Tip for February 2005:
More Engine Details

This month's tip parallels the February 2005 Scale Auto Magazine's Bay Views article. There were some excellent engine detailing tips in there, and I highly recommend that anyone who's interested in detailing their models check out this issue (If you can't get one locally, you can go here and have it delivered to you). Here are a couple more ideas to make your engine bays stand out:

• There are alot of "black" parts under the hood, but unless they're brand new, most parts will actually be some shade of gray. Add a drop or two of gray, white, or silver to your black to make your belts, hoses, and painted components look different from one another
• Don't be afraid to add some other colors in there, too - replacement hoses, plug wires, and batteries come in a variety of colors. Unless you're building a show car, most shadetree mechanics use whatever is available.
• Fishing line is a great tool - cloth line can be painted to look like small diameter braided hose, and nylon line can be used for transparent plastic fuel and air lines.
• Need some copper paint for that alternator? Mix a few drops of red & gold!
• Solder can be used to make custom radiator hoses and exhaust pipes. Check out your local electronics or hardware store to see the different varieties available.