Finding lost PE parts

I was working with some architectural model makers a couple of years ago and we were applying "trees" to a very small-scale model of the UK's FAC range up in Yorkshire. The mix was dried tea-leaves (what else in the UK!!) mixed with paint and allowed to dry, before being broken up into the consistency of fine breadcrumbs.
This mixture was shaken onto areas pre-painted with a mix of paint and white glue and then tamped down. There is always a fair amount of the "foliage" which doesn't adhere to the glue/paint mix, so it's recoverable for further use - which leads me to the solution to "Part Launch"...

If your vacuum cleaner has an extension tube with the interchangeable nozzles, all you have to do is ask your "Other Half" (If you haven't got one of these, then ask your Ma or any female friend - or male friend - for an old pair!!) for an old pair of tights/stockings/pantyhose etc. Wrap a single layer of the aforementioned over the end of the tube and switch on.

Direct the nozzle over the whole of your work area until there is a good collection of "stuff" in the nylon. Hold the end of the tube over a clean tray or large box lid, switch off the power and tease the collection into the tray/lid. Repeat the exercise until you have a spotlessly clean work area.
You can then spend a happy half hour armed with your favourite tweezers, picking through the dust and shavings and - hopefully - launched parts will start to appear!

Another benefit of this is that the "Other Half" will be mightily impressed that you have been "cleaning up" your work area!!

Chris Hughes

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