Pipe-work

Instructions.

The 'pipe work' on the model was always going to be an 'issue'....Moulding directly it on to the resin piece might seem reasonable to do for the first layer of (thin) wire but would have caused me problems in casting (not having a pressure caster)...and the 'suspended' second (thick) layer could not be done by this means anyway.... nor could I mould 'pipes' pre-shaped in resin... so wire it had to be or nothing...

See pictures (n to x) which show the wires in place, and undercoated... It took me about 3 hours to do this...With a bit of care, I think you will agree... the effect is just right. Of course If you want to do this 'pipework' by any other means do so (and I would like to see the result)... or leave the pipes off entirely if considered too difficult...

Useful Tools

small sharp wire cutters.... small 'long nose' pliers...fine point marker pen. superglue.

'Thin' Wire.... this should be put on first ( see pictures a to d ) ...there is no real need to drill holes into the resin  the wire can be bent to shape in just 'one plain'...and laid on the surface of the resin... then glued in place with superglue applied here and there with a toothpick.

(I have to admit here that I have made a mistake in the first few kits...I measured the lengths of 'thin' wire needed with a pair of dividers, and as the part is symmetrical I only measured one half, intending to double my figure to get the total ....time went on... and I  forgot to double the amount cutting my first measurement (plus a bit extra).... unfortunately the 'bit extra' will not be enough to cover my mistake...and I dare not send wires in an envelope for obvious reasons.... so a trip to the ' local ' hardware shop is best...sorry about this)

'Thick' wire

The length of wire supplied is just long enough to do the job, so don't waste any...if you make a bend in the wrong place the wire can be straightened out and try again. Small diameter holes need to be drilled into the resin...The wire being 'suspended' above the surface of the model, and the ends of the wire bent 90 degrees to the 'plane' to fit into the drilled holes (see pictures e to m). hold the wire against the model and  use a pen to mark on the wire where the bend is to be...use the long nose pliers to bend the wire... test fit and allow about 1/8 inch to go into the hole.....and then cut the 'pipe' from the length of wire...