Part Two of Model Preparation

Washing the model

So hmmm why Should I wash the model I just got done scraping sanding the thing? Mold release and the oils from your fingers are all over the model you have worked so hard to make look so good why cut this corner now? I know some of you might say I have never had a problem before for.
For me all it takes is one time I that I do not do this step and all my hard work looks like crap be cause the primer didn’t adherer just right.I take all my stuff to the was bin. Use warm soapy water and scrub them with with a soft bush I use a nail brush.(tooth brush is ok)
Then I rinse them off in clean running water and let them dry toughly. You can try to speed this up if you want I put them in layers of paper towels  to draw off the water pat them dry  but will let them sit for some time and check for any water left on them before I start painting.

Priming

What brand you use?


What Brand of Primer you use isn’t as  important as technique and what type of tip you use. I was taught in auto body class to  start spraying off and stop spraying off of the object you are painting.  Keep each pass the same distance from start to finish no mater the distance you spray from  be it 1” to  1’ as long as it is the same from the start, also do not swing your arm as this will cause your arm to move in a  arc and feather your edges which will cause a uneven coat of paint this will really show up on tank and any large models. Remember a few light coats is better then one heavy coat of paint.

Model Preparation Tips

I was reading over some blogs the other night and did not see a lot of stuff out there covering the basics of modeling .
This might be some real basic information to most of you.
My hope is that every one might at least learn some thing.
Here are some techniques that I have pick up form all different places and just doing it.

Mold Lines

Cleaning up mold lines I use the back of my hobby knife blade #11 blade there are two designs of blades (Picture A) I like to use the straight back (needle point) and a drop point  I really like the blade with the drop point at the back of the tip it is a shorter  edge to scrape with. Tighter spaces I go with the needle point blade it is nice if you have a fit in small tight places.

Picture A

Pictures B

Mold Lines
The way I remove the lines is to scrape them at a slight angle to the mold line  I do not fallow the line I am working on with the blade but rather pull it toward my self at the angle letting the contour of the model guide my direction. (picture B) If it is cylindrical like a leg I work the blade over the crest of the cylinder. I have found that fallowing the the line in a straight down will sometimes create a flat line taking down the curve.  This is not always possible to do on. For longer straight flat lines you can fallow the line. I will also do this when filing down a mold line.
Seam Scraping.
Another thing I do is what I call seam scraping if I am butting two pieces together that you do not want the seam as visible. I will scrape the seam at a angle pulling crossed the seam. Then pull two pieces apart then glue them and put them back  together and run the blade over it again one its set . It make a tighter fit and helps to hide the joint if it is not supposed to be seen.

Incoming! From games workshop newletter

Throne of Skulls Grand Tournaments

"The Throne of Skulls is coming: Games Workshop's system for Grand Tournaments promising great games, friendly competition and the chance to enjoy the Games Workshop hobby: over to Jervis Johnson to tell you more.Our Throne of Skulls Grand Tournaments are all about having a great time playing one of your favorite games. Over the years they have proved to be a huge success, and so we are now planning to run more of them, in more places round the world, than ever before. As part of this process we're updating the way we run our tournaments, to make it even easier for players to have the best time possible. Our aim is simply to get people together so they can play games, meet up with their mates and immerse themselves in the hobby for a day or two.
Tournaments are not just about fighting battles; there are lots of other things to do as well. They offer an unrivalled opportunity to make new friends and see some really great armies. You're sure to come away with some new ideas for your own collection, and hints and tips on how to achieve the best effects. There are usually plenty of other activities to take part in too. You'll find that a Throne of Skulls Grand Tournament is a fantastic way to celebrate all aspects of the Games Workshop hobby."

I am looking at trying to play in a few tournaments and this sound like a good way to start.
What do you think have you played in a in one of Throne of Skulls Tournaments?
If you have what do you think of them? leave a comment tell us all the good,bad and the ugly....