I just got Italeri’s 1/72 Sherman (Very Nice, and Thanks all for the advice) The kit has a fairly detailed engine/drive train, and my questions is How can I remove the excess plastic (burrs?) from the small parts? I am very worried about breaking the fragile pieces, Also I am looking for some sandbags and ruck sacks (any PE) for the kit does anyone know where I might find some? I searched the new Squadron Catalog (WOW! What a selection!) with no luck? Thanks in advance!
I usually use fingernail clippers made for small children/babies. They are just the right size for removing the flash from tiny parts.
Or if it is too awkward(sp?) of a part then an EXTREMELY sharp hobby blade helps.
Carlos
This kit is the old Esci (also boxed by AMT/Ertl) kit and could be found with the calliope rocket launcher as well. Eduard makes a PE set, but it is designed for the Monogram/Matchbox M4A1 (both were the same kit, one issued in green the other in white).
It is a very nice kit although the hatches are fairly thick for 1/72 scale. Extratech may make some PE for it, I do not know.
As far as part removal, in better hobby stores, they have razor saw blades that fit into X-Acto knife handles that are good for trimming parts from sprue. There are also several sprue nippers that www.micromark.com sells that are superb for removing tiny parts.
Verlinden makes a modern 1/72 scale stowage set that is designed for the RoG M2A2 Bradley. At this scale, a rucksack is a rucksack so you should be OK.
I use Xuron flush cutting nippers, flat end towards the part. If it’s a really tiny part, I
cut off the whole small section of sprue before cutting the piece flush…it helps to reduce stress on the piece and it won’t break quite so easily. Also, use tape to hold small parts down while trimming, otherwise they might take off for the most distant reaches of your work area. If you do launch something, holding a flashlight parallel to the floor can help you find it (even the smallest parts will cast a shadow). And don’t forget the optivisor, it really helps in small scales.
Best of luck…