[COMMERCIAL] Economic MDF shipping containers

[eilif]

Well, I already have 6 each of the AT-43 and my own containers kitbashed from micro machines playsets, but what the heck, I can use 4 of these.

Just put in an order, so there should be 4 MDF containers on the way to Chicago shortly. If I can find time, I'll slap some paint on them and show em off here.

[wellender]

I have some MDF stuff. Demo's Laser Cut Design buildings and Crossover Dropships and UFO. I've never painted them though. Do you guys prime them first or just paint right on them?

[The_Beast]

Do people find you need to put a light coat on to seal? I always heard MDF soaks paint, but I've also heard that less so with more recent formulations.

Doug

[fergal]

Thanks eilif

wellender, the MDF tends to REALLY soak up paint, I definitely prime first.  Sometimes even two coats to make sure.

[fergal]

Sorry Doug, your post came through while I was typing.  I definitely would put on at least one coat to seal it up.  Though saying that, I don't hand paint a lot of detail on myself.

[wellender]

Mine showed up today.  Looking forward to getting at least a dry fit tonight.

[YPU]

I should probably just shut up, buy these and slap a half round profile plasticard piece on the front and call it a day then eh. 

[eilif]

They have arrived and I have assembled them.  Seems like a nice kit.  Fits together really well.

My only problem so far is probably related to the way they are removed from the sheet when first produced.  Each can arrived with the exact same mini-tab broken on the corner of the same side even though that tab wasn't attached to anything that I had to separate.  I glued the bits back on, but will take a picture when completed.

My sci-fi models are never pristine though so I'm still pleased with them so far.  I should be able to prime and get started painting them this evening.

[The_Beast]

Word.

Though, by putting the broke tab down, I'll probably ignore.

Doug

[fergal]

Hi Guys,

I'm sorry if anything broke in transport, I try to take great pride in getting things right. I'll gladly get another part out to you if we need to!

Is it possible the part where the pieces connect?  I'd recommend a bit of sandpaper or a quick hit with a blade to even it out if so. 

[eilif]

Hi Guys,

I'm sorry if anything broke in transport, I try to take great pride in getting things right. I'll gladly get another part out to you if we need to!

Is it possible the part where the pieces connect?  I'd recommend a bit of sandpaper or a quick hit with a blade to even it out if so. 

No worries, it's a very small bit, one of the 8 nubs (4 at each end) that sticks out of each end.  I glued the bits back on well enough and I do my terrain looking worn anyway.

If you're interested in changing the model a touch, It's a small part that protrudes a bit more than it needs too and since there are 8 of them on each model, there is considerable chance for breakage. It could be shortened by 1/3 and it would be less prone to breaking and still stick out a bit to make the square corner bits that you see on a standard shipping cans.

I primed/basecoated them 4 different ways yesterday.  After I finish them I'll put up pics so folks can get some idea of the best ways to finish these.

Overall I'm liking them so far. They go together perfectly and the only prep I did was briefly sand/file a few nubs off where the parts had been connected.  They seem remarkably sturdy and I don't think there's much/any risk of damage after assembly.

[The_Beast]

I actually think I'll cut them all off; I like the indent, almost like grapple points.

Otherwise, I could come up with some corner caps (small "boxes" quartered in eighths), more appropriate, based on that piccie, eilif.

Doug

[The_Beast]

*whoops*

[eilif]

Been a bit distracted, but here's the containers after the first coat of paint, but before the second coats or drybrushing.

The first pic shows one primed with gesso (on the left) and one with spray paint (on the right)

The second shows one with a green wash applied directly to the bare can and one with red primer spray.

I'm probably going to paint over the green one. I love the way it makes the panel lines pop, but the wash does nothing to disguise the way the pieces of the model fit together.

[fergal]

Looks good.  Yes, you definitely need a primer coat to help hid the sides that were cut.  If you prime first then spray with lighter colors, the lines still pop really well.

Thank you for the pictures!