SPA Modeler

Sometimes my humor is quite ethereal.

Floki wrote:Wow the kazoo has wings!

As for a pin vice I got this one at Hobby Lobby I believe it was in the jewelry beading section for around $7 and came with about a dozen small bits, not sure the size.


As for bits Menards carries micro bits I have also bought some cheap on Amazon.

I have the same one. It's worked well for me. And you can get some small drill bits that will work in it as well.

Thanks so much, Mike! Sincerely!

speedgraflex wrote:
Also I need help. I lost my tool set, and need to replace my pin vise and bits. Tamiya is sold out. Any options? Help help help.

Try Harbor Freight or hardware store like Lowe’s, Home Depot or even maybe Hobby Lobby. I’m the lucky one since I aquired a lot of my grandfather’s old pin vises and micro drill bits. Oh don’t get me wrong, I buy extra micro drills in case. You never know when one breaks since they are delicate and tiny.

Thank you so much for your great suggestions, Tom! Sincerely!

I've collected a bunch of pin-vises from all of the drill bit purchases I've made. They are very handy and it's good to have a few laying around.

Thanks for your thoughts, John. I ordered a beautifully machined pin vise, bits, cutter and a 1/72 riveter from John Vojtech at Unique Master Models (UMM-USA). I ordered from him before and struck up a conversation. He is an extremely gifted model builder as well, and he has a great selection of small tools, as well as paints and kits.

UMM-USA has a GREAT selection of tools! Thank goodness their website is a bit difficult to negotiate or I would've spent even more money there!

speedgraflex wrote:Thanks for your thoughts, John. I ordered a beautifully machined pin vise, bits, cutter and a 1/72 riveter from John Vojtech at Unique Master Models (UMM-USA). I ordered from him before and struck up a conversation. He is an extremely gifted model builder as well, and he has a great selection of small tools, as well as paints and kits.

I've met him several times before at model shows with his UMM bench set up. Every time I've talked to him he says in his thick deep Russian accent "Ah friend I have just the tool you need"

jkim wrote:UMM-USA has a GREAT selection of tools! Thank goodness their website is a bit difficult to negotiate or I would've spent even more money there!

I totally agree with you, bud. Totally. It’s a happy place for drill bits, and so much more.

I am getting ready to tackle the engine next.

One of my primary sources is the wreckage of the Red Baron’s Triplane which is or was installed in a museum following his crash. The pieces which survived looting soldiers include the seat (stripped of its outer covering and harness) and engine. Here is a photo of the engine:



I am also thinking I will address the underwing seam, by covering it over with a structural plate (I don’t know exactly what these are called). Best example - and another great engine photo - comes off of the Wingnut Wings development site: