Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Another Mosaic Pattern

Yesterday, my brakes let me know in no uncertain terms that they have reached the end of their life.  Our neighbor across the street refused to let us pay to have our car towed and said he would do our brakes on Wednesday. He said he would stop on the way home tonight and pick up the pads and rotors so we would be all set on Wednesday when he comes home from work.
In the meantime, idle hands can become the devils workshop; so it's said.  Bearing that in mind and knowing I  have some more Laser Cut card models coming from Japan shortly, I did not want to get involved in any major task.  The grass has been raked from winters trash and fertilizer spread.  Snow shovel stored, (Were not going to have anymore snow, are we Lord?).
Ah! Now is a perfect time to get out the Mosaic set and play a while.  After making several different patterns, I chose this one from the Mosaic Set Book 2.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Laser Cut Card Models

One of my favorite places to visit everyday via the Internet is a place called Hobby Link Japan. Here is the web address:  http://www.hlj.com/




A few weeks ago, I came across Laser Cut Card Models while doing my daily visit to the web site.  Interesting I thought.  So I ordered a Two-wheeled Cart to see what they might be like.  Much to my pleasure and surprise, I found the model to be excellent.  Small to be sure, but this makes them all the more attractive. This model came in a clear cello package and measured 4 x 6 inches.  The actual model measures a little over 2.5 x 1. x .75 inch.


All the parts have been Laser cut into a stiff piece of card stock in tan.  The base was a square piece of gray card stock. There are ten parts to the model and when you hold the card to the light, one can see where each part is still attached to the card.  A sharp number 11 blade was used to separate each part and no trim was necessary except one wheel where I used a fine emery board to touch it up a little.  Putting the model together requires no special handling as it is a straight forward assembly.  First, I used a glue stick to bind both parts of the frame.  The glue allows just enough time to move the two pieces around for alignment.  Then I placed a weight on top to keep it flat while the glue dried completely.  The two wheels were done the same way.  The barrels required a little extra effort.  As card modelers know, wetting the back side helps a great deal when forming a part.  Using a cotton swab, I wet the back side of the barrel and kept rolling it into the round barrel shape. A little glue and soon both barrels were done.


A little glue on the wheels and they were attached. After a while, a small dab of glue and each barrel bottom and they were attached to frame.  Finished!  There is no question in my mind that I will be ordering more of these fine models from Hobby Link Japan.


When you visit the site, type in either SANKEI or MINIATUART PETIT in the search box.
 
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