Albion Alloys
Review by Geoff Coughlin (April 2013)
Our thanks to Albion Alloys for supplying our review samples. Get this and other excellent modelling tools and materials here now at: www.albionalloys.co.uk
Albion Alloys will be well known to many of you from the many references we have made in SMN over the years to their excellent products like precision tubing, rod and the Flex-I-File range of products. Now their already extensive range of modelling tools and materials is expanded with a series of new products that will be very interesting to you – so do keep an eye on Here Now to see what else this excellent company has to offer modellers.
You may have seen my review on Micro Finishing Cloth Abrasive Sheets?
These new tapes are just the same material as the sheets, it’s just that now they are conveniently cut into strips for use with the ‘U’-shaped Flex-I-File.
In case you missed it, here’s the key info from that review:
It’s quite possible that you will have used Micromesh polishing clothes before? Well if you have then these sheets are very similar, but in my view have the slight edge because the cloth is thinner and easier to work with.
If you haven’t used this type of material before then here’s a quick guide to what they can be used for.
Basically the idea is very simple – a bit like different grades of wet and dry paper these sanding and polishing cloths have one side that you can use to bring the plastic surface of your model to an incredible shine. The cloth is graded and you can see from the photos included with this review that some are amazingly fine, like the 12,000 grade sheet. I have used these already and they are highly effective at polishing up canopies and finishing off joins.
A useful firm sponge is included that allows you to wrap the cloth around it so that you can grip onto something while rubbing back and finishing your surface.
The cloths can be washed and dried when soiled and will last a little while before you need to replace them.
It’s worth taking a look at the Flex-I-File tapes that are the subject of a separate review.
You may also want to see how these tapes are used with the Flex-I-File, well here’s Matthew of Albion Alloys to show you…
PDF download
Here’s the Albion Alloys PDF correct at time of going to press with details of product codes for this and the rest of the range from Albion Alloys. Do click the link at the head of this page though to see the latest information.
Recommended
Geoff C.