Mig Productions have released these sets of etched Bolts, Rivets, Discs & Washers in different sizes to suit a variety if applications with the sets designed not in the usual etched style with thin attachments to the metal frets but with each individual bolt/rivet head completely free on clear backing sheets.

As each set is produced in the same manner we will look at the 2 sets together with a brief description of each and how to best remove the individual items from the backing when needed.

The 2 sets featured here are:

• Set #MPE 35-500 Hexagonal Bolts
• Set #MPE 35-505 Rivets, Discs & Washer
  

Etched sets MPE 35-500 (left), MPE 35-505 (right)


This is not the first time etched sets have been designed without any attachments, this system has been used for years in Model Railways for etched detail sets as well as others a few years back for the Armour Modellers. These sets usually saw the etched item on a "rubber" type backing sheet which was soaked in acetone to "float" the etched part free for use but these new generation sets from Mig Productions are a little different with no solvents or other agents needed to free up the individual etched screw head.

Each etched fret in the sets are the same size with a good selection of sizes and styles on each sheet, those in set MPE 35-500 include 2 styles of hexagonal bolt heads in 6 different sizes for the plain bolt heads and 3 styles with hex washers with raised bolt heads with the smallest bolts being about 0.6mm diameter and will need care when handing and adding to your model. Set MP 35-505 has 6 different sized rivet/discs with the smallest being about 0.5mm and 6 sizes for the washers to again offer a good range of sizes for different applications.

Some of the larger bolt heads are a bit on the thin side but you can beef these up a bit by stacking two or more on top of each other for a better appearance if need be and this also allows a little flexibility in the height of the bolts heads you want to represent. Combining the washers and bolt/rivet heads together will give further variation that should cater for most needs.

Each fret has two films attached, a thin film on the top of the fret and a thicker film on the bottom with the individual items stuck to these films, the bond to the thicker underside film being stronger which will have a bearing on how you remove them from the backing film for use.

Firstly you peel back the thinner top film to expose the number of items needed and then peel back the thicker underside film and the items will come away with the film. You then use the tip of a #11 blade or similar to "pick" off each item which can then be applied to the model using cyanoacrylate (super glue).

You should only peel back the film from the items needed at the time so others don't come away as well. The film will stick back into place but is the bond is not as strong after the first removal and also thankfully there is no "sticky" residue on the etched screw heads after removal so no cleanup is needed.

Images showing the upper and lower films on the frets
and the method of removing the screw heads as per text above

These are very useful sets that offer a good selection of sizes and styles for the bolts, rivets and washers included with enough to cater for most applications and you can mix and match the items for more flexibility.

The method of removing the items from the backing sheets and application to the model gets easier as you get used to the process and the lack of cleanup needed a real bonus.

Highly recommended

Thanks to MIG Productions for the review samples.