Hyperion always pay great attention to getting all scale models to look their best. When it comes to our fiberglass models, special opportunities arise – take a look at all our Hyperion warbids; each fiberglass fuselage is very detailed with panel lines and rivets moulded in.
This short article will provide a simple idea on how to enhance your scale appearance. And best of all, it doesn’t take more than 15 minutes. Let us use our Blue Lou blue/silver 25e-class Mustang as our test subject.
Great details, right out of the box!
Panel lines can be enhanced by painting or using thin trim striping, but the result is usually way to thick lines. So how do you paint the thin panel lines? Answer is you don’t! You paint thick panel lines, and wipe the excess paint off.
When you wipe the paint off, most of it will come off, but there will always be something left in the recesses of the panel lines and rivet markings, creating just the effect of lines and rivets you want.
I use a paint pen from the local art store (brand name: uni posca), the paint dries in a few minutes, it smells ‘non-toxic’ and can be removed by ethanol.
Tools of the trade
Although the paint pen is fine tipped, it is still far too thick. You will realize this when you first try to paint some of the panel lines – but don’t despair even though it usually looks like a 4-year old tried to paint you airplane 
Apply the paint to the panel lines and rivet holes, and then wait about a minute. Then you start taking the paint off again using paper towels and slight amounts of ethanol.
You will probably succeed in getting most of the paint off, but there will be some paint left in the panel lines and rivet holes, and this is just the effect you are looking for!
Don't worry - it's supposed to look like this
As you start to remove the paint, you get the idea
Looks awesome and your scale details will be visible from a greater distance.
Remember, this is just one tip to enhance your scale looks – we have many more up our sleeves.
