Monday, May 19, 2014

Hinging Doors, a How to

These are expensive toys.  Why not make the most of them?



JJ typing, something a friend of mine Suijin says when he sees someone who posts space marine tanks online: Do the doors open?  Suijin has told me I've spoiled him because the doors on my transports open.

Tools used:

Clippers
Paper clip
Pin vice
0.75mm drill bitNeedle nose pliers
Modelling knife
Superglue


Used the smallest drill bit in this set.  Most drill bit sets you get with a pin vice will also work.  Just don't break it.  That's why I bought this set.


Cut off the inside third of each outer hinge.

Used a modelling knife to cut instead of a clippers because of potential damage clippers can do from prying while clipping.

Most paper clips these days have some sort of plastic sheaf.  If it does remove it.  If you're lucky enough to steal them from somewhere, pick up elsewhere or purchase them you'll be fine.

0.75mm bit carefully drill through the hinge.

You'll notice plastic heat stress marks on the hinges.  That is the reason why I didn't use clippers to remove the inner part of the hinge and slowly drilled.  Too careless and the hinge will be damaged.  After making two right corner with paper clips use the needle nose pliers to carefully twist them into the hinges.  Ensure the longest part of the paper clip isn't inserted into the hinge.  That part of the paper clip goes into the hull.  If there's excess paper clip that pokes out of the hinge it can be clipped off.  Make sure the paper clips are clipped at a 45 or more degree angle.  Don't cut them flat.  This will help later.

This is the hardest part of hinging the door.  Placing the door on the model gives you an idea where to drill into the hull so the paper clips are lined up correctly.

Put a little drop of superglue over the hole.

If the drilled holes on the hull are correct it shouldn't be too difficult to insert the paper clips from the door into the hull.  Found it best to use the strength of the doors spine when pushing the moorings into the hull.  With the 45 degree angle of the paper clip it will help guide them into the hull.




slainte mhath

12 comments:

  1. I don't even....wow. You are taking modeling these tanks to a whole new level!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Greg. It is something I take pride in.

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  2. Cracking tutorial dude! Definitely trying this on the next vehicle i paint.

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    1. Thanks, Henry. Please do. When my units depart from their transport I actually open the doors on the table. Sometimes people react.

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  3. WHY HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT?! Awesome. Bookmarked.

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    1. You're welcome, Zab. It is quite fun to model.

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  4. That's insane!! Great tutorial! Definitely using this on the next tank I make!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a ton, 17yearoldhobbyist. Great way to sell your model to paint judges.

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  5. Epic Idea! Once of the many things you go "Why didn't I think of that" XD

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, DWolve. It is a pretty cool thing to do with transports.

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  6. Great idea! I'm going to try this next time.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah give it a go. Super fun and quite the learning experience.

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