The Refresh Orlando Heirs

Pocket knife collecting has been a hobby of millions of people for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.

For some people, the joy and excitement is in the “chase” or “pursuit” of any particular pocket knife or set of pocket knives. Yet for others, the excitement is in owning them, and displaying them for others to also enjoy.
Pocket knife swapping has also grown over the years, as people search out viable avenues to exchange their pocket knives, straight knives, and /or folding knives with other collectors of the same.

The pocket knife industry has shown tremendous growth in recent years, and that growth continues today. Prices of these types of knives vary, according to the what the knife is constructed of, and from where it originates from.

There are literally millions of versions from which to choose. Some have surgical stainless steel blades, while others sport other types of high impact metals. The handles on pocket knives can vary greatly as well. There are the folding and straight knives that offer handles with genuine wooden inlays, animal bone components, laminates, plastic. Some are simply 100% metal.

Then there are the collectible pocket knives that offer matching keychains with a fantastic Bald Eagle on them, or a simulated or real jewel fashioned into the handle itself.

For me, the joy and excitement of collecting pocket knives, folding knives, boot knives, and straight knives, is a combination of all that has been mentioned above.

Collectible Pocket Knives

Ben Nunzio is a Partner and CEO of Above All Wholesalers, Inc. (http://www.AAWSALES.com/), and writes for assorted article directories.

AAWsales.com

Mother’s Day Poetry,

I’m Sorry Mom!

I’m sorry for the troubles

And the worries I brought you.

I’m sorry for my mistakes,

I didn’t mean to make you blue.

When I was young and growing up,

Living in your home for so long,

I made many people sad,

I did many things wrong.

So I thought that I could show you now,

By moving away and being on my own,

That I was finally straightened out,

I wanted to prove to you I am finally maturely grown.

But I haven’t done to well at that,

I guess it goes to show,

You never really solved it all,

You never really know.

I’d like to show you now,

I need to take the time to say,

Thanks for accepting both the good and bad,

I hope you have a Wonderful Mother’s Day!

Copyright Laurie Meade 1989-2005 All Rights Reserved

http://lauriemeade.com

http://lauriemeade.blogspot.com

http://www.lauriemeade.com/scrapbooking

http://teenlovepoems.blogspot.com

PLEASE READ: About using this poem.
You have permission to use this poem,
on a personal card,
in a letter, or an email to your mom.
Please leave the links to my websites
at the bottom, so that the recipient can visit my site.
You may also use it in a scrapbook layout for personal use,
but not for commercial purposes.
If you do use it, I would appreciate an email with feedback!
You can use it on a website, but PLEASE email me and let me
know where you are publishing it!

Laurie Meade is a Writer, Online Researcher and a single WAHM. She has an Associate of Arts Degree, majored in journalism in college. 3 years experience writing and promoting online websites with article writing tactics.
Put your free to republish article up on her article directory site at:
articles411.com Be sure and check out the New Stuff link for Special Offers.

Here’s a question for you. What did you use to send email before there was a program called Microsoft Outlook? I for one used a program called Eudora for windows. Not that many people know about Eudora but it was once the best email clients there was on the market way back in 1996. Fast forward ten years later and most of us are using the latest version of Microsoft Outlook. Outlook has been very good to me over the years and it will continue to be the main source on which I send and receive email on a daily basis.

Microsoft Outlook has many strengths as an email client, calendar and task manager but it will not do some things that are almost required to be successful in email marketing. Microsoft Outlook falls short in sending out bulk or broadcast emails to ones client email list. If you are still using Microsoft Outlook to send email to your many distribution lists then you have an idea of this limitation. Here are the seven questions that you need to ask yourself to know that your business has outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

1. Distribution Lists Management

If you are having trouble keeping your distribution list organized and you don’t have a clue who is on or off them? You may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

2. Duplicate emails

If you send out emails and are not sure if you sent the same email out more than one time to the same person? You may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

3.Using BCC over CC

If you are confused or not sure when to use BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) over CC (Carbon Copy) then you may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

4. Follow up

If you do have someone who signs up to be on your mailing list and you don’t have a way to automatically get back to them based on the date or how long he or she subscribed then you may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

5. Email Campaign Reporting

If you have no idea if the people you send email too even receive or even opened the email message then you may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

6. Personalization

If you are unable to personalize your broadcast emails and can’t send the same email message to the many people on your list by name then you may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

7. Segmentation

If you have no way of determining who on you list fits the target market in which you are focusing your email messages then you may have outgrown Microsoft Outlook.

