rec.models.scale FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
From: Don_Schmitz@transarc.com
Date: Mon Aug 3, 1998
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Part 1
This page contains a table of contents for
the rec.models.scale frequently asked questions (FAQ) list. The FAQ is archived
in multiple sections. See section 2 for a more detailed introduction to this
FAQ.
Culture and Etiquette
This section is intended to give some background as to what
rec.models.scale is about and explain some of the mechanics
of newsgroups - it is aimed at the novice internet user.
General Questions About Modeling
This section covers some of the frequently asked questions about the
general workings of the hobby/business of scale modeling. The questions
and answers here don't cover techniques - they are background information
for newcomers to the hobby.
General how-to questions
This sections covers frequently asked questions regarding construction
techniques that can be answered in a few paragraphs. Questions with
longer answers have their own FAQ section. Most of these questions
are fairly general, although some very specific questions are asked so
frequently I've included them here too.
More General how-to questions
This section is an extension of part 4, it covers frequently asked
questions regarding construction techniques that can be answered in a
few paragraphs. Questions with longer answers have their own FAQ
section.
How to make your own photo-etched parts.
How to obtain a really high gloss finish.
How to get a realistic "bare metal" finish.
This section contains assorted
lists of information. Much of this
information was taken from previous versions of the FAQ, and so
may be dated - I welcome updates. The lists include:
o A list of questions without answers.
o Addresses of mail order companies and aftermarket suppliers.
o Modeling clubs and special interest groups.
o Intersting websites.
This section contains more lists - it was broken up to keep
mailers with 30Kb message limits happy.
o Magazines, newsletters, etc.
o Museums that provides sources of research.
o Model manufacturers and distributors.
Various comments on individual link tank tracks (long).
What are the basics of building resin models?
How to make custom decals
Painting tips for assorted (real and fictional) space craft
Questions on weathering and detail painting.
Lists of hobby shops and interesting places to visit while travelling.
This section is about paints and painting. It tries to answer some
general questions about materials and techniques. Someday I
hope to add a follow on section discussing various types of paints
in more details.
This section is a how-to guide for making cast resin parts.
This section is a collection of "advanced" building techniques -
various
ways to build models that are substantially better and/or different
than those available in kit form. Examples include scratchbuilding and
panel-line scribing.
If you are just starting out in modeling you may want to avoid trying
these techniques until you have a few kits under your belt. Beginners
may well consider these techniques ridiculously extreme, however after
you've been in the hobby for while you may well be bitten by the
"Advanced Modeler's Syndrome" bug and go off in search of the ever
more-perfect model, at which time this information is likely to
become very valuable.
The material here is far from a "text book" treatment but includes a
lot of general information and some more specific tips.