Photo etch.

[PhilinYuma]

Yep, newly back to figures after thirty years. This a better time for painting figures and getting feedback than for a lot of discussion, and I'm working on that, but I do have a time-limited question. Micro-Mark are holding their annual sale (Yay!) which includes their DIY photo etch kit.
It seems to me that this would be great for things like sword guards "in the flat" (like those in the War office's Dress Regulations 1900), hat and pouch badges, details for small arms, like gun sights, and so forth, and all the junk that adorned lancers' pouch belts, etc. I'm ready to go for it, but I have noticed that although etched brass is very popular in the AFV hobby, no one, (except for that pair of TR's spectacles!) in this hobby seems to be using it. Any advice, thoughts, pro or con from you experienced guys?

 

[khorgor]

seil used to have brass etch in their kits actually. My german tank commander had his radio earphones made from it.
Quite fun stuff, but you need to be gentle with it.

I think the biggest con is probably the price. brass etch in my experience is expensive. and as pointed out by yourself - in this hobby its very hard to get pre-made stuff.

pros? no mould lines for a start. not sure what else.

good luckj with doing your own!!

 

[dinovision79]

Phil,

as you mention, for figures it's useful for badges, insignia, buckles, etc., not larger parts as for AFV's, hence the purpose is different and therefore it's usage is not so obvious, but many sculptors and scratch-builders use it on their original pieces, then cast it together with the figure.

 

[PhilinYuma]

Thanks Denes. I hadn't even though about it being incorporated into the mold!