So you may be asking if I have answer at least 3 out of 7 questions with a “Yes” then what am I to do? Well 3 out 7 means your company should be in the market for a third party broadcast email service or software.

There are several broadcast email service and software answers. Two of the best hosted services are from Roving Software Incorporated and Broadwick Corporation. Roving Software puts out one of the most popular hosted services, Constant Contact and Broadwick counters with Intellicontact. Both are very similar in features and price. These two broadcast email services are ideal for the micro to small businesses who can’t afford to outsource entirely but do want some of the responsibility of the sending of the email off their hands.

One of the most noted software solutions to broadcast email is a company by the name of Arial Software. Their flagship software Campaign Enterprise gives professionals one of the most advanced permission email marketing programs in the industry.

Last but not least there is one more alternative and that is a Microsoft Outlook Add-on. This is a software program that installs and attaches itself right on the Outlook menu bar. Summit 5 software has a great add-on called SwiftPage email.

No matter which one you choose, all will be able to satisfy your needs when it comes to outgrowing Microsoft Outlook. Take time to test drive each alternative and see which one works better for your type of business. But who knows, once you try one of these alternatives you may find out that your growth spurt just has not happened quite yet. In that case just stay with what you know until it does happen and believe me it will.

May you all continue to take your businesses 2 the next level of success.

Jeffrey Alexander Brathwaite, aka “JB” is an Internet Technology Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Broadcast Email Expert. http://www.broadcastemailexpert.com. JB prides himself on helping small to medium size businesses that are frustrated with dealing with the Internet. If you are having problems trying to deal with Email marketing and distribution, Search Engine marketing or just getting your own website off the ground the right way. Please go to our website http://www.2thenextlevel.com

Self-improvement is about finding balance and happiness in our daily lives. The most important area in which we can achieve balance is in our own emotional security. After all, we cannot find true balance in relationships, our work environment, and even spiritually until we achieve self-acceptance, self-control, understanding and compassion. And while many of us believe we have a balanced sense of self, our insecurities often creep silently into our life, leaving uncertainty and regret in its wake.

Emotional security is a subtle yet profound issue because without it you can develop unhealthy behaviors and attitudes, like codependency, control, neediness, demand, low self-esteem and more. It can also affect specific areas of our lives, including our relationship and career success.

Being emotionally secure leads to a healthy life in general because there are no unhealthy attachments, you are secure to be alone or in the company of others and you do not require validation from others. You are more willing to take risks because you have the confidence you need to achieve success in every aspect of your life.

There are ways to overcome insecurity. Engage your friends and loved ones in communication about your feelings and how they can help you to feel more at ease. Working with a coach or therapist may help discover the root of your insecurities. Numerous self-help books are available to help those who struggle with insecurities and low self-esteem. It is also important to indulge in nurturing therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. Not merely “guilty pleasures,” these kinds of therapies are an important way to demonstrate your self worth.

The following aromatherapy blends will support you during your drive to overcome your insecurities. These blends will help you gain a profound sense of inner peace and healthy detachment, allowing you to feel secure by eliminating any unhealthy needs you may have for validation and attention.

Prepare each of these blends by pouring the essential oils into a 10ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill. I recommend sweet almond, jojoba or safflower vegetable oils.

********
Inner Peace & Balance
********
This blend will help you to gain more insight about your needs and wants, and achieve the balance you need to become more self-accepting.

-7 drops Sandalwood
-3 drops Juniper
-3 drops Cypress
-3 drops Cedarwood

Massage the solar plexus and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

*******
Emotional Security
*******
This blends helps you become healthily detached from negative feelings like neediness, codependence and insecurity, and become emotionally independent and self-sufficient.

-5 drops Sandalwood
-4 drops St. John’s Wort
-2 drops Rose otto

Massage the solar plexus, heart chakra and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
http://www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at www.aromalchemy.com

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Françoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Flash drives (a.k.a memory sticks, usb drives, usb keys and thumb drives) make it increasingly easy to take your data on the road. With gigabytes of storage available, you can take all of your spreadsheet, presentation and document files wherever you go.

