Some scale details require raised seams instead of engraved, but in prepping such parts, these fine lines can be sanded down by accident or they are in the way of a more detailed prep step. Question: Is there a way to replace/rebuiild (formally) raised seams, either straight or curved. While I’m at it, how difficult is it to redo or relocate engraved seams? I see there’s a tool for the job, but how does one not carve too wide or go off course and make a scatched up mess? Thx
You can replace raised seams ( panel lines) by using gluing down stretched sprue to a thin grove where the panel line needs to be. (basically making an engraved panel line, then adding the stretched sprue to raise it). It is not “difficult” to replace engraved lines. It does take some practice however. I do not use the commercially available tools for engraving lines, as I found then to carve out too deep / wide a grove. I simply use a sewing needle with a pin vise as a handle.
I use a flexible steel ruler as a scribing guide… Ditto what Bronco said as well about scribing tools… I use the back-edge of my X-Acto knife…
Bocks Suv,
One way to replace sanded off raised panel lines is to use a product from Archer’s. They offer fine resing panel lines and rivets bonded to clear decal film. You basically cut out the length you want and apply 'em to the surface like normal decals. I’ve used them with good results on a few of my builds.
Check 'em out in action.
There are pix in my thread about halfway down the page here: >>On my Phantom’s stabilators<<
Here are pix in my thread toward the top of this page: >>On a curved fuselage surface<<
Once under paint, they’re virtually indistinguisable from molded panel lines: >>Painted jets<<
Some purists may think these resin details are “cheating,” but I think it’s easier than filling a scribed line with stretched sprue. Further, I find the thickness of my stretched sprue is rather inconsistent. This eliminates that problem for me.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
-O
Cheating? That doesnt exist in model building. The only ones who can say that are scratchbuilders and R/C balsa model builders. Obviously the hobby has evolved in great new ways. Thanks for the tip.
I read somewhere that using two strips of a thick tape…or a couple of layers of masking leaving a thin gap where the panel line should go and then applying filler putty and sanding lightly down to the face of the tape…for raised…now engraved…start with a fine line with an xacto then progressively deeper and wider with either a pin in a pinvise or the back of an old blade…I also found a small thin-pointed awl that will give me a bit thicker than the pin…from Excel or Xacto…dont remember which…its a bit stronger than the pin
good luck
Carlos