I was awoken this morning at 3am with a huge storm in progress outside, thinking if the roof is going to blow off I might as well be dressed, so I got up to watch the show. After a cup or two of coffee, I noticed on one of my hoarding shelves a ESCI 163 Anti Aircraft Vehicle which I purchased second hand over an auction site a few months ago.
It had arrived caked in at least three layers of trusty Humbrol Enamels, but as the kit is quite rare nowadays I wasn't to worried. Having a couple of hours to spare before work I decided to recover the model from its painted encasement.
Out came the Oven Cleaner and some tin foil to prevent splatter.
A good couple of squirts until the kit was completely engulfed in this nasty toxic blend. I then covered it and left for ten hours while I was at work. Upon coming home, Al from 20th Century Wargaming duly arrived and asked what was the current project, so out came the tin foil paper and after a gentle wash and brush under the water tap I had something to show him.
Not completely clear of paint, but near enough. The great thing is if you don't leave it for too long and thoroughly rinse it in water no damage is done to the kit. The glue is not dissolved by the oven cleaner. I general I get heaps more joy rebuilding and refirbing pre loved kits than I do from constructing the lasted series of models from the Shops. Maybe I have a 'Green' streak in me, but I hate to see kits go to waste. This one's on the list for priming.
2 days ago bought some 'pre owned '8th army vehicles on e bay will try oven cleaner great tip probably get more of a sense of achievement by restoring than buying new, thanks also for matador reminder saw them at Trucks n Tracks show here in Kent earlier this year & bought WW1 Tank update sets
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be a great 'cottage' company, and their website has a nice history on Airfix AFV's.
ReplyDeleteThe oven cleaner works just as well on plastic figures as well, I also should mention that tin foil is not as good as ziplock or snap type bags where you can completely encase the kit or figs. Depending on the tinfoil quailty, you may find it will break down the bottom of the tin where it pools...it does not occur wth the bags.
Cheers Paul