I thought about posting this in the Techniques forum, but it seems those are mostly aircraft guys over there and seeing as how you folks would be more up to speed on how much handling a tank model gets during construction etc. I’ll ask it here.[:)]
When during the build do you add your PE parts. I’m torn between doing them during the manufacturer’s steps as part of the normal build or perhaps waiting till the end and doing them all at once so as to protect them from handling. What do you folks think/do?[:)]
Thanks.
Spamicus,
It really depends on the particular photo-etch parts you are adding. I normally do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Obviously, smaller, delicate, external parts are the last thing I’ll add to a tank before painting. Internal parts are added just prior to painting the interior. Sometimes, you really have to add some of the photo-etch earlier in the build in order to determine clearances, attach other plastic or photo-etch parts, or determine whether any scratchbuilding is necessary.
The key, in my mind, is taking photo-etch slow and easy. If I ever feel rushed, I step away from the workbench and take a break before going back at it. It may take more time in the long run, but is worth it to avoid the aggravation of a misplaced or broken part.
Have fun with it!!! [:D]
Robert Foster
I tend to do them along with the manufacture’s steps.
Even before I start a build I go through the instructions and highlite all the pieces that are eaither replaced or improved by the PE, that way when I get to that step I don’t forget to add the PE.
I think it’s really a judgment call on your part depending on the build. As Foster said the key it to take your time and don’t get frustrated.
Spamicus,
I tend to follow the PE instructions when it comes to how the PE sections are broken into sub builds but not in the order that they appear on the instuctions. I follow the plastic kit manufactures instuctions and add the PE when needed. So when you are building the kit you need both set of insturctions with you.
I also found the hard way that some of the delicate PE should be left for later if you are doing a lot of handling of the model.
Depending upon the part … I usually do them last to protect them from the manhandling that I can put a kit through.