From the workbench
Scale Modelling Articles & How-tos
Technique, research, colour, tools and practical bench knowledge from Kawartha Scale Modellers.
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King Tiger Engine Secrets: The Porsche-SGP Sla 16 X-16 Diesel Prototype of WWII
Inside the advanced German tank engine — Porsche’s Type 203/212 — built for the Tiger II, E-75, and Maus, but cut short by war’s end. When the Tiger…
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Stretchable Model Ship | Railroad & Aircraft Rigging
Rigging That Brings Models to Life In scale modelling, it’s the smallest details that transform a good build into a great one. A ship’s rigging stretched taut across…
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🛠️🎨 Bench-tested “Surface Grime” Oil Wash Tuned for Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028) using Abteilung 502 Oil Colours
Quick reference — Three Strengths All mixes are measured in drops (use a glass palette + dropper or your paint stirrer). OMS = odourless mineral spirits. Light —…
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Measuring Oil Paint by Drop Equivalents using the Tamiya Stainless Steel Paint Stirrer
Mastering Oil Paints — Quick-Mix Ratio Table When working with weathering effects, filtering, or precise pigment-to-medium ratios, “one drop” of paint isn’t as simple as it sounds—especially if…
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Abteilung 502 — Coal‑Tar Creosote Ties & Dust Washes
A single, integrated workshop-style guide for modelling coal‑tar creosote railway ties at 1:35 using Abteilung 502 oil colours (Bitume, Smoke, Industrial Earth, Cassel Earth, Starship Filth, Buff, etc.).…
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🛠️ KSM • 3rd Annual Boot Swap & Sale 🛠️
SELL SOME STASH – BUY SOME STASH! 📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM📍 Community Living Trent HighlandsLower Level Meeting Room205 McLaughlin Road, Lindsay, ON…
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Master Airbrushing Like a Pro: Conquer the “Terrible Threes” for Flawless Finishes
Avoid Too Heavy, Too Soon, and Too Far Mistakes—Lay Perfect Coats Every Time Whether you’re picking up your airbrush for the first time or returning to a well-worn…
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Mastering Scale Model Lacquers: Hair‑Level Coats, Thinning Ratios, MAC Valves & Thinner Essentials
From perfect hair‑thickness layers to the right thinners—and why professional airbrushers leave levelling additives behind. Backstory: From Frustration to Finish-Line Precision Every seasoned scale modeller has been there:…
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REAL COLOR MARKERS: Tips and Tricks
REAL COLOR MARKERS: Your Mileage May Vary Are you curious about using solvent-based REAL COLOR markers on your scale models? Here’s what you need to know: Managing Expectations…
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Mastering Scale Model Photography: How to Achieve a Perfect All-Black Backdrop
Step-by-Step Strategies for Flawless Isolation, Advanced Lighting, and Precise Post-Processing to Highlight Your Build In the world of scale model photography, capturing every intricate detail while keeping your…