Federation Commander

Is there more detail from this saucer dish if I keep sanding until the pock mark texture around the bridge is gone? Are there panel lines I can recover or are they gone? I'm afraid to go too far.



Does this look normal for a Fed mini?

Thanks

Monty

To get more details you will have to pick up the "CC Saucer" ---
That is item 0211-1 http://store.starfleetstore.com/merchan ... ry_Code=FM ---

Nothing you can do about those except scribe new ones. The casting of the standard CA and the BC saucers just don't have those lines, unfortunately. They were likely there on the original masters, but when the production molds were created, they just weren't distinct enough to be carried over.

If I start the priming/painting at this stage will the finished surface exhibit the pocked / orange peel texture?

If I keep sanding will I be able to get it smooth?

I don't mind the fact the detail isn't there, I just don't want it replaced with something worse. I wouldn't mind if I could get it very smooth then I apply the level of detail as a decal.

Thanks

Monty

I would use a spray surfacer and sand down through that instead of sanding the bare metal. Surfacers are great for filling uneven gaps and pitting, are easily sanded with a fine grit sand paper, and prime very well once you're satisfied.

Rick Smith wrote:I would use a spray surfacer and sand down through that instead of sanding the bare metal. Surfacers are great for filling uneven gaps and pitting, are easily sanded with a fine grit sand paper, and prime very well once you're satisfied.

Yes, do this! What you really want to do is to keep the current surface height, and then fill in the "wells" that are in the metal, rather then try to file the whole thing down to the lowest point currently on the saucer.

There was a recent thread around here that had the suggestion of superglue and baking soda or something to that effect as a substitute. If you don't sand it down, it will continue to have the "orange peel" texture once it is painted (as I have learned).

Just to chime in alongside Paul and Rick... you definitely want to use a surfacer and sand away the excess. [Note: you might need to surface / sand a couple of times to get rid of all the pitting!]

Spraying on a surfacer and sanding the excess is much easier than attemting to file/sand away the bare metal to remove the pitting w/o destroying the details (i.e., phasers, navigation lights, engine details, bridge, etc.)

Thanks all for the great advice. I'm going to call around and see if I can find Mr Surfacer 1000 or 1200 spray. Are there any other recommended brands that may be more available?

Monty

Bolo_MK_XL wrote:To get more details you will have to pick up the "CC Saucer" ---
That is item 0211-1 http://store.starfleetstore.com/merchan ... ry_Code=FM ---

Interesting, I just noticed I don't have a Fed CC in any of my squadron or border boxes. I thought they were supposed to match up with the sets & boosters.