Basic Guide to using Photo Etch - Tips & Tricks for scale model cars

In today's tips and tricks video, I show how you can make simple additions to your models using photo etch parts.
We also look at a small selection of sets which are on the market and I explain how I attach these parts as well.
For those of you who do not know; Photoetched parts are tiny metal parts made (etched) by photochemical process from a sheet of thin metal. The process allows etching the metal all the way through, or only on the surface with high precision to get very small and accurate flat parts of almost any shape and form.
Model Factory Hiro hood catch set
www.hiroboy.com/124_BonnetHoo...
Aber 1/24 seat belt fasteners
www.super-hobby.co.uk/product...
Tamiya 1/20 Seat belt set
www.emodels.co.uk/tamiya-1-20...
Gorilla glue gel
www.amazon.co.uk/Gorilla-4044...
Hobby knife
www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/prod...
Revell Shelby Cobra 289 FIA interior • New Revell Shelby Cobr...
Revell Ferrari F40 build
• How to build the Ferra...

[@BOABModels]

Do you use photo etch parts? How have they helped improve your builds?

[@hhaste]

Just got my first etched parts in today, Came here hoping to see how the etched seat rails go in, not sure if I'm supposed to fold the sides up/down or if they just go in as-is. Also got the seat belt harness & buckles.

[@BOABModels]

@hhaste it depends on the design but sometimes there are diagrams with the parts. Also PE parts usually have a crease in them where they need to be folded. I did another video talking about belt buckles where I demonstrate some too here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIGQXmSmptijq8ksi=vzbHRYATmv0_r4ML There are a few other types which I also have videos for I think. Good luck!

[@JHartModelworks]

Great video Thomas. For gluing tiny photoetch like badges or bolts to a body I like to use a tiny drop of acrylic gloss clear like tamiya x22 applied with a tooth pick. As the x22 dries, it acts like a glue, but isn't harsh at all and won't damage clear coat or paint work.

[@BOABModels]

That's a great idea, Justin. Thanks! 👍

[@Sarah-JaneR32]

I only the use the parts that come with the kit, all Hasegawa rally cars came with the seat belts which was a novelty back then :) if you put a drop of super glue onto a plastic lid like a pringles lid the super glue stays runny longer, little tip :)

[@BOABModels]

That's a good idea about the glue. As I'm sure you know from my other builds, I add all kinds of parts to my models - I think the photo etch pack which I showed in the video is pretty useful, especially when some race cars don't come with bonnet clips.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid my friend!

[@BOABModels]

Thank you very much! 👍 😁

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

Very good and helpful video Thomas!

[@BOABModels]

Thanks Shawn. I think some people might be put off by photo etch.

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

@@BOABModels it's tricky sometimes! Lol

[@BOABModels]

Definitely and it was a long time before I had used any at all!

[@michaeldeckert6023]

Thank you so very much.

[@BOABModels]

You're welcome

[@sayeager5559]

I watch all your videos, but have not built a model car yet. I have started building armor kits since covid started. In the 80s there was no such thing as photo etched parts that i knew of. I agree, it adds alot of realism. But the learning curve is very high. I have more or less destroyed all the PE stuff i have attempted to install this year. I have ordered a bender and a set of flat pliers to help use these parts in the future. I want to get better at using PE but i think I have lacked the proper tools so far. I guess there isn't much bending involved in automobile modeling. I have also gotten that Tamiya Lotus kit. It will be my first car model in 40 years....

[@BOABModels]

Thank you, I hope the parts go together better in the future. As you saw in the video this is only a fairly basic range of photo etch parts and I haven't found the need for those tools like the pliers you mention. I've also ordered the Lotus 7 - I'm really looking forward to making it! Thanks for watching! 👍 😁 🚙 🖌

[@sayeager5559]

@@BOABModels When I came back to the hobby the first kit I wanted was a caterham or lotus. Very happy Tamiya brought that out.

[@BOABModels]

I'm exactly the same - I'd like a real one but building a model is as close as I will get for now! 😂

[@Swazy72]

Great advice. Ive yet to use any photo etch but i do have some kits that came with it so these tips make it alot less daunting.

[@BOABModels]

Yeah I can relate to that. Starting small with these sorts of details can be a great place to start. I used a full PE detail set on my McLaren MP4/4 and that was a learning curve.

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

Nice hints and tips. Couldnt do a build with out PE. Still on the look out for entire PE models.

[@BOABModels]

Thanks Steve. Yeah I feel it can really add a lot. That sounds a challenge!

[@howardharaway2259]

I am finishing the paint,sanding, polishing , clear Coat of AMT's 67 Impala SS. I just received the photo-etched upgrade and have a few questions. On this car there are very small tedious scripts that will make all the difference in a build. I am curious to know what method of adhesive do you use that will give some time to place it in the exact spot without leaving traces of adhesive which can be extremely disappointing and not look good.

[@BOABModels]

I would recommend either using white glue or a little dab of clear paint. The white glue is less likely to leave any marks on the paint but the cure time is slightly longer. I hope that helps.

[@metallicaxxx420]

What's PVA?

[@BOABModels]

Polyvinyl acetate often known as white glue, wood glue or school glue.