I’m doing a quick OOB build of the Eduard Limited Edition kit of the Nieuport 17 in Russian Service. It’s a very colorful re-release of their Profipak kit of the subject and I’m reviewing it for another publication, and as with all magazines, they want this OOB. My question is this: since I’m incapable of leaving well enough alone, I’ve decided to change the generic, boring “fabric covered” WWI wire wheels with a pair of these great new wire wheels from among the latest Eduard photo-etched releases.
But to use them, it requires grinding out the middle of the wheel leaving just the tire. That sounds very tedious and fraught with chances to screw it up. All I have is a cordless Dremel tool. How would you guys go about grinding it out? Or would you drill a big hole in it and then carve the rest out with a big X-Acto blade?
In the distant past, I remember using black vinyl tubing for a WW I tire, but I forgot how I hid the join line.
Also, what color do you use for that old-timey grey tire look?
Thanks,
TOM
Get a burr bit for the dremel and grind out the center section with that. I use very fine round burr bits and larger cylindical burr bits to open interior areas.
Check with your dentist, and get his old, worn-out bits. They are great for cutting plastic and resin, and come in a variety of shapes.
Thanks Swanny, I think you’ve got it. And to you as well, Wayne: I’m the biggest bum of old dental tools east of the Mississippi, but it never occurred to me that those fine drill burrs would fit in my Dremel tool. Any why shouldn’t they?
TOM
sharkskin:
maybe u could use rubber o-rings from the hardware store…
they come in all different sizes & will have no join line.
but i don’t know how well paint will adhere if u don’t want
black tires…
i used testors grey from the little square bottle on the tires
of my 1/72 Dr.1 & 1/48 Ni-17, looks OK 2 me…
can’t wait 2 c pix of ur Ni-17 !
frosty[:)]
I’ve had really good results with Polly Scale grimy black for tires.It seems to have just the right grey tint to it in my eyes.
Kev