ORIGINAL: saramos
I agree that panel lines come out over scale. I use 1/64" chart tape for making panel lines. That translates to a bit over 1/16" at full size. Unfortunately, it's not possible to do everything to true scale. But after sanding and painting, I think that the results add more to the realism than distract. These issues are even more pronounced in other hobbies such as static plastic models or model railroading. Some possible improvements might be to cover a plane in a product like Flite Metal and creating true butt joints with the product. That would be a good choice on a natural finished plane, but adds to weight and a lot of work. One area that I wish I had the skill to reproduce is the small distortions in the aluminum skin as a result of it's application to the frame and distortions from stress. The perfectly smooth surfaces of RC models just doesn't look right. When it comes down to it, you always have to make compromises.
Scott
Hi Scott,
Can I ask, do you lay down the chart tape then paint over it and leave it, leaving a rise, OR do you lay down the chart tape, paint then peal off, leaving a groove.
My plan was to primer it, mark the panel lines with a pencil, then using a flexi ruler and a hobby knife cut down the pencil line leaving a groove. I have tried this and it looks perfect when I was using Alclad II which is a real thin airbrushed paint. Now I've changed my paint scheme and I'm going for a camo design, but the grooves are that thin they can fill with paint. Therefore I need a plan B.
Cheers,
James