Scale Model Basics: Scribing panel lines

Welcome to FineScale Modeler magazine's Scale Model Basics: Scribing panel lines! If you want to deepen your panel lines and make them stand out, you can use scribing to help. FineScale Modeler Aaron Skinner shares his most useful tricks.

00:08 Introduction
00:15 Why do we scribe panel lines?
00:53 What is scribing?
01:48 Tools
05:25 How to guide the scriber
06:08 Masking tape demonstration
07:15 Label tape demonstration
10:49 Using metal (straightedge or PE fret)
12:35 Scribing unusually shaped panel lines
14:06 Replacing panel lines on seams
15:36 Can scribing work on other materials?
16:18 Wrap-up

Get the tools:

Flex-I-File Ultra Fine Needle Point Scriber

Excel Cushion Grip Scribe Tool

Razor Saw

Which one would you like to build?

[michaelcooke]

Very nice tutorial. This is something most modelers will appreciate. Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[tcandle]

Very good tutorial. I cut my dymo tape in half with scissors in slightly wave cuts to distinguish the straight edge of the tape. That way I double the use of the roll. There are scribing tapes exclusively for scale modeling but I prefer the Dymo tape. It's thicker and can be reused several times.

[sunguar]

Great tips. Especially using the straight edge of a piece of used photo etch as a guide for the scribe.
I knew I saved some edge pieces for something.

[charleszoghbi]

A very useful technique that many newcomers to the hobby would love to discover. Thanks, FSM!

[klwnkiller]

Thanks Aaron. I have been building models for years now and by far I find scribing panel lines to be the hardest thing to do... and get right. I have bought several types of scribers but my favorite is a home made one from a broken off blade from a tiny circle cutter.

[joeshmoe]

Good information 👍.
I've seen some builds on youtube where ancient kits were really brought up to modern standards with replacement of raised panel lines with scribed lines.

[kudukilla]

Another type of saw that’s very handy for a fuselage are the Tamiya ones that fit into an X-acto handle.

[corkcamden]

The absolute worst- for my abilities- as well as the most expensive, is the Tamiya scriber with the handle and replaceable (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm...) blade. I can't maintain the blade within the confines of the panel line- try as I might. I have tried different sizes, so it is my poor control with the tool which causes my problem. The back of a #16 blade with the point honed to a scraper-like edge, gives me the most satisfactory result and doesn't look like a plowed furrow. For specific jobs, my homemade tools usually work best for me. At any rate, your videos are understandable and enjoyable. Stay well and happy, sir! Best wishes from the hills of Virginia. Cork

[brucec]

Great video and very timely as I am about to do an old Monogram Kingfisher kit just like yours!

[distractedgeek]

Thank you for these great suggestions. Lately I have been working on 3D printed FDM, PLA models. From aircraft, armor, and spacecraft. In the majority of 3D printed models, panel lines are rarely included. If panel lines are included, the amount of sanding required tends to obliterate that level of detail. In the end I'm nearly starting from scratch. Would you use the same tools and techniques for a normal box model, on a build made of PLA? PLA seems harder to scribe on in my experience. Can you or any other model builders offer some suggestions please. I don't have access to resin printers so that is not an option, and all my 3D printing is done via a Prusa i3mk3s.

[IndyTX]

What are good scribing tools for white metal?

[sneakyfildy]

Omg it's so uncomfortable to watch you dragging a blade across your hand 😅
Thanks for the tutorial!