Clever uses for Lead Shot.

Some models require balancing such as aircraft with a tricycle undercarriage. If this is the case then before completing the model use small metal weights to balance it. For example, on aircrafts often the front end of the plane is often lighter than the rear, so before completing the model add the required amount of weight to the nose cone.

We have the perfect solution to solving the problem. Just a few mm in diameter and sold in plastic pots weighing approximately 180 grams, this lead shot can be fixed in place in the nose section of tail-sitting model aircraft to rebalance the distribution of weight throughout the body of the model. You can use epoxy glue or putty to keep the shot in place.


The other great use for these little balls of lead is as a mixing agitator. Do you ever get fed up with the way enamel paint tends to clot at the bottom of the tin if left for a while? Try putting a few lead shot in your tins of enamel paint. When you come to shake the tin, the balls inside will help mix the paint pigment back into suspension. A very ecomonical solution to an age-old modelling problem.

Click here to purchase the lead shot at a price of £2.49 in our store.

Paint Conversion Tool

For many years we have provided a convenient and easy-to-use paint conversion tool to help you find alternative paints if you cannot source the colour you need from your preferred brand.

Click here to go to the Paint Conversion Tool page to search for alternatives.

What is the effect of storing paints in unheated buildings in winter?

The first signs of winter were well and truly with us this morning with ice on cars and frost on the ground. You may be wondering whether storing paints at sub-zero temperatures (in a garden shed for instance) would affect them.


Well, the answer is no. We know this because for a number of years Toms hobby room was a wooden summer house located in his back garden and it suffered a number of cold, cold East Anglian winters without imparting any effect whatsoever on the paints, glue etc. In fact the cold may have even slowed the deterioration of the paints because of the reduction of evaporation risk.

Obviously using the paints at cold temperatures may cause an issue so we would suggest heating your hobby room in good time before starting work to heat the place up.

Weathering Techniques

"Weathering" refers to a number of techniques that are intended to make a model appear more realistic by simulating the effects of the elements on the subject.

Weathering is the sustained trend in modelling which has developed tremendously over the recent years, especially in the area of armour modelling. There is now a whole variety of techniques to simulate dirt, fading, spills, paint wear and tear, rusting, etc. Another trend is to use these techniques in combination rather than alone, to simulate the diversity of the natural ageing and wear processes.

Far from being a mere last step in a modelling project, weathering has made a rocket career to take time and effort in par with construction or painting. Weathering always leaves plenty of room for creativity and as such is one of the most enjoyable parts of modelling!

We have a variety of products available which can achieve fantastic results. Click here for a link to take you to the 'Weathering' section in our store.

I have found a very useful video on YouTube which illustrates weathering techniques for simple dust and dried mud effects. Click here to view this.

If you have never given weathering a go before, now might be a good opportunity to give it a try as it really can bring your model to life.