The Detolf shelf is still empty and most of my models which I brought out for display in MMHS2019 and MMHS2023 were in needs of repair. Despite my careful packing and all, they tend to be shifted around in the previous place and thus became victims of gravity. The Falke is one of the models which has minimal damage, or so I thought. It’s last appearance was in MMHS2023 which I entered as SciFi competition piece.
So now, the top layer, which is the yellow paint is flaking off. Beneath that layer would be the hairsrpay which was used for the rusting and shipping effect. So, I guess, over the years, the hairspray layer might have evaporated. The thing is, I remembered giving it a clear+matte protective coat. Now I am wondering on how to preserve the damage. They do look good but I want to stop the process.
At first, the damage was from the hatch’s hinges which could be an issue. I have repair this model before, when its USB socket broke, The lesson is that, unless the socket has extra anchor points in the PCB, do even think about using it since the USB cables can just break the soldering once it flexes or when you accidentally, bumped your hand.
Then I noticed some yellow pain flakes on the base which was never there before. Yes, it came from the rusted weathering using the hairspray technique. This could mean the hairspray has dried out and so, the yellow paint on top of it is flaking off.
As you can see, a lot of the yellow paint is gone on the right mandible. The left was not so bad and the silver coat beneath is was showing. I am not sure why this is not happening with the right mandible. Still, they actually looked much better now than when I was completed many years ago.
As for the hinge, I was lucky enough to gently push it back with no broken plastic
One of the Judges (Lee Stringer?) pasted a sticker. I have learnt my lesson not to show WIP photos or model until after any Competition. So as not to confuse anyone who thought it was a repeat model.
Anyway, my Wife is now happy that I have another item for display. The only thing left is to get a USB Power Bank to see if the electronics are still intact.
In case you want to know more about how I weathered the model, here is the link.
