Tip for removing unwanted parts from Tamiya kits

[cmswifty]

Hi guys,

I have been build Tamiya 1/350 Missouri 1991 with Pontos upgrade set lately. The Pontos set asked for removing of the anchor chain mounts and replacing it with theirs. So my question is what is the best way to remove stuff from the original model, what tools and tricks are best for this? Greatly appreciate any tips and suggestions.

[marijn van gils]

Any kind of cutting or abrasive tools can be useful for this: saws, knives, files, wet 'n dry paper, ...

The choice depends on:
- the size of the parts or detail to be removed
- the accessibility of the detail to be removed
- the proximity and fragility of other detail that shouldn't be removed
And most importantly: - personal preference

The trick is to take you time and don't try to cut everything in one go. Cut small parts at a time, and finish with finer materials.

For what you describe, I would probably carefully first cut away most of the detail with a sharp scalpel, taking away slices from the top until almost reaching the deck. Then I would scrape the remainders as flat as possible with the same scalpel, and if necessary clean up with some fine wet 'n dry paper.

Many people prefer chisel-shaped knife blades for cutting unwanted detail, but I never liked them as I am clumsy enough to often let their (sharp) corners dig into the plastic surface where they shouldn't.

Motor-tools can sometimes be handy, but rarely necessary. The finishing work usually needs the finesse of hand-held tools anyway.

Cheers,

Marijn

[biggles2]

I use this tool for removing surface detail. http://www.micromark.com/4mm-plastic-mo ... ,7584.html The edges, or shoulders, of the tool are curved so as not to accidentally dig into the surface, but it's safer to cover any adjacent wanted detail with masking tape, just in case...

[MatthewB]

Now THAT is something that I need to get.

Thank you, Biggles.

MB