Photo Etch Ship Railings.

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hi Folks,

I’m working on my first project after a long hiatus. My primary interest is WW II ships, and I chose Tamiya’s 1:700 Scharnhorst. I’ve built many model ships in my day, but this my first P/E attempt. Yes, I know the small scale was not a very smart idea for my first attempt. [:I] But ,so far the P/E is coming out real well. I’m down to where I need to install the railings. Due to the small size, it is almost impossible to hold down one end, while you make the required bend(s) along the way. Does anyone have a tip on how best to do this ? I was thinking maybe tack down one end temporarily with Elmers glue so your starting point remains stable, make the required bend(s), cut to length, and then permanently attach it with Super Glue once the bending and length measurement is complete. Does this sound like a plan ? I wanted to ask first because the railings at this scale is so delicate that usually one attempt is all you get.

Any advice appreciated.

Ted

2

Here’s a second request for the same info. I have a 1/700 destroyer in the works and I have diverted to aircraft because of the railings. I did a couple in 1/540 before getting tired of that and felt like I’d punch through a wall if I had to do it in a smaller scale.

3

I don’t know if the article talks about this specific problem with railings but you might want to check out the June 1985 issue of FineScale. Its got an article titled “Realistic Warship Railings and Riggings”.