On the Workbench
George Dent looks at the new products to land on his workbench this month
VALLEJO MECHA VARNISH
I’ve tried countless acrylic clear coats over the years and been dissatisfied with all but a few brands and formulas. This is one of my most recent discoveries: Vallejo’s Mecha Varnish. Part of a new paint range aimed ostensibly at sci-fi modellers, the clear varnish is available in matt, satin or gloss. They dry to a super-clear finish (no yellowing), and they produce a tough, even coating. Equally suited to handbrushing or airbrushing. Simply shake the eyedropper style jar thoroughly before use and, if spraying, add a few drops of water or acrylic thinners. Price: £2.70 per 17ml jar Availability: Scale Model Shop Tel: 01422 405040 Web: www.scalemodelshop.co.uk
TAMIYA EXTRA THIN CEMENT
Formulated for easy penetration, Tamiya’s Quick Setting Extra Thin Cement helps to produce neat bonds between plastic components, especially those rendered in styrene. Perfect for plastic kit assembly and scratchbuilding with plastic sheet and section, the glue is a useful companion for a more generic formula of liquid poly cement, with the Extra Thin version taking care of smaller parts or clear plastic components. For best results, the parts need to be snug-fitting and a fine applicator brush is fitted to the jar’s lid.
Price: £4.50
Availability: Tamiya stockists
Web: www.tamiya.com
PRECISION MODEL LIGHT OIL
Keeping your locomotives, rolling stock and other mechanical devices in fine fettle is important, following any guidelines supplied by the manufacturer. Occasional topping up of lubricating oil is often recommended, especially to axle bearings and gears. A high-grade model oil is highly recommended and this formula from Peter’s Spares ticks all the right boxes. Formulated in the UK, using a blend of fully synthetic oils and supplied in a 15ml jar with a long needle-tip applicator, the lubricant is easy to apply to axles, gears and other moving parts. Price £7.25 Availability: Peter’s Spares Tel: 01642 909794 Web: www. petersspares. com