Unfortunately, your data isn’t any good if you don’t also have the appropriate applications. Public computers at libraries, internet cafes and hotel lobbies often have only a browser installed. Business offices will have a full suite of applications, but not everyone uses Microsoft Office. And even if they do, the applications may be locked behind password protected security systems.

Using another person’s computer also presents a security risk. Any time you use an application, you leave behind traces of your visit. Productivity software often will store older versions of files as a courtesy to the user. That courtesy can become a real threat if you have proprietary information.

The good news is that, as the capacity of flash drives continues to increase, it has become increasingly easy to take simply take your applications with you. And in doing so, you dramatically reduce your security exposure.

Running software from your flash drive, however, is not as simple as installing Office to the stick instead of to your hard drive. Flash drive portable applications need to be able to run entirely off the drive, without installing anything on the host computer. They can’t rely on the host having Visual Basic, .Net or Java. They can’t be location dependent, because when you plug your drive into a host, you can’t control what drive letter your device will be assigned. And settings and files also need to be stored on your portable drive, not on the host.

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of applications that meet these requirements. Even better: the best of these are FREE.

Portable Open Office

Open Office is the amazing, free, Microsoft Office compatible suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation tool, drawing package and database. While some of the interface is a little different, for the most part, if you know how to use MS Office, you know how to use Open Office.

While Open Office was designed to run on desktop machines, there’s also a “portable” version that runs off your flash drive. The applications take up 144MB installed, so you’ll need a bigger drive, but these days, that’s no problem.

Portable Firefox

Firefox is another desktop application that has made its way to the portable world. Whiles any computer you use will have a browser, Portable Firefox will make your life easier in several ways:

First, it allows you to import your bookmarks from your desktop version. So when you are on the road, you are never at a loss for the url of that important site. Second, it lets you use all of the plugins that you have become accustomed to. And finally, it won’t leave any traces of your web surfing on the host. No one will be able to see your “history”, or a cache of the sites you visited.

Photofiltre

If you need any proof that big things can come in small packages, you jut need to take a look at Photofiltre. Its a full featured painting / photo editing package that fits on, and runs from, a flash drive.

Foxit Reader

The Portable Document Format (pdf) file has become the defacto format for transfering documents between users while retaining formatting. Foxit Reader is a small, fast pdf reader for your flash drive.

PStart

To manage the applications on your flash drive, PStart is then ideal launcher. Because it uses relative paths to launch the applications, PStart doesn’t get confused when the drive gets assigned different letters on different computers. To add applications to the main menu list, you just right click. PSmaart also offers search and not taking functions.

Links to all of the programs discussed above can be found at The Flash Drive Blog.

John Retzer has worked as a professional journalist, photographer, editor, public relations professional and golf coach. He currently teaches economics, political science and history. In his “spare time” he runs several websites and blogs, including The Flash Drive Blog at http://www.flashdriveblog.com and Golf Blogger at http://www.golfblogger.com.

