Introduction

For me, as a diorama builder, I have often wondered how to reproduce tiny bolts in 1:35 scale. I have heard of special tools for the job but I knew they would be expensive. So when I was given the opportunity to review MIG’s Hexagonal Bolts, I eagerly jumped at the chance. One of the first things I noticed was that the kit only costs €5, not a fortune to be paying out in the world of PE these days.

The Set

In total, 565 bolts are supplied on the fret, so there is no danger of running out quickly. There are 6 sizes plus 3 sizes of bolts with nuts. The bolts are brilliant because they are amazingly easy to apply. There is no cutting or trimming required as the bolts are etched without connectors to the fret. All that the modeller needs to do is peel the required bolt from the adhesive backing and glue into place on the AFV or diorama object. I used a needle with a small piece of blu-tac on the end to pick up and handle the bolts.

Because of the variety in sizes, there are no real scale limitations for the use of the bolts. They would be realistic in scales as large as 1:16 (although the thickness of the large bolts may need to be built up), or in smaller scales, 1:35 and even 1:72 if the smallest bolts are used carefully. Collectively, the bolts would probably be best suited to 1:35 scale modelling if all bolts are to be utilised. In picture 4, I have attached two bolts with screws to a piece of plasticard (damaged to look like iron) which can, once painted and weathered, potentially add just that little extra bit of detail to a 1:35 diorama. They are so easy to use and look just great once attached.

Conclusion

These bolts truly have many uses. From steel bridges, AFVs, engines, pipelines and even railways, these bolts are an extremely handy piece of hardware to have at your modelling disposal.