Alecras' Workbench

[alecras234]

i have finished my 1 72 spitfire model with landing gear up. How do i make a stand for the model using bits of sprue?

[iggie]

PM me your address and I'll send you an Airfix stand if you'd like. Making one from scratch from sprue is not the easiest option!

[alecras234]

I have painted over the whole where the stand slots into the model

[iggie]

No worries, you can usually cut it open afterwards if you know roughly where it is, or cut the top of the stand off flat and superglue it to the aircraft

[alecras234]

I have bought an airfix starter hurricane in 1 72 scale but I have trouble opening the little pots of paint without it spilling over my hands. How can I open them easily, should I use a cocktail stick to open?

[iggie]

They are tricky little so an so's to open at the best of times; I cut the bit that links the lid to the pot and then use a small flat bladed screwdriver to prise the top off. I get the blade in between the lid and put and then twist it.
I generally don't put the lid back on but use sellotape to cover the open pot

[alecras234]

so if i cut the lid off and then could use cellophane to cover the paint pot where the lid was before cutting it off??

[iggie]

Yep that should work as long as it forms a seal to stop the paint drying out

[alecras234]

thanks i'll try that. i starting the 1 72 hurricane starter set but i'm having trouble clipping the wing halves together, i line them up on the bench then press down but they slide away from each other. How do i get them to line up and clip together please?

[alecras234]

im looking for filler to use on my models, i use acrylic paint, which filler do you recommend using that's water based ? Is humbrol filler ok to use, is it water based?

[alecras234]

im looking for filler to use on my models, i use acrylic paint, which filler do you recommend using that's water based ? Is humbrol filler ok to use, is it water based?

[iggie]

Hi Ash
I'd recommend Perfect Plastic Putty; it's water based, easy to use and sands easily. Search for it on eBay and you should find it for around £6 including postage

[alecras234]

I have perfect plastic putty but I have to squeeze the tube really tightly but nothing comes out as its dried inside. I could do with filler that's in a pot that I can paint on, that would be easier.

[ShaunW]

Off hand I can't think of any modelling filler that comes in a pot but whatever the container make sure that you don't leave it laying around for long periods with the cap or lid off otherwise the filler will dry up inside. With the tube variety I usually squeeze a small amount for use on the model onto an old jar lid and then replace the tube cap immediately. The filler will harden eventually due to the exposure to air but replacing the cap regularly will make a tube last much longer.

[alecras234]

When i bought the perfect plastic putty i put the lid on tight each time but now when i squeeze it nothing comes out only a tiny amount. How can i use what's in the tube?