Friend, Rational and Enemy!
“Freunde Sind Die Menchen mit Gleichen Weltanchauung!” Arthur Schopenhauer
[Friends are the people with the same opinion]
The theory above should be interpreted; in general it is assumed that the two people, who live together in the same environment, are mutually friends, enemy or indifferent. Feelings of a person are individual. Feeling can be reciprocal or not. Behavior of a person, in the closed environment, depends of the character, of the convenience, of the level of the culture and of the category of the culture [personality]. Therefore we have; “the one that the person is”; “the one that the person wants to act”; and “the one that the person, in the reality, acts”. A person can be friend of an acquaintance without the acquaintance to be friend of her; this same person can think the acquaintance is friend of her, that he is indifferent or that he is enemy. When an acquaintance agrees [she has the same opinion] he speaks “in a friendly way.” In the case that the person wants to swim in the sea without the life jacket, and the acquaintance doesn’t agree, he [the acquaintance] acts “in a friendly way”, but he doesn’t speak “in a friendly way”. When the acquaintance helps the friend, without being requested, he cannot expect the gratitude. In the case that an acquaintance’s sentence is friendly and it is seems friendly; this doesn’t represent the rule, and it is not interpreted, obligatorily, by the person, in this way. The acquaintance that disagrees, but doesn’t want to convince is not enemy. What generates hostility is when the acquaintance wants to teach what is contrary to the person’s conviction.
The largest degree of hostility is generated, by the attempt of teaching something, which is against the [congenital and unalterable] instinct of the person. The healthy human being’s instincts are in quality very superior to the instincts of the animals; in amount they still overcome more the instincts of the animals; this refers to the decent men [artig]. The degenerate ones [abgeartet] lost certain instincts; they are “rational”. The degenerate ones lost certain genes; they act as reptiles; which [reptiles] don’t have the instinct [gene] of preservation of the species. The genome of the human species [of all decent men] is in 99% equal for all.
The justice, the faith, the solidarity, the honesty and the morals feeling in general are irrational [instinctive]. The “rational individuals” supply the lack of instinct with reasoning; “Justice is what corresponds the law!” Correctly the law should be derived of the moral and no contrary.
A “rational” acquaintance is never friend; but he speaks “in a friendly way”. A con artist is “very convincing”; he is seemingly a brilliant artist; in the reality he doesn’t have any feeling and observing the person’s feeling he mirrors this [feeling]. He has many friends; but he is not friend of anybody. The capacity to speak “in a friendly way” and the hypocritical positivism pleases people and help to win the trust of people.
Example of superficial judgment, based on the appearances is the judgment that the historians do of the three emperors; Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius.
“Tiberius was a bad man; he forced all relatives to work.”
Caligula was a bad man he ordered to spy the relatives and friends and he didn’t invite to the festivity the ones that didn’t bet, in the race, in Incitatus [horse of him].
Claudius was good man; he ordered to execute all of his cousins, his nephews and his own wife.”
Therefore we have friends, enemies and indifferent. The indifferent ones are the “rational” ones and the ones that don’t have contact [knowledge] enough with the person. The” rational” ones appear to be friends.
Download free Coffee Break;
http://oz.pro.br/coffee/coffee.zip
August of 2005, konstantin, oz@oz.pro.br

About the Author

Professor of mathematics’ philosophy retired
I write articles in four languages, since 1946.
More of them are specific. oz@oz.pro.br

Q. Sometimes when I’m presenting to clients, I sense that the
customer tunes out. Is there a better way to communicate with a
customer or engage them? A. Salespeople get caught up in the
hype of their own product and lose touch with their client’s
reality sometimes. You may be an expert in your field, but you
have to assume the client is not. Most clients do not speak
tech-ese, so you have to couch the conversation in language that
is familiar.

Q. In high tech sales situations, what are some ways of
obtaining better results on sales calls? A. Start by shifting
the focus from you to your client. Instead of presenting
information to a client on your first sales call, try asking the
client what expectations they have for the meeting. You can
build a list of desired results from their answer. Try using
questions that put the client in the driver’s seat. For example,
“What would you like to learn more about?” or “How can I help
resolve these issues?”

Q. Are clients actually put off by technical language? A. It
depends, because there are instances when it is appropriate. If
you’re speaking to a technical person who expects you to inform
them about these aspects, go ahead. In many cases, the decision
maker is not technical, so speaking in terms the client does not
understand wastes their time. Even worse, they feel
uncomfortable. Do you know anyone who would buy under these
circumstances? There is no easier way to lose a sale then
alienating a client.

Q. What’s the best way to speak about a technical product to a
non-technical person? A. Refrain from using acronyms and
technical jargon. Some common words that are not generally
understood are IPSEC, T-1s, WIFI, Routers. Concentrate on the
problem they need to fix or the result they want to achieve. If
the client needs a technical description, they’ll ask for it.
Otherwise, avoid using these words.

Q. What are some other key ways I can improve the sales
experience for my clients? A. You need to humanize the sales
experience. Once you learn to communicate in ways that relate to
and reach they client, you regain your most distinguishing
feature – yourself. Shorten your presentations by focusing on
the capabilities and solutions you can provide in the client’s
unique business environment. Learn to listen closely, catch key
phrases, and hone in on their needs, not your own sales agenda.
Incorporate business terms that are meaningful to the client in
your dialogue.

Q. Do you think the first meeting with a prospective client
should be a fact-finding interview? A. That is one way of
thinking about it. Keep in mind clients don’t consider your
products and services just for the heck of it. They either have
a problem they need to fix or a result that must be achieved.
The salesperson’s job is to use questions to uncover their
business challenges and concerns. The goal in the first meeting
is to set the foundation to build a relationship.

