Hi Guys. New X-wing newbee question.

[jake88]

Hello guys! just got an MPC 1983 (ROTJ edition) 1:43rd. (I think) X-Wing. I know this has been talked about many times here most likely but after examination I discovered that the top half left side of the fuselage (just forward of the cockpit) is badly warped. What is the best way to right this area? I believe its styrene. Tan, to the best of my eyesight. I've heard of the hair dryer method and hot water. Anyone have some first hand experience? :confused

Thanks so much!


jake

 

[division 6]

Probably hot water then cold.
Make sure it's not to hot or it will destroy the piece.

Another thing you might want to try is adding bulkheads to keep the shape.

 

[Bradicus]

Might help to post a pic too so we can see the damage.

 

[Propsjonnyb]

Hair dryer , or hot gun if your'e more experienced , then into a bucket of Cold water with ice in it, you want to 'set' the styrene in to place ! So once you have the piece shaped use a batten block , ( piece of wood or whatever carved or sanded into the right shape) as a form press, then into the bucket.

I've fixed many a misshapen piece like this , especially if certain people leave their kits perched on a radiator !! OOOps!!

 

[jake88]

Thanks for the tips. I got the hull straightened out using hot water and then the ice water bath. I have two more for you:
1. What is a "hero" x-wing compared to a regular model?

2. What are some good ways to display the model when done? What type of base can I use and where do you get these "armatures" that can pivot? I want one.


Thanks in advance

 

[jake88]

Anyone?

 

[Ineffable13]

Typically a 'hero' prop or model is superdetailed, and used in closeup shots where that sort of thing can be noticed. A regular prop/model might be used if it will be in the background of a shot and just needs to be there, but will be partially out of frame, or the depth of field will have it out of focus. This is especially prevalent with guns. There is usually a hero prop for closeups, rubber or resin casts for when it is dropped or thrown, a full working model for firing it, pretty much one for every situation.

As far as armatures, I have no idea. I haven't used them. For X-wings, a death star tile base is popular. I just go with make the model do what you love about it. If you love the death star runs, then go in that direction. Maybe you want to crash it in Dagobah's swamp, put it on a landing platform at Cloud City, or have it sitting on the display line at a used starship lot. You're only limited by your imagination.

 

[Robiwon]

An armature for an X-Wing is typically a metal tube that runs nose to tail. It also will have a wing opening/closing mechanism that the wings bolt to. It also allows for the model to be screwed to a base. You only see these types of devices used in the 2 foot Studio Scale X-Wings though.

Check this thread for some good armature shots.

http://www.therpf.com/f10/red-4-hero-x-wing-machined-armature-motorized-48660/

 

[jake88]

Thanks guys!