PK Tinyland Modeling Tools
By Matt Bittner
Having the correct tools for modeling is a must. Sometimes those tools come from unlikely places, or sometimes they come from companies that actually create tools for a purpose. New to Internet Modeler, PK Tinyland from Hungary has supplied a few of their modeling tools for us to take a look at.
The first tool we have is an L-Shaped ruler. Not only is this marked in millimeters on both legs, but it also is very flexible, being able to adjust to most model surfaces. The biggest advantage to an L-Shaped ruler is being able to get a 90 degree angle, which is good for making squares, rectangles, etc. I can also see this helping when needing to cut out a perfect "angle" out of tape, or some other masking material.
The next tool from PK is their "curves tool". While in my photo I still have all curves attached to the "gate", each curve can be removed to make it easier to work with separately. Not only will this help for scribing curved panel lines in your model, it can also be used again, to help cut curves out of masking material. However, the advantages just don't stop there. What appear to be round "indentations" at the top of each curve are actually holes, the obvious application to add rivets to a model in a precise arc. In addition, each curve is marked in millimeters, the actual length being determined by the size of the curve.
Although we have seen Eduard provide the capability on some of their photoetch sets, we now have a tool that allows a modeler to create tear-drop shaped pieces from clear - or "colored clear" - sprue. The idea behind this is to melt a piece of clear sprue and push it through the hole, creating the tear-drop shaped lens. Although I burned the plastic (<sigh>) you can see how it's supposed to work in one of my photos. Note that the holes become quite small, so this one can easily be used for 1/144 scale.
Finally, the last too PK sent is a flexible ruler that can be used not only to mark sizes but also can be used to scribe (or re-scribe) panel lines on such areas as model aircraft fuselages. Bend the ruler around the fuselage where the panel line is supposed to be, hold it down securly and scribe away. Be aware, though, the ruler tends to bend on the gradiant markings. This one is available from PK in both inches and millimeters.
I can find uses for all of these tools. The handiest one will be the flexible ruler, but all tools are most welcome. My thanks to PK Tinyland for sending these for review.