Scribing

[Heinz]

What do people use and how do you go about it?

At the moment my attention is brought to the scerario when you have filled a fuselague gap but lost some panel line definition.

Also for models with raised panels, I've read where modellers sand them off and rescribe it all. Searched for a few articles about it but haven't found anything really concrete.

Cheers.

 

[Wurger]

Alex, do you ask about these raised panel lines or these recessed ones?

 

[Heinz]

Im talking about recessed lines Wojtek.

Basically I'd like to know how to do it to my models.

 

[Wurger]

It's ok.Making of these is quite easy but usually needs some training ( on an old scrap model for instance). For recessed lines you will need a thin matal ruler,some needles of different diameters,also useful razor blade, a thin knife, sandpaper of different grades and a brush with quite inflexible piles.

The first step is to remove all raised lines with sanding.Then using a pencil and a ruler draw these lines in proper places.Note. I think that if these raised lines are in proper places these can be used as "tracks" for scribing.

Step two : using these penciled lines and the metal ruler ( on bended surfaces you can use thin metal strips as the ruler.What is more their shape of edges can make easier fixing to the surface) and a needle you can scratch these lines.Usually two runs of the needle are enough to make these grooves engraved.Then use a brush to remove some plastic chips that always appear during this process.

Step three : When all panel lines are engraved , use tiny sandpaper ( 1000-2000 grade) to make the panel line edges smooth.Then once again use the brush to remove all plastic dust that gathered in recessed lines.

It is a short description but I think it should be enough for the engraving.

 

[A4K]

Great info Wojtek! Thanks mate!

I started scribing my models too not long ago, and use a cut down metal venetian blind and a normal metal workers scriber. I like Wojtek's idea of using a pin, as the panel line would be a bit thinner (and more 'in-scale' ) than those done with the scriber tip.
The good thing with the metal venetian blind is it's very thin aluminium, so it's light and flexible, and looking end-on, is curved in the middle for strength, which means there is less chance of slicing your fingers if the blade slips and starts riding the metal.

 

[Wurger]

You are welcome Evan.Here " last minute" finding.I think it will help you all much better than my description.

Rescribing Panel Lines by David W. Aungst

 

[Heinz]

Thanks Wojtek

You are indeed a enclyclopedia of modelling

Good thinking Evan on the venetian blind strip!
To bad we got rid of ours recently

 

[Wurger]

Thanks Wojtek

You are welcome Alex.

You are indeed a enclyclopedia of modelling

Could you explain to me what is the metal venetian blind, please ? I don't know this name of the tool.

 

[Heinz]

The blinds for your windows, one of the strips is what we are refering to. They are very, very flexible and strong.

I hope that makes sense mate

 

[Wurger]

Now I thank you. Yep it is a good material for this purpose.Usually I use some photoetched patterns for engravering all hatches or inspection panels.For long lines I use a metal flexible ruler which I bought from Russians on a flea market.For non standard panels,lines I make my own patterns using aluminium plates of cans of beer,CocaCola etc...

 

[A4K]

Great idea Wojtek, and great info too!
I do sometimes use a craftknife too (forgot to mention) hence the finger-slicing comment (boy, do I know about that one...)

Alex, do you want a couple of "specialised scribing rulers" ? I grabbed a few strips from my fiancée's mum when she threw her blinds out..

 

[Wurger]

As I remember there are offered some tools for engravering.I don't remember of what firm these are (maybe Tamiya?????)If I find something I'll post the info.
In meantime there is a very useful tool made in Czech a saw-razor-blade.

 

[Jgonzalez]

Interesting post. I use scribers used by jewelers. They are quite handy and come in a variety of gauges, some are really thin and sharp.

 

[Heinz]

Good thinking jgonzalez! I imagine the fine work involved for jewellery is not much different for models.

Thanks for the offer Evan but I should be able to get my hands on some.

Keep them as spares you never know. Thanks anyway

 

[tango35]

Hello folks,
i use scribers used by dentists and dymotape for basic scribing and for complex scribing i have scribing templates from Lion Roar.

The dentist stuff cost me around 10 euro, because i bought it on a fleamarket. Heard from a modeler from my club a ceaper way; he asked his dentist for out of use stuff.


greets
Thomas

 

[Wurger]

Good stuff Tango 35.These tools are very useful.I use similar templates and dentists' ones.They make engravering much easier.