Posted in Modeling Tools & Accessories

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts: Make Your Own Parts and Build Your Own Models

Today we present in this post a category of our products highly demanded by modelers of all levels: the ‘Woodsfor model building and other crafts. Here you can find various types and forms of wood, all of them from sustainable crops, both to create parts and to assemble models or complete crafts.

There are modelers who acquire our woods to make spare parts or who have lost them at their workshop -we recommend our modeling workbench-. Others to make parts imagined by themselves. And, finally, other lovers of this beautiful hobby who devise, cut and assemble the entire scale model from scratch… Only with our woods!

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts.

Artesania Latina has the best wood for naval modeling, other modeling and crafts on the market given its high quality. Most of these are noble woods, last over time and are prepared to be treated and manipulated with ease. Birch, basswood, American walnut, coral (padauk) and sapele make up the materials. Currently, we offer plywoods, boardsveneers, strips, round dowels, mouldings for showcases and exhibition bases. Next, we break down the characteristics of each of these products made of wood for a better understanding of the modeler.

WOODS FOR MODEL BUILDING AND HANDCRAFTS: PLYWOODS

Speaking about woods for model building and handcrafts, the plywood boards are the first to be presented. All the different variants of these have measures 35.43” (900mm) length and 11.81” (300mm) width, yes, with different thicknesses according to need. There are five options to choose from: from 0.059” (1.5mm) to 0.196” (5mm). The plywood boards are made from basswood, with a high quality fine finishes. Basswood -linden wood- has a light and uniform color ranging from white to cream. Its type of grain is straight and with a very fine texture. It is an ultralight material, easy to dry when glued and once dry it is stable.

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts. Plywoods.

WOODS FOR MODEL BUILDING AND HANDCRAFTS: VENEERS AND BOARDS

Regarding veneers, we find fifteen different alternatives in the catalog from Artesania Latina, all of them presented with a length of 1,000 mm and a thickness of 0.6 mm. Veneers can be used, for example, to give any piece that is not wood the appearance of wood, such as lining parts built with board or the deck of a model ship.

The variations are found in the width, in the units that the package brings -20 or 25- and in the solid wood used. The widths of the sheets range from 0.157” (4mm) to 0.314” (8mm). As for the wooden types, there are basswood or linden -whose characteristics already discussed above-, American walnut and sapele. In Europe, the wood of American walnut is considered one of the best. It is brown but it has details in gray and yellow tones. Great resistance and durability, very difficult to scratch. With high hardness and fine texture. Regarding the sapele, it can be said that it is dark brown with reddish and golden tones in some of its pronounced veins. It is very similar to mahogany wood, of medium hardness and can be easily manipulated.

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts. Veneers.

The boards made of solid wood are other the fantastic products for modelers and crafts people to make their own spare parts and build their own scale models or other crafts with totally new ones. In this section, you can currently purchase three different planks, all of them 39.37” (1,000mm) length and 2.75” (70mm) width, in sapele and American walnut.

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts. Boards.

WOODS FOR SHIP MODELING: STRIPS

It is known that with the strips made of solid wood all kinds of parts can also be devised for modeling and other crafts. However, in nship modeling they can be used for more precise uses such as lining the hulls of the model ships or add details such as railings and baseboards.

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts. Strips.

We have solid birch and coral (red wood) strips. According to references, the packs are made up of 5, 6 or 20 units. All the strips measure 39.37” (1,000mm) length, the thicknesses and widths vary according to the different needs of the client. 89 different possibilities of your choice! Our woods for ship modeling and other crafts are the best!

On the one hand, the wood of birch is usually colored from white to cream. Over time, it darkens a bit. The grain is straight and its texture is very fine. Like the other woods from Artesania Latina, birch has a high-quality finishes. On the other hand, the wood of coral (padauk) is characterized by its deep red color with purple-brown hues in sunlight. It is hard but easy to work with during any handling process at your modeling workshop and other crafts.

ROUND DOWELS FOR MODEL BUILDING AND HANDCRAFTS

The round dowels made of solid wood are presented in packs of 2, 5, 10 or 20 units. We have ribs in birch, coral (padauk), American walnut and sapele. And different measures: you can find long rods of 35.98” (914mm) and 39.37” (1,000mm) in our catalogue. Regarding the diameters, from 0.078” (2mm) to 0.472” (12mm).

