The last few years have seen an enormous number of finishing products from a variety of manufacturers. However as far as availability is concerned Tamiya still remains a popular choice. Here's news of a New product range from the Japanese manufacturer, with a real question mark over what will be its ACTUAL availability...

Tamiya recently announced the following set of products:

Panel Line Accent Color (Black), (Brown), (Gray)
Item Nos: F87131, 87132 & 87133

Now, this product is designed specifically to accentuate Panel Lines, particularly on Aircraft models although Armor and Figure modelers will doubtless be able to come up with some practical uses.

The product which is enamel based, comes pre-mixed allowing capillary action to do the rest when it's 'dropped' into a panel line. The three shades should cover most eventualities.

All good so far. Simple product with many possible applications. Excellent.

Unfortunately, due to the composition (enamel-based) there is some doubt as to whether it will ever actually reach our workbenches. Already, both Britain and the USA haev effectively 'banned' it and its likely Europe will follow suit.

Now, there are some pretty unpleasant solvents already available in every supermarket, Kwiki-Mart and hardware store which are on sale to the general public. You don't need an explosives permit, proof that you're not mixing home-made C4 in your mother's best saucepan or indeed a note from your mother that, YES, it really is to remove stains.

Why then does a paint-based product get the thumbs down from our government 'protectors'?

Yes, I really am THAT confused. More as it becomes available.