I'm working on one of MiniArt Ltd's Vac-form Diorama Sets for a Review. Now, years ago, when I built the occasional aircraft, I invested in what was one of the most useful tools imaginable, particularly for those older kits with RAISED rather than RECESSED panel lines - a scriber (in this case from Sqadron Signal).

Now, the MiniArt building kits are vac-moulded on sheets of plastic and the building parts have to be cut out. Previously, i've used a cutter and a lot of patience and even more care. The other day, I picked-up the panel-line scriber and tried it out.

It really looks as if it was designed for these kits.

Begin with a gentle (vertical) pressure round the parts. With this, you'll create a channel which with the following 'scribes' the tool will follow it's natural course. Two-three cuts later, the surrounding plastic will be sufficiently weakened to gently 'snap-off' the excess. Clean up any jagged-edges (there won't be many) with wet `n dry paper.

The advantage of this tool, is that it can deal with any shape - with curves, simply go a bit more slowly and patiently and you'll get the same effect as with straight sections. Not only this, but you're using it in more natural manner (like a pencil) so again it's easier to control.