1:48/1:52 Photo-etched Plates - Barbed Wire

Photo-etched barbed wire for dioramas in 1:48 scale

This is not a model or a kit but a diorama accessory: a thin photo-etched metal plate from which parts imitating barbed wire are broken or cut out. The set is from the Spanish brand Green Stuff World, and besides the 1:48 scale the name also gives 1:52, which means that the parts can be used for two close scales; it is therefore not a contradiction in the data. The number of parts on the plate and the size of the sheet are stated on the packaging of the set.

Use

• Fences and obstacles on military as well as civilian dioramas.
• Bounding airfield areas, stores, railway stations and military sites.
• A detail beside figures and vehicles that gives a scene scale and depth.
• An accessory for tabletop games and modeling mats in comparable scales.

How to work with the etch

Separate the parts with a sharp knife or etch shears on a hard surface, never tear them out, because they would bend. Sand the remains of the tabs down with a fine file. Degrease the etch before painting and apply a primer, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth metal. For barbed wire a dark metal or rusty base works well, followed by a dry brush and a light rust wash. The wire is best fixed to the posts with cyanoacrylate glue. A slight bend and irregular sag look more realistic than a taut straight line.

Who the accessory is for

• For builders of dioramas and display case scenes in 1:48 scale.
• For aircraft modelers who create airfield settings.
• For players and collectors of figures in close scales.
• For anyone looking for finer wire than can be made by hand.

The accessory is supplied unpainted and without a base scene. Paints, glue and other materials are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.