An oft-overlooked item on aircraft models is the elevator. More often than not, an aircraft, at rest, has the elevator deflected downwards. Most kits do not offer separate control surfaces, leaving the task of repositioning them to the modeler. Not many elevators have a straight line, which can easily be removed by dragging the backside of an Exacto blade across it. Many require making short cuts at different angles; for these, I use ordinary sewing thread. Take a piece about 2′ long, double it over, and tie a loop at one end for your thumb. Wrap the other end around your index finger (not too tight!), and you have a perfect little “saw” for these short, oddly angled cuts. Do not use a lot of pressure when sawing. The thread doesn’t cut — it’s the friction that heats up the plastic, letting the thread melt its way through.

Tip submitted by:
Jeremy BacklundWhitmore Lake, Michigan