Woods for Model Building and Handcrafts. Round Dowels.

In naval modeling, round doweols are perfect for making masts and yards for wooden ship models. In addition to many other details with a cylindrical shape. Coming soon, we will talk about a products highly coveted by our client friends: wooden exhibition bases and mouldings for showcases.

In short, all the woods for model building and other crafts made by Artesania Latina are very useful for modelers and other hobbyists who want to create the parts they need or the new ones they devise. Adapted for carvings, turning and all kinds of handwork. They are easy to treat and behave optimally when glued and finished, quick drying. They last over time given their high quality. What more can you ask of a wood!

Posted in Model Building Tips, Modeling Tools & Accessories

Electric Plank Bender: Learn How to Use an Essential Tool for Naval Modeling

It is, without any doubt, one of the star products made by Artesania Latina. Simply, because it is perfectly designed for the wooden ship modeling. We are talking about an essential and specific tool in these times to properly assemble the hulls of ship models. The Electric Plank Bender is one of the tools that any modeler friend should have at her/his workshop.

Electric Plank Bender for Ship Modeling, made by Artesania Latina (27074-1).

The Electric Plank Bender made by Artesania Latina (27074-1) is the most demanded on the market given its fantastic value for money. During the construction of the naval scale model hulls manufactured in wood, the fan of this hobby suffered folding the strips that are placed to cover the aforementioned area of the ship, given its curved shape.

Electric Plank Bender for Ship Modeling, made by Artesania Latina (27074-1).

Specifically, our Electric Plank Bender helps the modeler to mold strips up to 3 mm thick. And it comes with what is required for its use, we will highlight it below.

CONTENTS ELECTRIC PLANK BENDER KIT FOR WOODEN SHIP MODELING

The contents of the Electric Plank Bender Kit for wooden naval modeling are six different objects, the following:

  • A 220-volt electric soldering iron in blue -it can also be in red, depending on the existing stock-.
  • A brass tip for bending and shaping wooden strips.
  • Metal support that avoids burning the area where the modeler builds the ship model.
  • A very useful screwdriver to fix the tip to the device.
  • Wooden template with compound curves.
  • And a fantastic gift: a jar of white glue to stick parts together.

Electric Plank Bender for Ship Modeling, made by Artesania Latina (27074-1).

If you are a beginner modeler, and even if you are an expert one, you may not know how to use the electric plank bender for ship modeling so precisely. Don’t worry about it.

HOW TO USE IT FOR BENDING AND SHAPING

From now on we are going to explain how to use the Electric Plank Bender step-by-step. We do it thanks to the fantastic help of a video made by one of the professional modelers on our team. Previously, two fundamental tips for those who are going to use this modeling tool for the first time.

  1. Moisten wood to be pre-treated for several hours for best results.
  2. It is not necessary to exert great pressure with the tool to be able to shape the wood.

As you have watched on the video, once you see how to do it, it is much easier to bend and shape wooden parts. This Artesania Latina‘s great product, the Electric Plank Bender (27074-1), it will save you a lot of sweat on your forehead and a lot of frustration in your mind.

SET OF 6 MINI FASTENING PLIERS

If you want the work to look totally professional, we recommend that you also use the Set of 6 Mini Fastening Pliers 30 mm (27200), sold separately. It allows the modeler to fix the already bent and molded strips with an opening of up to 30 mm to, for example, a glass so that they do not lose their achieved shape. Without forgetting that during the bonding processes with adhesive they are essential. The retractable spring of each of these clips causes it to return to its closed position.

Set of 6 Mini Fastening Pliers 30 mm - 1.18'' (27200).

If you also need to know a few brushstrokes of theoretical information about how to build model ship hulls, there is a related blog post. Click here to read it.

NOW AVAILABLE 110-VOLTS AMERICAN VERSION ELECTRIC PLANK BENDER!

The modelers of the American continent are lycky thanks to a 2022 new product from Artesania Latina: the 110-Volts Electric Plank Bender American Version (27074-AM) -you can only see the product sheet if you live in America-. Many times demanded by our client friends, until now we could not send it to be used because it was not adapted to the electrical systems of their homes and workshops. You can use it now!

New 110-Volts American Version Electric Plank Bender for Model Building (27074-AM).