Q. When I’m presenting my high tech solution, how do I position
it to come across persuasively so that the customer wants to
purchase it? A. Don’t simply explain what your product does and
how it works. Present the value it brings to their business. For
example, most salespeople would sell a high-speed internet
connection that claims to be x times faster, rather than selling
a solution that allows the client to process orders at a higher
rate resulting in increased revenues. Demonstrate the benefits
by linking back to how it will solve problems and achieve
results.

A rager, or rageaholic, is a person who is addicted to the expression of anger. While many people feel better when they “let it all out” a rageaholic should totally and completely abstain from expressing their anger.

If anger or rage is a problem for you or someone you love, the following creed will help get things moving in a more positive direction. Read this list each morning before beginning your day:

1. I will practice self-restraint as a *top* priority today. (Notice that it does not say, “I will practice standing up for what is right.”)

2. I will act *the opposite* of how I feel, when angry. (Notice that it does not say, “I will share how I really feel.”)

3. If I feel that my anger is about to erupt, I will *quietly* leave the situation. (Notice that it does not say, “I will stay around and process my feeling.”)

4. I will find truth in *all* criticisms directed toward me today, especially from my partner. (Notice that it does not say, “I will explain my point of view.”)

5. I will say, “You are right,” in a sincere, meaningful way, when I am criticized. (Notice that it does not say, “I will say, ‘You are right, but…’”)

6. I will give an example of how the person who criticized me is *right*. (Notice that it does not say, “I will point out an exception to their observation.”)

7. I will repeat the following sentence to myself today: “I am better off being *wrong* because when I am right, I am dangerous.” (Notice that it does not say, “I need to stand up for myself when I am right.” That is in the self-help literature for depressed women. Rageful men are not depressed women.)

8. I will avoid explaining myself in any way by saying, “I have no idea why I did that…it doesn’t make any sense to me either.” (Notice that it does not say, “I will make sure she understands *my* point of view.” Life can go on without you being understood.

9. I will listen sympathetically to my partner when she tells me about her day. (That means maintaining eye contact and turning the television off…not just on mute.)

10. I will not give unsolicited advice to my wife or children. (That also means not asking questions such as, “Do you know what you should do?” or “Do you want to know why that happened?”)

11. I will avoid blaming family members for anything today, especially if it was their fault. (Instead, say things such as, “It’s not your fault you ran out of gas. That stupid gas gauge shows there is gas when there isn’t!”)

12. I will avoid trying to make any family member “understand” anything. (You may find out that they don’t want to understand what you think is the moral or the “truth” of some situation.)

13. I will avoid trying to convince my child or spouse that I am being fair. (Enjoy the relief of *not* trying to convince your teenager that you are being fair, and just sympathize with them for having an unfair parent that wants to ruin their lives.)

14. I will look for an opportunity to sincerely praise everyone I live with, especially the cat I don’t like. (Yes, every day! Pet the cat and say nice things to it. The children and your wife will know that you have changed…insist that you have come to have warm feelings toward the cat.)

15. I will humbly commit myself to removing my angry behaviors today, as my contribution toward a more peaceful world. (Realize that there is enough anger and grief in the world without you adding to it.)

Put this list on the refrigerator and ask your wife and children to remind you about it. When they do, calmly say, “You are right. I am sorry. I was wrong.”

About The Author

Newton Hightower is the Director of The Center for Anger Resolution, Inc. in Houston, Texas, and author of the new book Anger Busting 101: New ABCs for Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them. Visit Newton’s website for more anger- busting ideas and a free email newsletter filled with guest articles and tips for husbands, wives, and therapists. http://www.angerbusters.com

newton@angerbusters.com

Epson Stylus Photo R200
Product Review by Les Lewellyn

On a Sunday afternoon a few months ago I was sitting at my computer working on a new song. I noticed outside the sky was getting black and there was thunder in the distance. I told myself that I’d turn off the computer if the storm got closer. So a few minutes went by and I got up and went in the kitchen to get myself a drink. Thunder struck close by and I practically ran to my computer but before I got there lightning struck the phone line in which the dsl was connected to and ran through my computer. I immediately turned the smoking machine off and waited until the storm was over to access the damage.

