How To Apply Realistic Panel Lines and Rivet Details to Your RC Warbird

Still using chart tape and primer to simulate panel lines? Do you use a soldering iron to apply flush rivets? I used to too, but not anymore.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• rc
• r/c
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• mould
• mold
• how
• composite
• warbird
• p40
• P-40E
• warhawk
• 1/7th
• scale
• controlled
• model
• airplane
• rivets
• panel
• lines

[airste172]

When it comes to rivets, the shape or the outline of the rivet is unfortunately only 50% of the effect. It begins to take on a realistic look only when there is a depression, a dimple or some form of distress that is always associated with rivets as they distort the original flatness of the sheet metal used for the skin. This is an effect I've seldom seen, but when it's there, as subtle as it may be, it's a complete mind blower and makes a model look like a real aircraft.

[b1heqh54]

@airste172 - I've demonstrated only the simplest methods in these free videos. Individual litho tin panels stamped with scale tools and applied over the model is a much more realistic approach, but again I made this free series in an attempt to promote the hobby not turn people away from trying.......thanks for the positive comment though....

[PatBALEX]

Thanks for the tip....Didn't know you were a poet.....

[b1heqh54]

@PatBALEX - I thought that sitting through a long-winded poem might help to convey what it takes to sit through 9 months of sanding seams :-) ... just trying to weed out some of the less attentive types! LOL Thanks again for the comment Pat - you're OK in my books.

[jacquesone100]

wow man..your stuff is so amazing...what can i say man..

thx for sharing ...so cool..

Jacques

[b1heqh54]

@jacquesone100 Comment approved! lol Thanks Jacques, but I'm afraid my little P-40 won't be nearly fast enough for you sir. Keep posting those amazing videos over there!

[mattg6o]

Great instructional videos. The stills are easy enough to stay on top of. Im working on my own 1/5 scale Heinkel HE-112v6 from scratch and will incorporate some of your techniques! Super stuff! Any ideas on when you will be moulding the wing? Keep it up!

[gleno160281]

wow man. cant wait to see the end result. i too have a soft spot for the p40E. any ideas on finish scheme or powerplant yet?

[b1bman]

nice I'll have to watch this a few more time to take it all in but nice work man

[Ispintechno1]

Looks like you do nice work, I like your rivit techniques, but on a first pass of the video that's all I understood. Pictures kind of flashy, kept expecting the voice to call me professor Falken and ask me to play a game of chess. Sort of distracting.

If you're not camera shy hold up the plane and explain what and how you did it, that would be hugely helpful.

But again, looks like your details are awesome.

regards,

Matt

[Bzooka69]

Thanks for the lesson - what's up with the disquise? Are you under some government protection program?