DETAILED+MODELLING



=__**DETAILED MODELLING.**__= There is a range of techniques which can be used to make presentation models more realistic and easier to produce. Here are a few ideas which may help in their production.

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It can be difficult to simulate the split line, which is often seen at the joint of two injection-moulded components. This is sometimes needed when joining two vacuum-formed components. To make the process simple, you can use a double vacuum forming. Having made the mould and vacuum-formed over it, the process can be repeated to give a double skin. When the edges of these formings are trimmed to size, the can be staggered to produce positive and negative locators.

In solid block models, the same problem will be encountered. In this case, roughly cut out a recess around the area where the line will be and then fill it in with car-body filler. Before the filler sets, press in the edge of a plastic sheet, such as acrylic. When the filler is set, the plastic sheet will pull out to leave a split line. This can be done in stages if necessary, starting with a short length and then using the ends of the formed line as a guide to locate the plastic sheet for the next section.

A imilar method can be used to make internal shapes. it is far easier to make a positive component than a negative one. Take, for example, an elliptical recess into which a button or switch is to be set. Rather than have to gouge out the recess, cut its male equivalent in acrylic and give it a polished finish. A hole larger tha the size of the recess can be cut in the model and filled with car-body filler. before it sets, press in the acrylic component then allow the filler to set tio give the required recess. (Indented lettering can be produced in the same way.)

Spirit-based markers can be used on aluminium to simulate an anodised finish.

You can make simple springs by winding thin wire around a rod or dowel. When using a metal such as aluminium, it will slightly work-harden as it is being coiled and so provide some springiness.

Clear acrylic is a useful material for simulating glass/plastic lenses and digital displays. The gentle dome of a lens can be turned on either a metal or wood lathe using coventional tools. Wet and dry abrasive paper followed by a polishing material can then be uswed to finish the acrylic. Other shapes can be made in the same way but will clearly be more labour intensive depending on their complexity. Computer graphics and/or text can be set to give a more realistic impression of the finished product.

When making scale models, it is simple to give the impression of the actual material using reduced photocopies on acetate sheet. Images of materials, such as perforated sheet steel, can be found in trade magazines. These can be reduced and applied to your model using spray mount.

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