I want to say that I have earned a new-found respect for those who utilize photoetch parts in scales 1/72 to 1/700! [:D[ I just worked with my first photoetch parts, in 1/48 scale. Holy cow some of those parts are tiny and delicate!!! I am working with an Aires cockpit detail set and can’t believe how tiny some of those parts are. I am even asking myself, “if I can’t see the darn things without my Optivisor, how in the world will anyone be able to see them with the naked eye?” I have come to the conclusion that I must invest in a set of good needle point tweezers, not pliers…tweezers! A few choice words and frustration has finally produced some detail in the cockpit (photos to be posted tonight). I can see how they would make the detail in 1/32 absolutely fantastic, but am wondering if I’m wasting my time in 1/48 with some of the parts.[bnghead]
It depends on the parts, but in larger scales, PE can be less useful. I actually think they are more suited to the smaller scales.PE is flat and some of the parts they replicate, brake likes, levers etc, should actually be round. This is ok in 72nd, well, I do actually use wire for brake lines now, but in larger scales might look wrong. You may also find that some of the things you are adding are not even included in 72nd PE sets.
I use 35th PE for armour as well as 72nd for aircraft and its easy to see what parts would be added if the armour set was for a smaller scale.
I have yet to use any of my 32nd PE sets, but will be later this year, so I will be able to judge better on the differences.
Hey , Bish !
How’re you doin ?
I find that using P.E. makes the detailing simpler .Now , note this . I Do Not airbrush any rails or ladders . I brush paint them so the paint is thicker and rounds out their profiles , were required . I have tried pressed board ( cardboard detail sets ) from POLAND on paper models with amazing success as far as depth and realism .Wow what a difference !
I now use it on my plastic and resin 1/700 , 1/350 and 1/250 kits . Even some in 1/400 and 1/500 as well . T.B.
I am good thanks T.B. I tend to do the same for for things like that. I am currently working on a pair of 72nd F-111 PE ladders and will brush paint them. The smallest I have worked on is 144 scale, but I have seen some amazing PE work on those smaller scale ships. I was hoping to get some for my Airfix HMS Belfast until WEM went belly up.
I really love the Eduard pre-painted photo-etch stuff for cockpits, mainly instrument panels and side panels. They make my cockpits look so much better for minimal cost and fuss. My eyes ain’t what they used to be…