‘Rosie the Riveter’ (Petr Dousek)

Review by: Julian Seddon and Geoff Coughlin

 

It’s been an age-old problem for scale modellers – how to realistically replicate the tiny rivets apparent on aircraft and other subjects?

This is especially true when you need to sand joins that have delicate rivet and panel line detail running across the join, which is extremely common on scale aircraft models.

As you can see, this tool is very simple and involves a small toothed wheel-set in a handle that rotates as it passes along a surface. It has a perfectly indented neat row of rivets, equally spaced as you need. Very neat.

The fact is that this sort of tool is invaluable. It hugely reduces the time it would otherwise take adding each tiny rivet by hand using a pointed instrument!

The trick in using ‘the Riveter’ is to choose the correct size. The range has five different sized-spaced tooth patterns depending how far apart you want your rivets to be: 0.40mm (1:72 scale), 0.55mm (1:48 and 1:72 scale), 0.65mm (1:48 scale), 0.75mm (1:48 and 1:32 scale) and 1.00mm (1:32 scale).

The key with this tool will be to use it against a straight edge and one of the best things you can do is cut up lengths of thinly cut Dymo tape – the plastic self-adhesive tape used for creating embossed labels. Because the tape sticks to your model, the riveting tool doesn’t slip so easily. With just gentle pressure needed to keep the blade against the tape and there you go – as easy as that and a perfect line of rivets in no time at all.

Let’s try it out

This version of the tool is largely for 1:48th, though it can be used in other scales where the rivets are close together. 

 

I used a flat sheet of plasticard undercoated to get the best detail. It is possible to rivet by eye next to the panel lines on a kit, but only if you have a steady hand. Otherwise Dymo tape or masking tape is equally effective.

The ‘Riveter’ conforms to all surfaces well, flat or curved. On a curved surface make sure your hand is positioned so that it can make the whole move in one for the best effect.

If you’re a fan of rivets this is probably the best tool. It comes in various sizes.

Verdict

Highly Recommended.

Geoff C and Julian S.