Panel lines and rivets
 

When making panel lines, modelers talk about using 1/16 and 1/32 tape. Is this the width or the thickness of the tape? When using glue to make rivets, what kind of glue do you use? Do white glue and wood glue work, and hold up well?

Panel lines and rivets
 

They are referring to chart tape, and this is the width. 1/64 is also common.
For glue to make rivets, you will get lots of answers. I usually use RC56 (I think the pacer version is RC560) this is a canopy glue. I have seen elmers used, some people water thin it, It really depends on application technique and needle diameter.
Mike

Panel lines and rivets
 

It is chart tape and the most common brand that I know of is Chart Pak, available at most art supply stores and several places on line. While 1/64" wide is common it is difficult to work with. Typically 1/5 scale models or larger the guys seem to use 1/16" wide tape and smaller scales use 1/32" wide. The methods of application vary quite a lot. I like to primer my plane then apply the tape and do the rest of the painting. Then, remove the tape which leaves the primer showing, then using a darker color in a small airbrush go back over the tape "grooves" and spray them. After the paint dries sand or steel wool the overspray back to the grooves.

For rivets I usually use just plain ole Elmers glue. I have taken a Trinity oiler that the car guys use and dump the oil and use that as an applicator for the rivets. The rivets go on last and hold up very well. If you need to you can always go back and touch them up as needed.

Panel lines and rivets
 

Tell me more about how to apply the rivets. I always assumed they were just applied using the bottle to make dots.

Panel lines and rivets
 

There are probably many ways of applying raised rivets. The method I use is simply to apply drops of glue from the oiler. You can vary the size of the drop by the pressure on the applicator and the speed at which they are applied. A little practice will help quite a lot. It is a very fast method of applying rivets. I did an entire 101" B25 in a weekend. I have had this Trinity oiler for a number of years, I assume they are still available or at least something similar.

Panel lines and rivets
 

You should visit my buddy's SBD site... it's CHOCK FULL of scale info he's learned thru this project...

http://www.renderwurx.com/rc/SBD

Panel lines and rivets
 

Mordib,
In fact, it was your buddy who inspired me on this subject. I followed a thread in the Warbirds forum about the SBD's. I am planning on building a Dauntless by converting the plans of an A-17, however it is rather small, I think the wingspan is about 50". On a plane of this size, would it be too heavy to use fiberglass cloth? It sounds like fiberglass gives the best surface for adding scale details. I have never tried much detail before, so this plane will be my test bed.
Everyone, thanks for all of your help.

RE: Panel lines and rivets
 

MOst replies you;ve received call for raised rivets using glue. If the plane has flush rivets glue won't work. I use a small wood burning tool with the right size brass tube insert, and lightly burn them in on the prime coat, before final color. Works great. Ex Canuck