Does anyone have ideas about efficient and effective techniques to produce the subtle undulations and ripples present in the metal skin of most aircraft? I’ve seen this called the “stressed-skin” effect in other places. I know there was a finescale modeler article on this in 1994 but I do not have access to that issue.
—Scott
Hi snagle!
I have that issue of FSM and if you like, I can send it to you. Basically the technique involved using a #15 scalpel blade (or similar) to scrape very suttle troughs into the plastic. Then these troughs were polished out. Rivets were reproduced using a tracing wheel. That’s basically it. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Bert
Thanks, Bert. I had a suspicion that was the method they were going to suggest. I don’t think I need the article if that’s the bottom line. Thanks for offering, though.
—Scott
Always glad to help. If you ever do get your hands on that article, some of the photos are amazing! I couldn’t believe how realistic it looked.
Hello Scott
In november of 1991 an article explained a technique called “Ultra toning” to represent stressed skin in aircrafts.
After the model is painted and with decals, mark the internal structure with 1/16" to 1/32" thick lines of glosscote using a #2 brush and let it dry. Airbrush the model with dullcote let it dry and buff the surface with toilet paper.
I never used this technique but maybe could be useful to you.
Carlos