5 modeling mistakes to avoid, new kits from Arma Hobby and Trumpeter, and the future of FSM Weekly

Thanks, everyone! We're thrilled at the reception the FineScale Modeler Weekly (FSMW). As one viewer has pointed out, there are some plastics that are resistant to lacquer thinners, but most of us have the cheap cups for mixing paints. I do have a glass one for lacquers, though! Yes, do not try to catch a falling knife! Just get out of the way. Better to have to replace a blade than head to the emergency room. Talon, we have videos about applying decals, but I think we'll take a closer look at using two-part decal setting systems in a future Scale Model Basics. As for superglues here in the U.S., I suggest start by Googling Bob Smith Industries and then go from there. We'll see about doing a more in-depth superglue roundup in the future. And lastly, remember, weekly videos will continue to appear. This Friday is an "At the Workbench" from Aaron. Next week will be a new Scale Model Basics, and more will be on the way. So, don't miss those.

Another great show. Really liked Tooling Around this time. I've made most of those mistakes, so it was reassuring to know that I'm not the only one! And I learned some things too. Thanks!

I always watch and enjoy these videos. The bloopers at the end are a treat, but I have learned a lot about building models. I also have developed an appreciation for the amount of detail present in 1/35 military trucks and other armored vehicles, a genre of the hobby I have never attempted building before. Thanks for the fun, and I will be there when you post your next videos after your break.

I put a big "1" on top of my Microsol bottle and a big "2" on the Microset.

As always GREAT information, AND fun. You guys do a great job. Hope to see you back soon. I always look forward to your weekly show. Thanks ??????

Re: Tim's 5 Modeling Mistakes - I use vinyl (?) yogurt cups to hold all my solvents. Nothing seems to affect them; some brands come with snap-on lids for safe storage of liquids. The cups are cheap and the yogurt is good for you.  Here's another Modeling Mistake for a future episode. Everyone uses Ex-Acto or similar hobby knives, and no one can keep a grip on - really, anything - 100% of the time. So when a person does lose their hold on a hobby knife, they should never attempt to catch it. Let it fall to the floor and then pick it up in a controlled manner.  Although the cutting edge of the knife represents only a small percentage of the entire surface area of the blade and its handle, the chance of a severe cut is too great to risk. So it's imperative to train oneself to ignore the instinct to catch a dropped object when that object is a hobby knife. Don't ask me how I know.

Hi. I Build Models fairly well but can never quite get the decals on properly. I have tried micro set and micro sol and never got good results either. What is the best way to use those two chemicals if working on a gloss varnished model? Could you also demonstrate the “super glue” that you get in America because the type we get here in Africa is something else. It’s hostile to everyone and everything plus it dries so fast you just end up gluing yourself to the model and the lid onto the glue tube. Our glue sucks! Please help.

As a newer modeler, these weekly videos have helped me pick kits and learn skills. Thanks for all the work, and I'm looking forward to the next 'season'.

Ross, Myles, Judah, John, and Jim: Thanks for your comments!

Mistake 5: A little elaboration on an excellent demonstration. A good rule of thumb is never to make assumptions about paint-solvent compatibility. What was demonstrated here is a good, simple test that anyone can do. All that is needed is a small, disposable cup, the solvent in question, and the paint in question. Put and excess of solvent (NOT lacquer thinner!) in the cup, say ten drops, add one to five drops of paint. Observe. Set aside for ten minutes. Stir. Serious incompatibility will show up very quickly, even before you set it aside. After you stir it, if it seems to dissolve uniformly with no lumps or strings, set it aside again for five to ten minutes, or even longer to let the paint particles settle. Rapid settling means the combination is not compatible. If it takes awhile to settle, or never does, they are at least marginally compatible. If they settle, pour the result out on a glass or ceramic plate and push it or swirl it around. If you can see easily visible particles, it's not compatible—scale modeling paint pigments are too small to see with the naked eye. If it just looks like an ordinary wash, the combination is safe for your airbrush.  "But I'm in a hurry. That takes too much time."  How much time is it going to take to clean gunk out of your airbrush, if, indeed, you can?

"Lacquer thinner" is "problematic" —for a number of reasons. It is generally intended to be a "universal solvent." What it actually is is a solvent blend. So what solvents does it contain? Seems a simple question, but the answer is not.  What it contains is often every solvent ever used in a coating, paint, varnish, etc. (except water). That means, in addition to alcohols, it may also contain: acetone, toluene (toluol), xylene (xylol), MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), other ketones—and that is by no means a definitive list. All of these attack most, but not all, plastics and rubber-like materials.  So before putting "lacquer thinner" in anything, test it out. Personally, I only put it in glass or metal containers.  And by the way, it also attacks latex, rubber, and even nitrile (slowly) gloves.

I blog almost every build I do. The best comments I get are how I get out of all the mistakes I make. I could write an encyclopedia on them. It was refreshing to see Tim relay some of his. Of course, I found the Vallejo gooping problem from experience. I watch all your vids. Keep it up!

A great source of valuable and valued information. I'm a long time subscriber and viewer.

Thinning the Vallejo with Isopropyl Alcohol seems like ma good way to create gloopy mud for weathering and dioramas...

I love watching fsm videos I have Ben building and cutting up modle cars for a long time now making replica drag cars of friends cars and I love the show I have learned a few thing from u guys and the show makes me laugh and I will b looking forward to fsm coming back so have fun and see u when u come back