STEP BY STEP

1

Like most 3D-printed figures, the Modelu footplate crew come supplied unpainted with a support structure that needs to be carefully cut away. Use a sharp, fine scalpel blade to gently nick each of the tiny bonds.

3

Having cut the driver’s left arm at the elbow, the lower section was re-fitted in the desired position with a small blob of cyanoacrylate. The parts were held for about 10 seconds until the glue cured, with the figure held temporarily in his seat.

5

When the filler has cured fully, it can be cut, filed and sanded to blend with the contours of the figure’s clothing and to ensure that the pose appears natural. While the right arm of one driver was treated, the other figure needed work on his left limb.

7

The drivers’ seats were refitted a couple of millimetres further from the consoles and from the outside edge of the cab moulding, to ensure plenty of elbow room when the body is replaced.

2

Test-fit the figures into the seats. I found it necessary to trim away the armrests and remove parts of the lower legs to compensate for the raised floor sections. The Second Man figure needed no more alteration.

4

The large gap in the elbow was filled with more cyano glue, onto which was sprinkled a little Roket Powder filling compound. This filler soaks into the glue and cures rock-hard, aided by a drop of accelerant fluid.

6

The seat columns were replaced with 1mm diameter brass wire, fixed into holes drilled into the seat and the figures, to ensure a secure bond. This allows the seats and figures to be installed more precisely, into newly drilled holes.

8

It’s important to check how the figures will look when the body is refitted, before committing to glueing them permanently in position. Blobs of Blu-tack can be sufficient to hold everything in place while test-fitting.