Photoetched Aftermarket Model Parts

How do you feel about using photoetched metal aftermarket model parts on your scale models?

I voted for the 3rd choice; I use them ocassionally. :)

I voted for the 3rd choice; I use them ocassionally. :)

same here :biggrin:

I love using photoetched parts! Right down to the fretwork they come on!(makes very realistic hose clamps if thin enough). I also scavenge parts from other PE sources too. Such as railroad, military, ship building, etc etc. I always seem to find just what I'm looking for just by searching through other sources of PE parts! You just have to look around and use a little ingenuity!

I can't say anything about PE parts. I've never used them, just because I've pretty new @ modelling :D. Also, I think they're a little overpriced here in Portugal..... :mad:

I use them when they are available. I always check what comes with the kit before purchasing aftermarket stuff though as sometimes the kit parts are virtually as good. I voted for number 3.

Use them whenever I can, grilles, scripts, hose clamps, right down to individual screw and bolt heads

I use a little here and there. I've got some racing harnesses, hood pins, and nitrous bottles put away for their own occasions, but as far as the bolts and all that goes, I'm not that good, so I'll leave it to you guys.

I voted (as many others) for the option number three.

I do think they are expensive, especially if you're a quick builder, and build many things at a time, so you need a lot of P-E.

Most of the time, I only use it when it's neccessary, when the OOB pieces are really horrible , and change them.
Also, I try to use some P-e parts for mostly the seatbelts, the one part most manufacturers neglect, they look so nice with some P-E on, and are IMO needed.

Also, the rest of the P-E, the fret, I sometimes also use to make some smallish stuff, like the tow-rings on racecars, or to make some interior details.

Olivier

I voted for the 3rd one.

Definitely, they can really enhance the realism of your models. But I don't like some PE sets that simply replace the plastic parts. They have to add to what is already in the kit.

Photoetched parts add a nice touch to a model but I only use them for small details like radiator caps and suchlike.They are too expensive to use extensively,twice the US price after shipping and handlling.