Page 16 - May 2020

There are a variety of scribing tools from which to
choose. There is the traditional sickle-shaped
scribing tool as well as almost any tool with a thin
V-shaped point such as a sewing pin, number 11
Xacto blade or a needle in a pin vice. Along with
choosing a scribing tool, you will need to choose a
Scribing Surface Details on Your Aircraft guide or template suitable for the project. For a
flat surface requiring straight lines, you can use
This tutorial explains how to replace raised details with
scribed lines. Prior to about twenty-five years ago, the almost any straight surface. There are a number
of scribing templates produced by aftermarket
typical plastic model airplane kit had unrealistic-looking
modeling companies. For tightly curved surfaces
raised panel lines or countless rows of rivet heads
covering the model’s surface. This is because it was too such as the fuselage, you can use label making
tape like that made by Dymo. It will contour to
expensive to develop the steel injection molding tools
the surface while being thick enough to act as a
that could simulate recessed panel lines. During the late
1980’s we started to see models with more realistic- guide to your scribing tool.
looking recessed panel lines. This was due to advances in
the mold-cutting techniques that made it made it
possible to economically develop steel molds with the
raised details necessary to create the recessed features in
the injection molded plastic parts. However, many kits
made from older injection molds are still on the market
today and some newer kits have some raised features
that would look much more realistic when converted to
recessed features.

Usually the first step when scribing a plastic
airplane model is to make smooth the parts to be
scribed. You can start by shaving off as much
detail as possible with a dull hobby knife (a sharp
blade increases the chance of gauging into the
surface). After shaving, finish the removal by
lightly wet sanding with fine sandpaper (800-grit
or finer). After sanding and shaving, it is often
possible to still see the faint remnants of the
original panel lines making then useful as a guide
to scribe the recessed details.

There are many reasons to convert to recessed panel
lines and details. A big advantage of recessed features is
that they can receive a light wash to show weathering as
part of the finishing coats. Also, kits rarely assemble so
that opposing parts align perfectly. Panel lines often have
to be removed and re-scribed. Lastly, a high gloss finish
will highlight surface detail making recessed lines much
more desirable.