In short, the electric plank bender for naval modeling and its consequent use greatly facilitate the assembly of one of the most complicated areas to assemble on a model ship. Try this ship modeling tool! As soon as you use it, the modeler can only live with it!

Posted in Model Building Tips

BF109G Model Set Up (II): Proper Guide for the 1/16 German Fighter Building

We continue this week on the blog with the second part of the post on the set up of the Messerschmitt BF109G model kit at 1/16 scale. It is a useful video guide for all our client friends. Through this, the modeler can more easily build this luxurious faithful miniature replica of the German fighter of the World War II.

1/16 Messerschmitt BF109G Model Set Up (20356).

To the delight of the modeler, this modeling kit has a tab system that allows the assembly of the aircraft structure almost without the use of glue. Precisely, its metal parts come in stainless steel photo-engraving plates and in injected die-cast. With that said, let’s build it.

BF109G MODEL SET UP: RIGHT WING

First, it must be said that we continue with Messerschmitt BF109G model set up (20356), specifically, with the correct assembly of the ‘Right Wing’ First Part in the Chapter 10. Steps 198-22 of the instructions for its construction. To do this, you can continue using the same modeling tools discussed in the first part of the post.

Second, we finished building the ‘Right Wing’ with Part Two, Chapter 11. The steps on the DVD instructions for this scale model are from 223 to 251.

FRONT LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY

The great realism of the fighter plane model Messerschmitt BF109G (20356) is one of his big bets. To achieve this, for example, the replica has mobile parts such as the already explained cockpit and the manual retractable landing gear. In this sense, in Chapter 12 of the Assembly Diary, we now break down how to properly build the ‘Front Landing Gear’, Part One. Steps located between numbers 252 and 269. At this time, the modeler must incorporate a new tool to the previous ones:

Set of Precision Tools: Screwdrivers (45 in 1) (27220).

BF109G MODEL SET UP: MOTOR

We deal with the ‘Engine’, First Part, in Chapter 13 of the videographic guide for assembling the metal and photo-etched model of the German legend Messerschmitt BF109G. Steps from 270 to 296.

Finally, take a look at the video to finish building the ‘Motor’ with the Second Part of the explanation about how to assemble it, in Chapter 14. Steps from 297 to 321.

BF109G MODEL SET UP: ELECTRONICS

From this moment, we reveal how to assemble some of the funniest parts: the ‘Machine Guns and Electronics’ of the model.

The Messerschmitt BF109G modeling kit includes another kit but with electronics with a low-rev motor that gives movement to the propeller. But, in addition, it comes with LED position lights on the wings, tail and… On the very detailed dashboard! To achieve this movement and lighting, three AAA batteries are required, not included in the kit.

So, we go to Chapter 15, steps 322-344. No more modeling tools are needed at this point, the same ones as until now -remember to consult the previous post-.

Steps 345-361 of Chapter 16 deal with the careful assembly of the ‘Gun Sight and Canopy’ of the 1/16 scale model Messerschmitt BF109G (20356).

To conclude, Chapter 17 and the last video for the precise Messerschmitt BF109G model set up makes reference to the existing steps since the 362: ‘Engine Cowling and Exhibition Base’.

Thanks to the expertise of our modeler friends and these illustrative assembly instructions, after the Messerschmitt BF109G model set up it should look like this.

1/16 Messerschmitt BF109G Model Set Up (20356).

PAINTS FOR FINISHES AND GIFT PACK BF109G

Obviously, the best finishes are achieved with the best paints. In this case, Artesania Latina has created a Specific Set of Acrylic Paints for Messerschmitt BF109G (277PACK5), for sale separately. 12 jars of quick-drying water-based paints in the following colors: off white, off black, royal blue, deep yellow, buff, cocoa brown, dark red leather, green FS34226, aluminum, gold, copper and grey RLM66. We remind you that in our catalog you can find a wide assortment of brushes and from airbrushes.

Specific Set of Acrylic Paints for Messerschmitt BF109G (277PACK5).

We show two different ways to acquire this jewel of aircraft modeling. The first, buying only the modeling kit here.

1/16 BF109G German Fighter Model Kit (20356).

The second, a fantastic Gift Pack (20356L) with the metal and photoetched model of the Messerschmitt BF109 and its set of paintings. As gifts, another smaller vintage wooden model of the same fighter, precision screwdrivers set (45 in 1), professional straight cutting pliers and professional needle nose pliers.

