Starship Modeler Discussion Forums

Hey guys abd gals, I gave a project that I'm working on. One that's pushing my boundaries way past their limit. I've never copied really large or complex parts. So I've had to learn how to make two parts molds, and how not to make them, and what the differences in molding rubbers are. What I'm doing...

Silly question, but would adding something like adding popsicle sticks or bamboo skewers to the thinner parts of the mold to add structure work? Or would I'd make the mold have problems?

@gsb5w the molds are fairly thick. It's an excelsior saucer. So it curves away from the high points pretty fast. The one side is a little closer. It has some alignment pins and a bigger planetary sensor that stood up more than the rest of the flat bottom. So I had to add that one thicker block to it...

thanks for the response. i'll give it a try.

hey guys and gals. If you saw my other thread then you'll know this is my first attempt at a two part mold. I now have the clay issue all sorted out. On to the new problem. I had made a few molds with the much stiffer alumilite 2 rubber. And it was just to stuff to get parts with undercuts out with ...

As long as its not stuck to your master you should be ok. Just so long as we aren't talking about a lot stuck to your mold. Maybe carefully use isopropyl alcohol and a qtip if its bothering you. Just be careful not to break the seal between your mold and master while doing it. no nothing stuck to t...

Hey guys and gals, got a more noobie question. I'm venturing into the world of making molds of larger parts. Full saucer sections and engineering hulls. I've never had to make a two part mold before. All of my parts so far have had a flat under side. So no reason for one. But on to my cunudrum. I go...

i used wrap the smaller drill bits in electrical tape so that it will hold it. you have to go slower so that the lowered friction won' make it slip. but it does work. but i got a little battery operated dremel for chrismas. this was one of those crappy $5 ones that they sell in the isles at kohls, s...

i was just wondering. i've never seen it done before.i was wondering if there were any drawbacks to it. i know you have to prep resin surfaces before painting for leaching chemicals.so i didn't know if the paint would peel of after a while or not. i figured if it was a thing everyone here would be d...

hey guys. just came across this how to video from alumilite themselves. basically they say to prepaint your base color directly onto the mold. that way once you have poured your resin into the mold. it will chemically bond the paint to the resin part. and that all the paint will come off of the mold...

Holy good lord! A seringe used as a punch for rivits! Don't think I'll ever get that detailed.

Anyone know where to get that stripe cutter he had? I can see one of those being useful for making things styrene strips for details as well.

Hey guys, I bought a set of pnt grey hull platting detail decals for a project that I'm working on. The problem, I haven't put decals on a model in decades. To say my skills are rusty is an understatement. And I've never done aftermarkets. Do the pnt ones need to be clear coated? What would you reco...

Awesome now I know what im looking for

Both rattle cans and hand paints. My airbrush has died. I've used testors in both can and bottle. Most every rattle can of metalic paint I could find at local stores. Same with the clears. I've even tried some flats and Satan's to see if they might have a different effect. Even tried both metallics ...

Hey guys and gals, I've hit a weird conundrum. I've been trying to put a clear coat over a piece that I've painted silver. As soon as I apply any clear coat over it, it turns milky white. I've used several different silver paints and metalisers. As well as several clear paints. All with pretty much ...

I've used foil out of cigarette packs. They're thin and very malible.(sp?) And it has a small thread type of pattern on it. The trick would be how to harden once you got it shaped like you want it. It does have a paper backing to it so Elmer's glue thinned down might soak in and do the trick. I use ...

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the knowledge. I was lost as to how to do it before. I've got a rough plan going now. I hope it all turns out OK. Got to learn how to do this sometime.

This is basically what I'm trying to accomplish with a few embellishments.



But here is where I'm at now.









Any suggestions would be awesome

So M3 how us this going? Did she ever get finished?

That's the main question, how do I get the measurements in the first place? Where do I measure from? My hull is curved. So how do I make sure that it is straight for one and level for second. I can't figure out where to make measurments from to make this happen. I'll try to get some pics up later so...

Hey guys and gals, need help. I'm working on a scratch build of a ship for the local star ship club. And i'm beating my head off the wall ](*,) trying to figure out how to get the pylons and nacelles aligned right with the rest of the ship. I'm using Enterprise-B nacelles and I have the basic shapes...

Thanks guys I'll have to give them a shot and see how they do.

Has any ever used snake chain in a build as a hose or something. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/419Ckefq-mL.jpg .I'm using it for phaser strips for a ship of mine and having a duce of a time trying to get them to glue down. Any ideas on what to use? https://i.imgur.com/9geK6ZC.jpg ...

if you ever cast them send me one lol

i need to find me some of those lavazza coffee cartridges!! those are awesome finds!! or if some one that drinks them wouldn't mind sending me about a half dozen. i'll pay shipping. just shoot me a pm.

All right I have to know, where did you get these parts?


http://rs1122.pbsrc.com/albums/l534/pti ... 0&fit=clip

Just so I know where to start sending all of my money. This us why I'm always broke!

Another thing that happens is that as I'm digging through my parts bins looking for that perfect part, I find other parts that persuade me that they 'belong' in the build. Or I might use something - a CD jewel case, for example - that works well, but doesn't lend itself to being trimmed or resized;...

Most places that make house paint can scan a swatch. As long as the sample is bigger than a quarter. Half dollar is better. And then they can spit out a formula. Granted, it's formulated to their base, and tints. But it would get you in the ballpark if your having trouble with a certain color.

I've always just flicked silver paint on with a tooth brush to gt that effect. I'll have to give it a shot.

Hair spray technique? Do tell?