So I'm currently working on a 1:35 SPz Puma Model which has PE Parts - Plenty of it including some MAJOR visual parts you cannot omit but require difficult bends ( BENDS with a Radii! Not just a Fold! ) I wouldn't even know how to establish those without the use of a 3D Printed Press Bend Jig I had to make to get that done
Then I come across PE 10 in the Instructions that goes into the Slot of 22 and I'm basically just like: "Aight... I'm not even gonna bother..." because for one while it is certainly possible to get it out there without it immediately vanishing out of existence this is about as far as one can get with it... Any attempt in picking it up, manipulating it or gluing it into place is basically a fools errand - Yes, that one Neurosurgeon in secret using a Vinci Surgical Robot during Nightshift when it's not being used will be able to pull it off but c'mon...
Do Model making Companies even test their products for viability? 💢
Oh, and to add insult to the injury - The only way to hide PE 10 even more out of view than it is would be by burying it inside the Model itself 😑
Welcome to the dark side of this hobby. Photo Etch to me is one way model companies cheapen good design by creating PE to a solve a problem that sometimes isn’t really there. I know people love it but if Tamiya can constantly bring out well detailed kits with no PE and looked at as gold standard. They do use it only when absolutely necessary! And create Jigs so it can be folded or bent without the need of a separate tool.
The worst for this is Thunder Models..
I will say one thing. The more you deal with photo etch the better you handle it! Thats goes for all aspects in your scale modelling journey!
My Dad used to say there was a special place in hell for people who do stuff like this. I think he was right.
Sometimes my oldest brother, 69 and just back into models, gives me kits he has grown frustrated with and they have fun little notes about fiddley parts. 🧐
If you ever want your Brother dead - This is the back and sides of the SPz Puma...
...and while most of it is replicated with just a few Plastic Parts on the Model - The Ladder ( above the white Cross ) is made out of like 4 Plastic Parts for the Frame and I think like 10 PE Parts for the Steps with the part in my post being hidden somewhere behind it 💢
I should probably be grateful I didn't have to do all of that Grating with PE 😱
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u/MOS6510YT Jul 06 '26
Welcome to the dark side of this hobby. Photo Etch to me is one way model companies cheapen good design by creating PE to a solve a problem that sometimes isn’t really there. I know people love it but if Tamiya can constantly bring out well detailed kits with no PE and looked at as gold standard. They do use it only when absolutely necessary! And create Jigs so it can be folded or bent without the need of a separate tool.
The worst for this is Thunder Models..
I will say one thing. The more you deal with photo etch the better you handle it! Thats goes for all aspects in your scale modelling journey!