I have built dozen or so models so far and have a box full of “parts not needed”. There are front panels, wheels, fenders, track parts, lids, handles, lights etc etc. I don’t want to throw them into the garbage, I mean recycling bin [:)], but I just don’t know what to do with them. Things like guns, helmets, showels… can always be put on a model but what to do with the rest?
Any thoughts, ideas, jokes…
Chers…
That’s how you build up a parts box… Parts like that may not be immediately usefull, but ya never know… Keep 'em and keep 'em sorted… One thing I always like to keep is any part with nuts on it, or any interesting shapes that can shaved off… You never know when you’re gonna need bolt-heads or nuts to super-detail a part, and you’ll need to shave them off that spare roadwheel from that Panther you built five years ago…
To the family, it may seem like there is no purpose to it at all, but you never know. My spares box has come to the rescue on numerous occasions. Make sure you go through it every now and then to remind you of what you have. “When the time comes, you’ll know…”
Here is what I did with a lot of Bike model spares I had. Those included engine parts, exhausts, Indicators, forks, etc.
I build a Diorama based on a Bike shop I know that sold 2nd hand Bikes and spares. I.E. shelving on the walls stacked with parts, etc. Exhausts suspended from the ceiling, of course a few of my build Bikes were also used in it.
Just to give you an idea.
Hi buddy,
Being a big fan of Dragon kits there is always at least 25% of ‘unused items’ left as you get bits on sprues that were intended for different variants of your actual build.
I keep everything that looks remotely useful in my spare tub and it has saved my butt MANY times!
I like to use bases for models now and random stowage scattered around like helmets, tools and ammo tins etc always look good.
ATVB
Ben [:D]
The spares box is a curiously wonderful thing. You know that old Italeri panzer IV that has the soft detail poor final drives,and yuck those drive sprockets.Hmmm those left over Dragon units seem to just fit right into place.Oh and the fenders to. Get the idea. Now if you’re still not sure of what to do wiyh them,I will take in those orphaned spares,and show them all the modelers love I can.
Keep’em! You never know when you’ll find yourself kitbashing a build and need a certain part from another kit.They come in handy as trade goods too. I have accumulated a vast depot of aircraft spares!
I have A Plethora of Parts in my stash.
!(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/hawkeyes_bucket/Modeling Tools/stashnspares1.jpg)
You can always sort thru the spares to see what sort of Frankenstein’s Monster you can make from what you have. Make it weird, paint it white and call it SciFi.[;)]
I keep them in a sturdy kit box. The older ones which are not of the same quality as the new models I give it to the recycling guy who comes around and pick up all recyclable items like old cell phones and TVs. Once in a while it comes in handy. Just the other day I lost a part from my M4A1 that I’m about to finish and got a replacement from the spares box. You’ll never know when you might need them.
I always keep my spares. In order to save space, I cut them down from the sprues and store them in the hardware-type pull-drawer cabinets. Larger parts are stored in old kit boxes and marked accordingly. Like HvH, you never know when a spare part is going to come in handy for standard or unorthodox modification. Some parts, like tools or personal gear like MGs, rifles, etc. get specifically sorted off to the side in their own special bin as those are the most like items to end up being used on other/older kits that might not have the same level of detail or be missing that particular item altogether. [;)]
[dto:]
I use something out of spares on almost every build. Go down to HoDePo and get one of those packaged small drawer sets. If you build a Stryker, Half Track or any other “series” build, I keep the parts in the original box for the “next” in the series to make it to my bench!!
Rounds Complete!!
I used to just cut the “extra’s” off the sprues and throw 'em in a box, but since Dragon started giving you like, half an extra kit, I’ve actually started keeping the old box and all the old sprues and parts in them, just so I can find what I need, relevant to the kit and mark of vehicle–very helpful to know especially with German armor. The old parts box got so big, it became unmanageable.
If there’s only a few odd parts, I’l put them in a sealable bead/hobby bag, and label it wit a magic marker.I can’t tell you how many times knowing where I could find a certain part has saved my butt.