UMM-USA 3D Riveters First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of First Look | July 2010 | Manufacturer | UMM-USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | 3D Riveters | Product Number | MN025 |
| Pros | Set of three wood-handled riveters | Cons | Nothing noted |
| MSRP (USD) | $32.99 |
First Look
If you've progressed into more advanced modeling, you will tend to take your projects to places that the basic kit was not designed for. Take for example Monogram's nice 1/48 F-5E Tiger II kit. It builds great straight out of the box, but its surface detailing is older generation raised panel lines and no other real surface detail. An advanced modeler will take that basic kit, remove the raised panel lines, scribe in the appropriate replacement lines, then add the other missing surface details. While the surface of a Northrop fighter looks smooth, a closer inspection will reveal what's missing - rivet details.
UMM-USA offers a nice series of 3D Riveter Tools. This set has teeth that are spaced apart ideally for typical 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale spacing. This set provides all three riveters though these are also available individually as well. The 1/72 riveter has teeth spaced 0.5mm apart, the 1/48 riveter is spaced at 0.7mm, and the 1/32 scale riveter has teel spaced at 1.0mm.
Once you've scribed the panel lines (check out the interesting scribing tools UMM-USA also offers), simply tape down a straight edge and run the riveter tool across the surface using the edge as a guide. In no time, the surface of your project will be transformed into a more contemporary level of detail. UMM-USA also offers these same riveters with plastic handles as we've seen here.
Definitely recommended for your bench!
My sincere thanks to UMM-USA for this review sample!