Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

So it seems like most people paint after installing fiber optics and lighting. Why is this? Especially when using an airbrush and applying details it seems like the free, uncut fiber is going to interfere with painting. I'm a little worried now. On my Bird of Prey I've focused on finishing and seali...

I don't have any experience with micro mask, but after reading your post wanted to offer some advice. You may already know this, but if not I figure you would like to know. :) Some care needs to be taken when using a combination of paint bases, for a variety of reasons. First, they can expand and co...

I can't help but think the paint is too thick, or the brush is too laden. As for my painting technique, I have never had, nor can I even imagine, seepage happening, because I'm so much laying down a layer of liquid as a thin layer of pigment. I have more of a mini painting background, and I think sc...

So I just posted a lengthy reply on another topic about the benefits of CA glue, but I wonder if there are additional properties and benefits to plastic cement I am unaware of. Now I have about 10 years modelling/miniature painting experience (ignoring everything I did as a child/teenager, as I was ...

I know this is probably going against the grain, but I prefer CA glue to plastic cement. I would especially recommend it to someone new to modelling. Plastic Cements main benefit is its strong hold as it is melting together the pieces. However, it is VERY unforgiving. A loose string of glue or a bit...

I know I'm coming in a bit late, but I didn't see anyone mention Plasticard. Plasticard is fantastic stuff for adding all kinds of details. It comes in tons of shapes and sizes, and you can custom make some incredible things with it. The most important shapes are the sheets and the tubes. Sheets are...

I'm continuing to make progress on my Bird of Prey. I've nearly finished the painting and am very happy with the result (this is by far the biggest model I've painted. Weathering is SO much easier at this size). B But am having trouble finding direct answers to a few final niggling technical questio...

Thanks everyone for the quick and helpful input. The advice really helps me feel more comfortable making purchases online. Now I have seen heat shrink tubing mentioned in several places, but from what I can tell you need a 60$ tool (heat gun or shrink oven) to use it, correct? I had been planning on...

(I'm sorry if this is ground already covered, I'm trying to read through the archives and stickies, but there is a lot and I haven't quite found this information yet, so I thought I would just ask) I can be long winded, so I'll start with the short version: What bits and tools would you recommend to...