Wayne Little]

I use some for the basics....but I don't get too carried away...

 

[Lucky13]

Because YOU don't bl**dy have to, that's why, but you forgot to mention that, didn't you??

 

[Wayne Little]

Who me?

 

[Lucky13]

Duuh!
One thing is for sure, I'll be using a thick glue the next time....

 

[Airframes]

Porridge! That's a thick goo - oh! you said glue! Ah well, it'll still stick things together!

 

[Sweb]

I've always been skeptical of photo-etched parts in kits. Plastic model molds have become very detailed, and I've always wondered if photo-etched parts were necessary? Is it just another way for model makers to make more money from a cheap process? Opinions?

It is what it is. They are available for the modeler to purchase and use. Everything else is, as you solicit, opinion. I have never used anything except what I can scratch build into a model. The art is otherwise lost, IMO. PE makers and, necessarily for this argument, after-market resin bit producers know there are (lazy) modelers who are looking for realism ad nauseum and accommodate them. They produce some pretty impressive stuff. But, again, the art lies in the imaginations and developed skill sets of the modelers and not in some pre-packaged accessory. On the one hand I laud all who take their games to the highest levels. But, I reserve the highest place for the scratch builders.

Edit: I temper lazy to mean those who either don't want to develop their skils or are otherwise physically impaired and can't.