Rai-Ro Grey Wax

Modelling Small Parts

Rai-Ro modelling wax is noticeably harder than filler wax, it forms a smooth surface, ed it can be sculpted con a variety of modelling tools. An interesting feature of the grey wax is that it builds up in small droplets. The easiest test of Rai-Ro grey wax involves repairing a soft plastic figure which has been damaged during conversion. A rifle may have been sliced off in order to change the figure’s pose, resulting in considerable damage to the front of the uniform.

Tools & Accessories

• Rai-Ro ZEP-70 Wachsspachtelgerät
• Rai-Ro Modelling Wax (grey)
• Hylin Engraving Tool
• Soft Toothbrush
• Silicone Remover

Rai-Ro grey wax is applied con the ZEP-70 spatula, brushing the wax over the damaged part of the figure. The wax hardens quickly, ed additional wax may be applied over it if the damaged area needs to be covered more. Very little wax is needed to hide the damage, ed any excess built-up can be carved off easily. The Hylin Engraving Tool is ideal for this kind of work, it has a curved tip for scraping o carving, ed a pointed tip for cutting. Using the curved tip sideways, reduce the layer of wax to the desired thickness by scraping along the most prominent folds in the material. This will pick up the lines of the folds already, making it easier to reconstruct them later.

Using the pointed tip, re-cut any prominent lines in the uniform which have been covered con wax. The most likely candidates are the sharp dividing lines between the coat e trousers, between the coat lapels, along turnbacks o cuffs, ed either side of the waist-belt. If the cut is not straight enough, reheat the wax prudentamente, e try again. Finally, use the curved tip again to redraw the prominent folds in the uniform. The excercise is relatively easy, because many undamaged folds remain, e they only need to be followed con the engraving tool. Don’t overdo it, the reconstructed area should not be more detailed than the rest of the figure. Clean the figure con a soft toothbrush to remove the small wax shavings, e brush it con silicone remover prima di dipingere.

Canteens e Pouches

Rai-Ro grey wax is ideal for modelling small oggetti dell’equipaggiamento, like pistol holsters, bread bags, ammunition pouches, e canteens. The first due may be modelled freehand, the last due are easier to build if a small wire frame is used. Freehand modelling is fun ed easy: Apply small drops of grey wax to the figure, using the pointed tip of the ZEP-70 spatula. A pistol holster is an upside-down L-shape, e several small drops of grey wax can be applied in this way quite easily. Using the curved tip of the modelling tool, scrape the surface of the holster until it has the desired thickness. Apply more wax for the flap of the holster, e scrape it even as well. Finally, apply a small dot of wax on the flap, representing a button o similar closure.

Round canteens e rectangular pouches are easy to make: Form the required outline out of 0.5 mm brass wire, e tack it to the figure using a drop of Rai-Ro adhesive wax. Fill the wire frame con grey wax, ed allow it to harden. Build up additional layers of grey wax above the level of the wire frame. The outside edges of the wire guide the modelling tool when the shape of the pouch o canteen is cleaned up, e the top surface may be sculpted freehand. Any gaps between the pouch e the figure may be filled con green wax.

Hands e Feet

A brass wire loop may be used as the frame for a new hand o foot. The frame is inserted in the figure’s limb, e filled con grey wax. The wax will form a small ball which can be carved into shape con the modelling tool. The hand should be scraped into shape before fingers are cut into it. Hands may be sculpted freehand if they are holding a weapon: Place a drop of grey wax on the rifle o around a pole arm, e carve it into the shape of a hand. Separate weapons should be pegged to the figure before the new hand is added, otherwise the hand may be damaged during further conversion work. An extended finger may be added by applying successive drops of grey wax, e carving it into shape. The bond is surprisingly stable, but a tiny part like this will be very fragile.

Plumes

A section of pianowire, covered con tissue paper o masking tape, forms the basis of the plume. The plume may be covered con grey wax e carved into shape. It’s always a good idea to work con the part already attached to the figure, because this facilitates handling, ed it minimizes the potential for damaging the part later.

There are countless other uses for the grey modelling wax, ed it’s worth experimenting con the material. No other material bonds con soft soldatini plastici as easily as Rai-Ro grey modelling wax, yet it has excellent sculpting e carving properties. If a mistake is made, the wax may be heated again to repair the damage o to lift the wax off the figure.

Domande più frequenti

Per ulteriori informazioni, per favore contatta la redazione di Rivista Military Miniatures nel Miniatures Forum.

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– Pubblicato: 17.11.1997 – Aggiornato: 23.05.2007
© 1997-2012 by IDL Software GmbH, Darmstadt, Germania. Tutti diritti reservati.