DIY Practice Tray - A safe way to try out different modelling techniques!

Thought I'd share this handy D.I.Y. tool that I use to practice some of the different painting, weathering, washing, and chipping, techniques seen on other modelling channels, without the risk of ruining my own model builds.
Hope you find this helpful!
Cheers!

[@georgetaylor5482]

Pete that is a really awesome idea, good that you can hold it while watching a video.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks mate. Glad you liked it. It is such an easy thing to throw together, but very handy. Cheers!

[@greybeardmodels]

Neat idea Pete, thanks for sharing. Cheers Bob 👍

[@PetesKits]

Thanks Bob. Appreciated mate!

[@andrewstamford1988]

That is so simple, yet utterly brilliant. I have been suffering what I've heard called 'analysis paralysis' where I am just watching many, many videos trying to get everything perfect in my mind before I so much as even open a box, to the point where I have amassed... let's say a lot of kits... and even not started one as of now! I even went around local stores buying out multiples of one of the cheapest kits to practice on - a complete, finished model rather than the 'Pete method' so now I have a dozen of them still in their shrink wrap. But I no mind as I can make them with different paint patterns. But kudos, a great idea. Why haven't we seen this around? Nervous return modelers like me look at the pros and get freaked out and unfortunately as I have been told, getting stressed out to make the perfect model and forgetting what it's all about - having fun and enjoying doing it! Cheers man. 🙏

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. Thanks for the compliment. Glad you found it helpful. What you say is pretty much what was happening with me. Almost an "information overload' on different techniques and things, especially on painting 1/35 figures. And that can slow us down, or even bring us to a stop, when it comes to enjoying our hobby. That, plus a few iffy failures that resulted in complete repaints....So, one very frustrated day (mostly frustrated with myself) I just grabbed bits and pieces from my spares box and "Hey Presto" the practice tray was born. And now I find I use it almost every build, even if just as a "tester" right before painting or weathering. And yes, it is such a simple idea, I was really surprised that no one else had suggested it before. Like I always try to remind myself, (even though I do forget sometimes), and other modellers, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". It doesn't matter if you want to paint your Tiger tank, pink with yellow stripes, or your Spitfire, blue with gold stars. You do YOU. Building models is about having fun, and enjoying yourself, AND not trying to build the perfect model first go, just the model YOU are happy with. Cheers!

[@andrewstamford1988]

@@PetesKits You are truly wise, truly. And thanks for that, much appreciated. ✌ I think once I break that stubborn inertia and force myself to start that first kit, I will be better off. Thanks again.

[@PetesKits]

@@andrewstamford1988 Thanks mate. Most modellers goes through a stage of flatness. It is quite common. But, as you said, once you start, you'll be good. Like they say "every journey begins with the first step", it's just in our case, it begins with the first snip of the sprue cutters. Now, go cut some parts off the sprue, spread some glue around, and throw some paint on a model! And above all, Have Fun! Cheers!

[@silvestersze9968]

I just liked and subscribed your channel! ❤

[@PetesKits]

Than ks for the sub! Much appreciated! Cheers!

[@silvestersze9968]

This’s such a brilliant idea to practice with paint on weathering techniques. Can you tell me where I can get that exact piece of plastic tray from its chocolate box (the brand)? 😅

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate, glad you liked the practice tray idea. I'm constantly using mine for all sorts of try-outs. The plastic tray came from a gift box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Can't remember how many were in the box, but, who counts when it's chocolates, right? This gift box has a plastic top and bottom, so both make great trays for all sorts of things. If you can't find one of these, any plastic tray, even a large screw top from a jar of peanut butter or similar, works pretty well too. Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@silvestersze9968]

@@PetesKits Thank you, Pete. I know that brand and it’s also one of my favorite chocolates 💕! Now I recall that box used to hold twelve pieces of chocolate. I’ll go look for one tomorrow. It’s not easy to find in plastic anymore in my area. I’m seeing they’re packed only in soft plastic bubbles with transparent film covering in a carton these days. 😝

[@silvestersze9968]

Oh, I forgot to ask, I do have one more question. What kind of adhesive do you use to ‘glue’ those plastic parts or sprues to the tray? 🎉 Thanks. Sly

[@PetesKits]

Easy one. The same glue you use on your kits. I use either the Revell stuff in the small blue bottle, or Tamiya's thin cement. They both seem to work fine on this. When I'm building kits, I use both. The Revell stuff dries fairly slowly, and gives me time to adjust the fit of parts, if I have to, and the Tamiya thin cement dries super quick, and is great for when everything just "fits" first time. Cheers mate! Enjoy the chocolates!

[@silvestersze9968]

@@PetesKits Gotcha! Thanks. LOL 😝 Have a great day!