Luckily for me the computer’s motherboard and processor were fine. The only thing I lost was my printer port and the nic card. I was happy with my printer at the time but there was no way for me to check it out and see if it was screwed up or not. So I decided to hold off getting a new printer port and find myself a good USB printer instead. After several months of waiting Epson released the Photo R200 which has all of the features a musician would want. Namely it can print straight onto printable cds and it does an awesome job. I can now burn cd singles and print a professional looking cd to send out to radio stations as promos. No more ugly labels that wrinkle and get hung up inside peoples cd players. The printer comes with all the software needed to create some very cool cds and covers. The software allows for you to import your own photos and type so you are held to the restraints of their artwork! The coverage is perfect and beautiful. For an individual or band wanting to one off a few cds this is a dream come true. However if you are going to do hundreds you’d be better off jobbing it out.

The Epson Photo R200 also does a great job printing digital pictures, brochures, business cards and whatever else you want to print. The price is affordable and brings direct on disc printing to musicians and music lovers at a price that cannot be beat. It’s pretty fast too. It will easily print one of my cds with full coverage in about a minute. It uses six seperate ink catridges designed to lower the cost of refills. The printer bleeds 4×6, 5×7, 8×10 and letter size. It connects to a standard rear USB port quickly and easily. It comes with a cd with all necessary drivers and software. If you are in the market for an incredible cd printer then try this one out! I’ve heard horrible stories about some of the other manufacturers printers but I can tell you this one does the job.

About the author:

Les Lewellyn is a free lance writer with published works both online and offline. You can read more of his work on his website
http://www.preyinglizardmusic.com

Weathering refers to wear and tear on a model airplane. This may be from the elements (e.g. sun-faded paint), or from operational wear. The actual weathering pattern will depend on the specific airplane, its maintenance, and where it was operated (e.g. dusty airfield). It’s best to consult reference photos of the actual airplane, and look at them often while weathering the airplane. Careful application of weathering will greatly increase the realism of your model, and can turn it into a show-stopper.




Here are some typical weathering patterns and methods of applying them to your model:




Paint chipping occurs when parts of the paint layer get removed, to reveal the underlying bare metal. This often happens on heavily exposed or trafficked areas of the plane, e.g. wing walks, canopy frame edges and wing leading edges. Paint chipping can be simulated with silver paint and a fine brush, or a silver Prismacolor pencil. Another popular method is to paint a silver base coat, then apply the base color. While the base color is still somewhat wet, use masking tape to remove sections of the paint.




Gun smoke stains can be added with black pastel chalk dust applied with a fine brush (blow gently in the direction of airflow to remove the excess). Pastels are best applied over a flat (matt) surface, so if necessary first paint the model with a flat clear coat. The pastels will also need to be sealed with a clear coat. A convenient option that needs no sealer is to use an airbrush to make the stains. Airbrush (in the airflow direction) a fine line of highly thinned black paint.




Engine exhaust stains can also be added with black pastel chalk dust applied with a brush. To vary the effect, add some dark browns or grays on top of the black. The airbrush can be used very effectively here as well.




Pre-shading. Full-scale airplanes see lots of wear and tear in regular use. The surface skin panels often have uneven wear, with the center of the panels becoming lighter than the edges. Pre-shading can be used to mimic this effect on models.
The panel lines on the model are darkened first, before applying any color coats. Highly thinned black or darkened base color is airbrushed along the panel lines, and around the raised surface detail. The lines can be a bit uneven, as real wear is not even. The pre-shading is then over-sprayed with the base color, without completely covering the pre-shaded lines.
This technique can be used on any model with visible panel lines. If the model is molded in dark plastic, you may need to apply a light-colored primer coat before pre-shading.




Panel Fade is uneven wear of an airplane’s panels. The color is usually lighter near the middle of the panel and darker near the edges. Paint your airplane in the base color. Then add a few drops of white to the base color, and airbrush in the interior of a panel. Add a few more drops of white, then spray near the center of the panel only. Repeat this procedure for all the panels that you want to fade. When all the panels are done, make a very thin mixture of the base color. Spray a light coat of this over all the panels to tie all the different color shades together.




Post-Shading can be used instead of a panel-line wash. It involves using the airbrush and painting a fine dark band along each panel line. This is done with a very thin, dark color. Post-shading requires an airbrush capable of fairly fine lines. Thinned black can be used, or a mixture of the base color with black added to it.

Copyright©2005 Airbrush Model Airplanes

For more info on weathering with the airbrush, get the ebook Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes. This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given and all links left intact.

Andrew Ling is a long-time model builder and a contributor to the Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes ebook.