How to make Spaceship Model Paneling

An excellent video by Adam Savage on how to make paneling for sci-fi and spaceship models. I was hesitant to add the term "panel lining" to this post, as from my understanding, panel lining in scale modeling is the method of scoring the plastic with a sharp object in order to simulate panel lines. This video however focuses more on the method of adding surface detailing by adding pre-cut panels and parts.

How to Cast Figures and Create Duplicate Parts for Scale Modeling using Dental Acrylic

How to Create Custom Decals for Gunpla

TL;DR: You will need decal paper, image manipulation software (photoshop, corel, gimp etc,) inkjet printer and clear lacquer-acrylic spray paint.

How to Keep your Paint Brush Tips Pointy

Nothing beats a good quality brush because they really keep their shape even after copious amounts of use and washing. Also their strands don't come off easily. However, we all can't have sable brushes (or other more expensive materials) because some of the uses don't justify the cost. I prefer to use cheap brushes for washes because they're supposed to end up being dirty anyway. Some washes however need brushes with fine tipped points in order to minimize cleaning afterwards.

Airbrush Hose 1/4" to 1/8" Part II

Alligator Paint Clips

Bought myself some Alligator Clips in order to make a new batch of Painting Clips. I got them on ebay, a little under $5 for 50 pcs of 45mm clips. The great thing about it is that it comes with free shipping.

Gundam Marker Alternative - Uni Posca Paint Markers

Looking for a Gundam Marker alternative? Try the Uni Posca line of paint pens made by Mitsubishi Japan. The operative word there is "paint", that's what comes out of the pen, not ink. Available here.

On my work bench 1/48 Hobby Boss Wildcat F4F-4

Working on this right now, a 1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat. First time for me to build a Hobby Boss kit and I have to say that I am pretty much impressed. Almost done with this, just need to put on decals, paint the propeller, add a flat coat then pigments... Holy Cow, I take it back, I still have a lot to do *snicker*

Masking Clear Parts Tip

Cutting off the masking tape from clear parts can be done more easier by holding it up against a light, as the lines can be seen more easily. I'd recommend using a desk lamp and not the ceiling light, as the latter will strain your neck. I use a fresh scalpel instead of an X-acto knife, not because it's better, but rather because it's more easily available to me.

Masking Techniques for Scale Models by Paul Budzik

Very informative masking technique video by Paul Budzik. Been loving watching his channel over at youtube, not only for the ELI5 explanation, but with the production quality of the videos.

GSI Creos Aqueous Hobby Color Paints Color Chart

Aqueous Hobby Color is the water based paint of GSI Creos, Mr. Color is the solvent based equivalent. The Mr.Color Color chart can be found here.

If you are looking for similar looking colors, the Aqueous Hobby Color Paint Conversion Table can be found here.

Check Your Relative Humidity Before Painting

Thought it would be safe to paint yesterday since the sun came out at noon. Good thing I caught that Relative Humidity (RH) was a bit high hovering near 70%. If there is too much water vapor in the air (high relative humidity) paint will have a hard time drying up. You'll end up with a bad paint job.

Creating Scenery the Miniature Wonderland Way

Love this little video posted at the Miniature Wonderland Youtube site which shows the procedure they use to make rock and cliff scenery. Although it's in German, you can turn on the English subtitles in Youtube. As well as being informative I find watching it very relaxing, nothing soothes me like seeing a masterpiece being brought to life.

Amazon starts to offer 3D printers and related supplies

Here's some very interesting piece of news, Amazon starts offering 3D printers from some manufacturers and their related supplies. Going all the way to even setting up a dedicated product page for 3D printers and their related raw materials.

Creating replica antenna wire for scale model kits

Am almost finished with the 1/48 Arii Chance Vought F4U-1A Corsair that I'm building and I thought it would be nifty to add the antenna wire that stretches from the forward antenna to the tail of the Corsair. I thought of cutting out a sprue from the runner of an old kit, putting it to a flame then stretching it out with my hands. I saw my brother do this once I thought it would be as easy. Problem with me is that I have shaky hands. So that method didn't actually do well for me, the moment I tried to stretch out it would break immediately. Thankfully Divine Intervention came in when I was trying for the upteenth time to make a wire out of the old sprue.

The method I accidentally ran into starts like this. Look for an area with cool tiles, like in the kitchen or a bathroom. Cut out an ample length sprue then burn the end of it with a candle till it starts to burn.

Loving Pastel Weathering

Continuing with my Revell 1/48 Phantom II C/D build, I've decided to apply pastel weathering on it. This is the first time for me to do this and I have to say that I'm loving the results.

Yamato 1/60 VF-1 No Paint Kit Build Tips by KuWa

Just saw this posted at Yamato Toys official site, some assembly tips for building the 1/60 No Paint Kit series of Yamato Toys by KuWa. Just copy paste the Japanese text into Google Translate so that you can understand, can't guarantee a 100% correctness in the translation though.

1/60 VF-1A Miria Fallyna Jenius Version Build Part VII

This is the last post of my build documentation of the 1/60 VF-1 No Paint kit with Option Parts by Yamato Toys and converting it to a fictionalized VF-1A of Miria Fallyna Jenius. Part VI of this build can be found here. Next part of the build focuses on the assembly of the main wings.

1/60 VF-1A Miria Fallyna Jenius Version Build Part VI

Previous post on this build could be found here. This part of the build starts with the backpack unit of the VF-1A Valkyrie. As a backgrounder, this build is of the 1/60 VF-1A No Paint Kit w/ Option Parts made by Yamato Toys. And with it I'm attempting to convert it into a fictionalized VF-1A of Miria Fallyna Jenius following the color motif of Max Jenius

Syringe for measuring paint

I just realized that the best way to measure paint for paint mixing is by using a Syringe. Because of the correct volume measurement that can be had because of the scale on the side. That and a little math work to get the correct volume percentages to make the color.