Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Propslip on July 22, 2011, 01:57:03 pm

Title: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Propslip on July 22, 2011, 01:57:03 pm
I am having a cull of model I have not used for some years. Some are now just too big or heavy for me. I am checking them out & making sure they are in working order. My problem is cleaning them. I am at present cleaning up Mountfleets Armed Drifter Osprey & Ben Ain, both built to a very high standard but covered in a very thick layer of dust. Any views on the best way of dealing with this?
                                                                                        Propslip
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: wartsilaone on July 22, 2011, 02:06:55 pm
Hi there Propslip. There is a thread about this some where but I think the conclusion is using a soft painbrush and a bit of compressed air is the best. You can get a tin of air from the computer isle at Tesco.
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Patrick Henry on July 22, 2011, 02:07:44 pm
How about using a tube connected to a small airbrush compressor...you could maybe put a fish tank valve inline so as you could regulate the amount of air coming out?
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Propslip on July 22, 2011, 02:16:11 pm
Yes I am leaning towards air & I do have an air brush compressor. Dry cleaning is not very successful & water just seems to make it worse. So off to the shed to dig out my compressor.
                                                         Propslip
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: mickyrubble on July 22, 2011, 02:32:37 pm
I use an artists hog hair paint brush and an air line from a mini compressor.If you haven't got a compressor the lens cleaning brush photograph rs use are nearly as good.For gunge thats suck to the deck (nicotine ect) you can 'scub' the deck with the hog brush and the suds (only) from washing up liquid.Use small bits of tissue and the brush to clean up. Depending on the paint used you could also try white spirits but be very carefull.
Hope this is of some use :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Propslip on July 22, 2011, 02:48:02 pm
Thanks all the input boys. The airbrush compressor did the job very well, didnt even need a nozzle. I am very pleased with the results.
                                                   Propslip
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: nhp651 on July 22, 2011, 07:09:25 pm
i just use my garden hose with a fine sprinkler on it.....never had any damage done yet...... %% %% %%
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: ray123 on July 22, 2011, 09:17:05 pm
useing air is ok as long as its done outside other wise  the dust will go in the air  & then it will settle on other stuff!!

 i use a  fine brush ie=make up brush or  fondation brush & a hoover :-))    the hoover never touches the model    just dust with the brush &  hold the hoover hose  about 2/3inches away   job well done  no dust on the model  or ''in the air''   
regards ray 
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Spook on July 22, 2011, 11:29:20 pm
I use a 1/2 inch artist's paintbrush, fairly stiff but not too stiff. And a lot of puff. And some kitchen roll to mop up any accidental spit  ok2
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: essex2visuvesi on July 23, 2011, 09:25:11 am
you can use the airbrush itself (empty of course) and a large soft makeup brush
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: brianB6 on July 24, 2011, 12:13:39 am
Since the models were presumably originally meant to sail in water, why not just wash them?
I use warm water and dish washing liquid applied with different size and stiffness paint brushes.
Rinse off with plain water and dry with a soft cloth.
Title: Re: Cleaning Detailed Scale Models
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 24, 2011, 09:22:28 am
Quote
Since the models were presumably originally meant to sail in water, why not just wash them?
I use warm water and dish washing liquid applied with different size and stiffness paint brushes.
Rinse off with plain water and dry with a soft cloth.

Not always practical for a detailed scale model. My models are not really designed to be completely submerged, just to float on the water with maybe some splashes on deck! One problem with dust is that if you use water to try an remove it you get a sticky gunge which is very difficult to remove from corners and crevices.

Colin