It sometimes seems that if you can think of something that you need, to add that extra detail to your model, PlusModel has it. Nuts and bolts, one small detail that if they are missing can make a big difference on the overall look. On a project that I'm currently working on, one area of the styrene kit has the bolt heads missing completely. The PE aftermarket replacement includes the bolt heads, although they are too flat and look two-dimensional.
contents
Each pack includes one size in four styles:
60 Bolts
60 Bolts with washers
60 Nuts
60 Nuts with washers
PlusModel offers these in .6, .7, .8, .9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.3, and 1.5mm sizes, providing a decent range to work with, and each casting block is marked by size.
For modeling purposes, these are categorized by the widest measurement of the bolt head/nut (point-to-point) and not by the size of the wrench or socket that would have been used in real life (scaled down of course).
review
These are easily removed from the casting block with tweezers. The 'bolts' sticking out below the nut/washer are approximately 2-3mm long, no thread is molded in, above or below, which is understandable.
The bolt shafts below the nut/washer on the smaller sizes are a larger diameter than they should be, again understandable as they would be extremely fragile and casting them may be near impossible. For flush mounting this should pose no issues, if the bolt is going to be seen it may be desirable to replace the bolt with a piece of wire.
conclusion
I'm not a very good scratch builder, and for small details I like convenience, so I appreciate items like these from PlusModel. When a kit is missing bolts/nuts, or the PE ones are too flat, these make an excellent replacement. These should come in handy for showing pulled out bolts on damaged areas too. Now that I've used these, I can't imagine not having them close at hand.
SUMMARY
Highs: Well cast, convenient and easy to use.Lows: A bit pricey.Verdict: A very good solution to adding missing bolt details.
Our Thanks to Plus Model! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About James Bella (c5flies) FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
My main interest is 1/35 scale WWII armor, Axis and Allied, and will occasionally branch out into other areas. The builds I have done so far have been pretty much OOB, and considering what most newer kits include, that is usually more than enough for me. Even though my projects do not always end up ...
Great review James
These are my favorites when scratching glue drill a hole and stick it inside glue underneath and voila.
Pricey I still have the set I bought 3 years ago.
Cheers
Seb
Thanks Seb...everything is pricey to me
Yeah, these should last a while, and if you need more of the bolt head style you can trim off the protruding part of the 'bolt' above the nut and sand it smooth.
Thanks for the review James. These look really good... we can debate about the price though. I have some similar bolts from Masterclub and those can be considered even more expensive. But now that I have used them, I'm really happy with the effect and would gladly buy more. IMO, these are a must for any serious scratchbuilder.
Mario
I did not know a product like this existed. Call me sheltered but these are pretty cool!
And the price looks right to me! Thanks James for showing it to us.
~ Jeff
Comments