Stress free simulated weld lines for scale models.
One simple way I like to simulate metal weld lines on scale model kits is through the use of thin styrene rod melted and formed to look like weld beads. Hit the video above for a full video walkthrough.
Take a straight styrene rod .020-.040 and put a curve in it, using your fingers like a ribbon for holiday gifts, but your fingers are the scissors.
So that you won’t have to fight against it much during gluing phase.
Once you have the rod roughly the same curvature it s ready to start gluing down and forming with a metal tool.
Tamiya Extra thin cement.
Or Get you some Butyl Acetate
Kemper tools W24 loop tool.
This round metal loop tool I’ve used for almost all.
can also cut a 22-45 angle to the tip of a thin brass tube 2-3mm to get half-moon-shaped welds. Any small blunt metal tool really.
Pressing and tapping.
Re-Apply glue as you work to soften the styrene rod until it stays down then just press tap the tip until you have a nice weld bead texture and let sit overnight ready to sand and paint.
The line of styrene just finished getting textured.
