Struggling with building assembly and painting results

can't understand why brick designs don't line up. you could use resin filler but the brick design will still not be there although after painting it may not show very much. on the brush strokes, I always prime first then use acrylics. works like a charm.

jerrman

You can use a filler for the crack.  I just use wood filler. you can then cut new grout lines but they often do not line up.  most kits come with down spouts (wire)  that you can place to run down the crack to cover it up.  For painting the windows I have found that painting the building the window color gives evenly painted windows.  then I just hand paint the brick. The brick paint will not be even but neither are the colors of real brick.  Then grout the groves with your favorite method.  With the Korber kits make sure you sand the back sides and ends to remove the paint that is on the walls from Korber.  if you do not you are just gluing to paint which will not give any strength.  when you build your models you will see all of the defects.  once you place them on the layout with other things you will not be focusing on the defects and see the whole building and details around it.  the defects will virtually disappear.

A better quality kit is usually worth the extra cost.

If the parts are warped, then these should be flattened before assembly.

Heating under a lamp bulb and then a flat metal plate with some weigh on top will work.

use some scrap to determine the amount of heat required,  be careful not to overheat.

 

The edges should be sanded evenly until they match up before assembly. Some times the edges must be squared off first.

 

A primer coat my help in the painting step.

You just have to keep building

 

-Ted

Currently working on a Stone Mill Models, Sudbury Mill. It is a very good kit with accurate carved stones around the 2 fronts. Morter lines line up perfectly. I bought Charma Oil House a few years ago, then the company went dark, but in past 2 weeks has resurfaces. Mike Rebiero is the owner and takes pride in his mold accuracy. These are not inexpensive resin kits, but fairly priced.

Dave G.

If you are working with a resin plastic kit, you can re-shape any ill fitting parts just by running hot water over them and bending them to your desired fit.  It doesn't take much heat to soften resin plastic.   If it is injection molded plastic, it is a different story and will require a heat gun and there is a really fine line between enough heat and too much.