I’ve struggled with several 1/700 model ships, specifically the funnel caps (the curved steel “cage” on top of the funnel opening). I’ve uploaded a photo of the part I’m talking about. Does anyone have a good technique to properly bend / curve these? Thanks in advance!
I use a marble or ball bearing of the appropriate size and a piece of a neoprene mouse pad. Place the stack grid on the pad and press firmly with the marble. A smaller ball bearing will make a taller dome, while a larger marble will result in a shallower dome.
Thanks very much! I’ll give that a shot - currently building Trumpeter’s HMS Dreadnought (1906) and this should help.
If you should happen not to have ball bearings or marbles conveniently to hand – the ‘domed’ plastic handle-end of small tools like screwdrivers will serve nicely. [Y]
Well,Shoot!
Your pic is coming up( File404) not found! That’s okay though. I know what you are talking about. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought assorted wooden beads and that’s what I use. Take some craft foam. 1/16 or1/18. Now very carefully roll the bead over the part, Before you remove it from the sprue. Press and shape. Then cut it off the tree. Finish your press and shape to the desired contour. File and install.
I came across this on my U.S.S.North Carolina with the Radar dish. I was using Eduard parts which are steel instead of brass. The Radar is in the shape of a large unflared salad bowl. The Beads worked great shaping it over the craft foam. The foam allows you to press and have the part “Draw” into the shape you need.
At larger scales I use my fingertip.
Bill
Yes , Bill!
Fact is, so do I . Now those littler guys sometimes need a wee bit of Coercion! So there is that. As a matter of fact because of an injury years ago My left index fingertip is perfect for this.
Thanks for all the great ideas! For my 1/700 scale Dreadnought the small ball bearing worked well… but now I have other options when I jump up to 1/350.