Gift Pack Messerschmitt BF109G (20356L).

A thousand possibilities and teachings to build this extraordinary and unrepeatable scale model. Finally, if you want to read the first part of the post of the guide for Messersmichtt BF109G model set up, click here.

Posted in Model Building Tips

Messerschmitt BF109G Model Assembly (I): Build This Spectacular 1/16 Scale Model with Our Help

Artesania Latina’s modelers and designers know that any help is good for the construction of any scale model. That is why on this post we are going to show you through different videos how to carry out the assembly of the model Messerschmitt BF109G (20356) at 1/16 scale. A beauty, a jewel of the aircraft modeling made of metal and photo-etched for which we have edited 16 videos in which we show the precise way of its assembly. Join us on this flight! Fasten your seat belts!

Messerschmitt BF109G Model Assembly (20356).

So… Let’s go! On this Chapter 1 of our Assembly Diary, we explain the steps between 1 and 9 of the instructions: ‘Intermediate Fuselage Frames and Their Details’. Previously, the modeler must carefully extract the different parts of the plate and identify them for their correct positioning. What tools for modeling we recommend to get this goal?

Scissors / Thread Snips (27060).

Mini Diamond Files (27015-3).

Cyano Applicator (27302).

Thick Cyano (27650).

Stainless Steel Ruler (27069).

Needle Nose Pliers (27213).

Cutter N1 (27019).

Acrylic Paints Set for Messerschmitt BF109G (277PACK5).

MESSERSCHMITT BF190G MODEL ASSEMBLY: TAIL AND FUSELAGE

Later, on Chapter 2 of the Assembly Diary for the Messerschmitt BF109G model assembly -steps from 10 to 34-, we talk about how to build ‘The Tail and The Fuselage’ of the German fighter (First Part).

Messerschmitt BF109G Model Assembly (20356).

For this phase, the tools that the modeler needs are the same as the previous ones, but these three must be added:

Straight Cutting Pliers (27212).

Straight Tweezers Ultra Fine Tip (27204).

Angle Conveyor and Squares (27325).

We continue on Chapter 3 of the Assembly Diary for the Messerschmitt BF109G model assembly -steps from 35 to 57- with the Second Part explaining how to build ‘The Tail and Fuselage’ of this faithful miniature replica of the aircraft of World War II. For this moment, the modeling tools that are required are the previous ones, in addition to this one:

Sandpapers 400 Grit (27636).

To finish this area, the ‘Landing Gear and Tail’ is the title and the subject shown on Chapter 4 for the assembly of the scale model Messerschmitt BF109G -steps from 58 to 79-. The modeler is not forced to incorporate any new tool here, she/he can continue using the ones already mentioned.

BF109G PRECISION COCKPIT ASSEMBLY

One of the beauties of the 1/16 scale model of the German aircraft called Messerschmitt BF109G is its extremely detailed ‘Cockpit’. The Chapter 5 of Artesania Latina’s Official Assembly Diary -steps from 80 to 101 of the instructions on DVD format- deals with how to build that area of ​​the plane First Part. Our modeling friends don’t have to add any new modeling tools now either.

Messerschmitt BF109G Model Assembly (20356).

Next, Chapter 6 reflects the Second Part of the ‘Cockpit’ construction. Specifically, we reveal how to carry out steps 102 to 125 of the assembly guide that contains this fabulous modeling kit made of the highest quality metal and photo-etched parts.

And, finally, the Third Part of the video that speaks about the ‘Cockpit’ is the Chapter 7 for an optimal construction of the Messerschmitt BF109G scale model. Here are the steps between 126 and 147. At this stage, we will also need…

Masking Tape (27633).

Messerschmitt BF109G Model Assembly (20356).

MESSERSCHMITT BF109G MODEL ASSEMBLY: LEFT WING

We move on to the correct assembly of the ‘Left Wing’ Part One on Chapter 8. Steps 148-173 of this detailed audiovisual guide for the construction of the model Messerschmitt BF109G.

Here, Part Two about the assembly of ‘Left Wing’, Chapter 9, steps 174-197.

Next week we will return to each step that is still missing for the construction of this model. Meanwhile, there is much more information interesting about the BF109G by clicking here.