28 November 2015

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork II: Mold Release and Foot-pegs

Pre-prep is now a fait accompli! The only downside to DWC's castings is that their current pro- ducer is a bit heavy-handed with his mold release. This was the case with Mortis--and most certainly with the present project. 

While annoying to varying degrees, my concern lies with the unwitting miniaturist who knows no better. Every miniaturist/modeller knows to give his model a thorough washing with warm soapy water before letting the paints flow. With styrene kits, this will suffice as the most one has to be concerned with is skin oils from handling, and any production "residue". Resin, however, is signi- ficantly different; and sometimes a "thorough washing" is simply not enough. I suggest the follow- ing process: 1) "curing" the piece/s for 1-2 hrs. in the oven; 2) soaking 2-3 nights in an industrial-strength [purple] degreaser; and then 3) scrubbing down with a non-abrasive cleansing powder--I use Comet. PERFECT!

By the end of the weekend, I hope to have the rear third of the Lawmaster assembled and filled. Once that is done, I can began final assembly and detailing on the engine (carbs, wiring, etc.)... 

Stay tuned!

FOLLOW-UP. . . The rear third has been assembled and preliminarily filled and fitted. I should point out that the rear third was filled with MS before assembling: the mounting peg will be inserted in the rear tire. 

FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . The rear third has been permanently attached to the middle section--save for the front end, we have a 'bike'! This in turn led to checking the fit of the figure on the bike, and it immediately became apparent why we haven't seen more of these finished, featured in build- ups, etc.: the figure does not fit on the bike! Shame. . . While a severe disappointment, there are a number of work-arounds which will be assessed on their relative merits.

FOLLOW-UP (3) . . . After due consideration of the options before me, and an extensive review of the canon art, I decided that the most expedient course would be relocating the foot-pegs. To this end, I have already removed the 'pegs. . .  

UPDATE 29.11.15. . . Footpeg relocation and replacement have been completed! The unevenly cast 'pegs were replaced with brass tubing. The fit of the rider is now approximate -- <1mm off. This unfortunately cannot be finalized until the groundwork is done, and pre-paint staging completed.

When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

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