Modellings tips and answers - Modelling in 1/35 scale - Videos

This week in history

On Monday 16th January 1961, the Eastern Region of British Railways made history by taking delivery of a brand new locomotive.  The locomotive in question was D9001, the first Deltic Class Diesel locomotive to gain operational status on 23rd February 1961.  The British Rail Class 55, were better known as 'Deltics', the name being a reference to the 3,300 hp Napier Deltic engine that powered each locomotive.  Twenty-two Deltics were built and these replaced the 55 'Pacifics' designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.  The lower number of Deltics was achievable due to the fact that steam locomotives require considerable time to clean, fuel and fire.  

This week's tool for thought is the Decal Set & Soften by Vantage Modelling Solutions (VMS).  As the name suggests, this is a 2 in 1 solution that contains both setting and softening solutions.  The painted surface of the model should be ideally allowed 5 days to fully cure before the solution is applied.  Firstly a small amount of the fluid is applied to the location for the decal, this will allow the decal to properly adhere to the surface.  Fluid can then be applied by a brush to the decal once in place, this will help soften the decal allowing it to fully contour to the surface of the model, including recessed panel lines, casting textures and Zimmerit.  Throughout this process, the decal can gently be pressed into place with a soft cloth or cotton bud.  Any excess fluid can effectively be neutralised by applying a little water around the edges with a brush.  The solution is water-soluble so any brushes used can easily be cleaned under a tap.

For many modellers, one of the most satisfying aspects of our craft is the ability to take a subject, such as a train, vehicle, aircraft, ship or figure, and place it in a realistic setting, thus bringing the subject more fully to life. For many train modellers, this next step is to establish a working layout where their locomotives and rolling stock truly come to life. For those modelling other subjects, the most practical solution is to place their particular subject in a diorama that offers context to the model. For those working with vehicles, one of the most practical scales to work in is 1/35. This allows a reasonable level of detail but also lends itself well to a diorama setting without being too demanding on space. Other benefits of 1/35 are that it is a popular scale with many manufacturers and also has the ability to integrate with figures and aviation subjects produced in the same scale. Miniart is a model manufacturer from Ukraine. They have been quick to realise the potential of 1/35 scale in being well-suited to a wide variety of diorama settings. This newsletter will seek to examine a selection of items in the Mini-Art range that would help to populate and develop a diverse range of diorama subjects.

Many modellers in 1/35 scale will choose to create a military setting for their dioramas, whereas others may choose to develop a workshop-based scenario. For those looking to create the latter, Miniart has much to offer. Perhaps the best place to start would be their 'Tool Set' which provides so many of the basic tools found in a workshop. The  'Construction Set' and 'Scaffoldings' kits offer some further tools to develop this theme but also provide sufficient variety for modellers who will wish to develop a building-site-themed diorama.

Further supporting infrastructure is provided by the 'High-Pressure Cylinders and Welding Equipment Set', the 'Field Workshop Tools and Accessories Set' and the '5 Ton Gantry Crane and Equipment' Set. These three sets would lend themselves especially well to modellers looking to create a field garage or forward support base as their subject matter.

Inevitably, workshops and maintenance areas become cluttered not only with the tools of the trade but the packing materials and other associated detritus of the job. The 'Wooden Pallets', 'Small Carts Collection' and 'Fuel and Oil Drums 1930-50s' sets allow a modeller to faithfully recreate much of this additional clutter that will add that extra level of depth and realism to any diorama.

After a busy day in the workshop, our hard-working mechanics may just be able to squeeze in some time for a quick beer, and with the 'Beer Bottles and Wooden Crates' set, they'll be spoilt for choice! The 'Railway Tools and Equipment' and 'Railroad Power Poles and Lamps' sets add further opportunities for the modeller to vary the range of supporting infrastructure within their diorama whilst offering tremendous opportunities to diversify into a wide range of subjects.

The kits mentioned in this newsletter provide a taster of the range of supporting sets offered by Miniart in 1/35 scale. Given that there are also other manufacturers producing similar kits, the range of options for 1/35 scale dioramas is truly immense. Why not consider a 1/35 scale diorama for one of your upcoming projects?

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