A 'Pacific' railway locomotive is a steam engine with the wheel arrangement 4-6-2. What that means is the locomotive...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What is a Pacific locomotive?Read more -
What is a 4 aspect signal?Read moreIn the context of UK railways, a "four-aspect signal" is a type of railway signal that provides four distinct...
-
What is a bus wire?Read moreA bus-wire is a single cable that carries power around a layout with numerous wires splicing off it along the way...
-
What are the benefits of a multiple grit sanding stick?Read moreInevitably in most modelling projects, there is a requirement for the clean-up of parts prior to assembly. This may...
-
What were water cranes used for?Read moreIn the era of steam locomotives, water cranes, often referred to as water columns or water towers, played a crucial...
How do I remove plastic parts from sprues?
When building a plastic kit model it is normal for the parts to come out of the box arranged on a plastic frame. This frame is created by plastic flowing through a channel called a sprue. The model parts are attached to the sprues with little plastic arms called runners. By extension, most modellers will tend to call the whole assembly, including parts and runners, "sprue".
The different parts of the model will be numbered so it is easy to identify each part when prompted by the instructions. To keep the parts organised and save you a lot of head-scratching it is always a good idea to only remove the parts from their frame as you need them and not before.
Enthusiasm can often get the better of us when we get a new model especially for younger modellers and often there's a temptation to grab and twist the part to break it away from its sprue. This may well work but it will leave behind an unsightly twisted plastic stub on the model part and risks damaging the model too.
The best way to remove the plastic parts from their sprues is to use side cutters or a modelling knife (for older modellers). This will give you the best chance of a neat extraction.
By taking your time and being careful at this stage, your model will look a lot better once assembled and your project will be much more satisfying.
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
DISC**Brass craft knife handle
Price: £ 4.75The Craft Tool is an ideal tool for marquetry, modelling, craft, studio work...
K1 Aluminum Knife + safety cap
Price: £ 3.99K1 Aluminum Knife + safety cap K1 Knife comes with replaceable super sharp...
Related posts
-
Do I need to wash my plastic kit?I personally wash all my plastic kits, I use warm soapy water (Washing up liquid) and a light rub over with a nail... - What is Milliput?Milliput is a two-part epoxy putty. There are two different colour rolls in a box when these are mixed together it...
- What modelling tools do I need to get started?Most modellers have an extensive tool kit, a tool for every eventuality. But when first starting a scalpel or a...
- How do I remove parts from the sprue?The short answer is carefully. The best way is with a sprue and plastic cutter but always be mindful of exactly...
- Do I need a cutting mat?It is not essential to have a cutting mat, but it is a good idea. It saves getting in trouble with your significant...