Hi, there. I’m new to the plastic modeling hobby, but I’m aware of a few things. I did just recently purchase the newly published " How to paint and weather scale models " and I had a couple of questions. The first one involves the " cutting " of the paint colors with white for the proper “scale effect”. Am I to assume that this was done, even though it wasn’t specifically mentioned? The second question is relating to " armature wire ". In the Corsair article by Scott Murphy, he mentions .002 armature wire, and .004 wire. Where do you get that stuff? I also wonder if Scott cut the interior and exterior paints on that aircraft with some white paint for the proper “scale effect”. If anybody out there can help out this rookie, please let me know. Thanks.
Welcome to the forums Bob.
“Armature wire” (also called “winding wire”) is enamel insulated copper wire which is used for winding armatures in electric motors. Finer gauges are also used to wind coils in transformers. You should be able to find this in a variety of gauges at an electronics supplies store eg. Radio Shack and similar places.
Welcome to the forums Bob!
Welcome to the Forums Bob [#welcome]. I wouldn’t assume the modeler lightened his paint unless he specifically mentioned it. While I understand the theory of “scale effect”, in practice it doesn’t always give the results expected. It was a much discussed technique several years ago, but I don’t see it mentioned much anymore. Like a lot of modeling fads, I think it’s fallen into dis-use.
Regards, Rick
wlcome to the forums,experiment with your paint,sometimes the color your looking for may actually be a total different color or shade,thinning yor paint will sometimes change the heu even the color of styrene makes things change unless you primer.anyway welcome and happy modelling.
Bob,
Welcome to the Forums and the hobby!
Changing paint for scale effect has, as Rick said, been a much talked about technique. There are even published ratios giving the proper amount of white that should be added to various colors for various scales. Doing so is supposed to duplicate the effect that atmosphere has on or perception of colors. Some modelers believe it is necessary, others don’t, and as armornut said, there are many variables in the appearance of paint. My suggestion is experiment until you find what you like, what looks right to you.
Happy landings!