Hackjob

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hi Everyone.

I finally got around to working on that Star Wars model I have, so far I’ve been sanding & doing a bit of trimming with a hobby knife. I came to a couple pieces that don’t exactly fit into the model they’re suppose to fit in, so I started enlarging the spaces on the model then I moved to the pieces. Is it best to trim the pieces, the model for everything to fit, or is it a combination of the two? I think I know what to do because when I put everything together, there’s a slight gap at the sides of the model & the spaces I worked on don’t yet stick out like a sore thumb. I haven’t glued anything together yet, as I do remember dry fitting pieces is a good idea. I think I’ll do some painting using spray cans & hopefully I won’t do any redecorating on the walls etc.

Thanks

2

Well, I’ve built most of the Star Wars models out there (in some form or another), so if ya tell me what the model is I may can help. Thinning the piece is typically easier than thinning the model.Usually, I try thinning what is least likely to upset my mental state. [:D]

Although, if it isn’t fitting together correctly, check the alignment first. Also, with the Revell Snap kits, the “snap” aspect often makes it worse when things don’t snap together completely (leaving gaps). Sometimes it’s easier to cut out the “snap” pins and glue it together.

Cheers

3

Its an MPC model of Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter from 1978, exactly like the one below without instructions. I meant to tell people the model I was building last night. & the model isn’t a snap tite version. I put the model together sans glue & noticed imperfections around the canopy area & access panels, so I started sanding to improve the look of everything. The access panels to the left <& right > of the canopy are what’s giving me problems, but I think I know what to do to correct this. I wish I had one of those laser pens sports commentators have to light up the tv screen, showing the fans where the game problems are as I want to show everybody here at the site, rather than writing 500+ words going into detail. I’ll see if I can take a picture later on.

4

I think I get what you’re saying. That’s actually one kit I never did. I’d guess that the mounting pins may be pushing it out of a alignment. See if you can mount them flush with either the upper or lower hull, then maybe you can narrow down where the problem is at.