Twanging off

[martin goddard]

"Twanging off" is where an item just disappears.

Maybe when clipped by snippers.
Maybe when being filed.
Maybe when in tweezers.
Maybe when cut from the sprue.
Maybe when being stavved witha dril etc.

I suffer a lot of twanging off with small figure components.
Then I cannot find the component and have to make it all again.
I recently lost a legionary head, Roman shield and a pilum.
I also lose bits of wire. I sculpt one end into a weapon and snip, the item goes off across the room, aaargh!
Round things (cylinder, sphere, disc) are the worst for me.

What has twanged off for you and what was the consequence.


martin

[John Watson]

It doesn't matter what has twanged off, it is guaranteed that I will step on it most painfully at some later date.
John

[Moggy]

Been suffering a lot with that over the last few days plus a bit extra. Been trying to attach mini-magnets to the back of markers with super-glue.  If they are not sticking to my fingers they are jumping into the air to try and mate with another of their own kind!.


The misses has been killing herself laughing every time it happens!.

Derek

[Colonel Kilgore]

Derek,

Apologies if I've misunderstood, or if this is what you're already doing, but have you tried using a "stick" of mini-magnets (easier to hold) and just gluing on the end one?

Then when the super-glue has dried, you just remove the magnet's mates, leaving the one you've stuck on suitably un-twanged?

Simon

[Panzer21]

It happens to me all the time. Anything tiny, doesn't matter if it's held in fat fingers or tweezers....
Last time it was the mantlet of an A13 conversion kit (resin and etched brass) which after considerable struggle with inadequate instructions headed floorwise, never to be seen again.....it still hasn't turned up. Fortunately the kit has a spare (different type).

Most frustrating is when converting or super detailing Roco Minitanks and I find just enough pieces of the right thing for the number of models I'm doing, when one piece pings into another dimension and I know I don't have any others......

The consequence is me grovelling around on the floor with a torch and prolonged bouts of particularly imaginative and offensive swearing that upsets my wife!

Neil

[Moggy]

Derek,

Apologies if I've misunderstood, or if this is what you're already doing, but have you tried using a "stick" of mini-magnets (easier to hold) and just gluing on the end one?

Then when the super-glue has dried, you just remove the magnet's mates, leaving the one you've stuck on suitably un-twanged?

Simon

Hmmmm, didnt think of doing it that way.    Its ok till you get down to your last couple I spose. Thanks for the steer Simon.

Derek

[Bankinista]

My job assigned me to work in Jersey, Channel Islands, for a few years. Whilst there I joined the "Jersey Wargames Society". Every year they attended the "Salute" wargames show and put on either a demonstration or participation game. (Also a rare chance to "fondle before you buy".) People who were to be part of the show team were all allocated tasks, be it painting figures through to preparing handouts.

In 1373, Bertrand du Guesclin, the Constable of France, laid siege to Mont Orgueil Castle in Jersey with over 2,600 men. The castle, also known as Gorey Castle, resisted the French assault.  This was to be our demo game.  "A Castle to Declare", Salute 89 (Wargames Illustrated 25) tells the tale.

I was given the task of painting some of du Guesclin's  attackers. Although numbers were scaled down.

The club pays for any figures not to hand from any member.

Before painting I always look at each figure and remove flash or other niggles. One particular spearman had a lump on his base that needed removing. Taking my trusty modelling knife I began to cut. "Twang" the offending piece of metal removed itself and shot into my eye. My girlfrien held me backwards over the bath and used the shower hose to try to clear my eye. No luck. The hospital it had to be.

What followed was pure Monty Python. Before I was seen I had to read and sign a declaration. Basically the NHS and Jersey had an agreement to each cater for the other's patients and they would net off the cost. My eyes were watering and I could barely see the piece of paper, let alone read it or see where to sign. I had thoughts of "Oh dear, this one's all messy. Can you try again?" Eventually the offending piece of metal was removed and I had to wear a piratical style eyepatch for the next week.

Derek of Cambridge

[martin goddard]

Close and nasty call Derek. Was Paul le Jeune one of your show team mates?


martin

[Bankinista]

He was. Paul was the boss. He didn't do anything himself but made sure that everything was done.

[martin goddard]

A small world. I think he ended up in Dorset somewhere?


martin

[Bankinista]

Correct. He and his wife own one of these small village post-office/shop affairs in a small village whose name I forget. Not sure if he was in the post office balance-the-books cash scandal or not.

[Colonel Kilgore]

Hmmmm, didnt think of doing it that way.    Its ok till you get down to your last couple I spose. Thanks for the steer Simon.

Derek

You could also just use the flat head of a nail to manoeuvre those tricksy magnets, Derek? Just try to avoid the sharp pointy end making contact with any body parts 

Simon

[Moggy]

Pretty much finished off all those pesky markers that each need a magnet. (about 140 or so all told).  Worked a treat doing it as described.  Ruined most of the wife's amusement so was worthwhile.

Derek

[Leman (Andy)]

A dropped 5mm green dice. Still not found.