Posted by Mark Darrah on June 28, 2000 at 23:12:32:
In Reply to: titanic model questions posted by hayden on June 28, 2000 at 21:35:53:
: Has anyone got rid of the stand that is included in the delux kit?I am thinking of replacing it with a wooden stand, but i dont know if the gold plastic will stick to the wood, any suggestions?
Yes, I am doing just that, although I plan to dispense with the kit pedstals too. You should be able to find a wood plaque at a art supply store, but it'll likely be unfinished. Regardless of that, forget about trying to glue the pedestals onto the wood. If you're intent on using them, I would first glue them together (remember to sand or scrape off the plating on the mating surfaces first). Once they are dry, drill a hole in the bottom of each pedestal big enough to take a wood screw. You'll want to use a drill size slightly larger than recommended for the screw, because the plastic doesn't have the "give" that wood does. Try it out first by HAND (don't use a powered driver). If it becomes too difficult to turn, or if the plastic starts to crack, back off and open the hole some more until you get a "just"snug fit.
Then drill corresponding holes in the bottom of the wood base big enough to let the threads of the screw through all the way (so it turns freely in the wood). You'll want to use a countersinking bit to allow the screw head to fit flush. Then just run the screw up through the wood and screw it into the pedestal.
Just remember to take it easy while drilling the plastic. I'd start with a small bit (1/16 inch) and work your way up to larger sizes. It might be best to do it by hand.
: HAS anyone got any idea as to how to rid of the ugly holes that are on the funnels( where the rigging goes ) I THINK IT MAKES THE KIT LOOK WORSE !
Filler putty would be the first thought, but you'll end up destroying the raised panel lines on the funnels when you go to sand it. Be aware that once you have painted the black tops of the funnels, including the large raised band above the holes, they aren't that noticable. The band tends to hide them except when viewed from below.
If you are really want to fill them in, you might try some Evergreen half round strips, since the holes are roughly dish shaped anyway. You could sand the end to a slight curve to match the curve of the funnel and then insert them from behind (or from the outside if you've already glue the funnels together) until they are flush with the outside of the funnel. Once painted, I think they would go a long way towards hiding the outline of the holes, and shouldn't require sanding at all if you are careful with the positioning. Remember, the funnels are capped at the top, so you don't have to worry about the strips sticking out inside. Use the thin type liquid glue sparingly with a brush to keep the cement from attacking the plastic around the hole.
Otherwise, your only choice is to fill them in with putty and sand them along with the panel lines, then re-drill smaller holes. If you use masking tape below the holes, you can limit the damage caused by the sanding, and it may not be as noticable. I like the Testors white putty for this kind of work because it is easy to sand. Note that putty is weak, and won't make a very good anchor for the lines, so you might want to tie the inside ends to a short piece of wire to act as an anchor.
I can't guarantee any of this, but I hope this gives you some ideas. Good luck!