Questions about Rivets
 

I have a question about rivets. The rivet detail on a lot of scale models are beautiful, but I have notice on the full scale jets that I have had an opportunity to see up close ( F18-F15 etc..), you cannot see a many rivets, the panel lines are visible but not the rivets. I have flown on numerous commercial flights and the rivets are visible an those aircraft.
I would like to know why this is. I am sure there are a lot of you guys out there who have worked on the military aircraft and can give me an answer. My guess is that maybe the all the rivet indentions cause drag?
I want the scale models that I build to look realistic and I am trying to decide on rivet detail or not.
Thanks
David

RE: Questions about Rivets
 

I worked on the MiG-17, you can definately see the rivets on that. Although they are alot more pronounced on our models than they are in reality. It's one of those scaling issues. They look great on our models, even though they stand out more than on the full scale.


I prefer a highly detailed surface over a more bland one that could possibly be considered more "scale"

RE: Questions about Rivets
 

David,

Most of the full scale rivets you'll see are flush heads, either because the skin is dimpled or countersunk to make the skin smoother. Primer & paint (especially flat military paint) does a good job of filling in a lot of the marks left over. Look closely at a rivet head next time & you'll see a little mark in the middle of it, that indicates the hardness & type of material the rivet is composed of.

Cargo planes (C-130's, C-5's etc) have a lot more button head (protruding) rivets on the fuse areas and are much more prominent.

rpmtech is right on with the scaling issue.... most of the fasteners used on full scale would never be seen when scaled down to "average" model size.

Bob

RE: Questions about Rivets
 

I can see these.
It depends on what model and If it is painted. Paint will cover rivits. Bare metal airplanes will show rivits easily.
Scott

RE: Questions about Rivets
 

My Mig has the rivets, I was just contemplating what to do on my F18, The full size ones that I have seen the rivets are not noticeable.
thanks David