Archives: How-To Articles
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Top 5 Weathering Techniques
The question comes up quite a bit both in correspondence with readers and in conversations with other modelers: What are the best weathering techniques? I’m not sure we can rate the techniques so much as tell you the ones we most often use on our own models and what we see from FSM contributors. So,…
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How to stretch sprue and plastic stock
You may find you need rivet details or thin plastic to replicate wiring, cables, or weld beads. In all of these cases — and many more — knowing how to stretch sprue is invaluable.
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How to apply decals with a hairdryer
Decals sometimes refuse to conform over complex shapes. Solvent can help get them to lay down, but sometimes decals don’t react favorably to solutions or maybe they have a large surface area. In either case, there’s another option you might try: a hairdryer. Chuck Davis demonstrates his process on the wing of a Wingnut Wings…
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What to splurge on for your workbench
So, you’ve saved up and are ready to purchase a few pricier picks that will make your hobby room sing. What items are really worth the higher price tag? What specialty products would make building more enjoyable? Here are the fancier items FSM swears by, many of our readers own, and are totally justifiable with…
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More ideas to improve a ’Cuda car model
In the December 2014 issue of Scale Auto magazine, Rod Maskiw imparted stellar advice for modeling a street racer and muscle car from the Revell 1/25 scale 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda 2’n 1 kit. His how-to techniques for opening and hinging the trunk, perfecting a vinyl roof, and dressing up the engine are not to…
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Parts of a tank
It’s no surprise that tanks from just about all eras are hugely popular modeling subjects. Just look at how many different kits are available. And if you like to build model tanks (or if you just like to look at them), you may have wondered what this or that part is called. Never fear because…
