Workshop & Maintenance
Welcome to Workshop & Maintenance. The Chief Mechanic handles information about how Tabletop Flights models are produced, prepared, inspected, and cared for once they reach your gaming table.If you have questions about the production schedule, resin printing, alternate-scale preparation, quality control, preparing a model for painting, or making a simple repair, this is the right desk.
Printing & Production
Most Tabletop Flights aircraft are produced using high-resolution resin 3D printing. Whenever practical, models are designed and printed as one-piece miniatures to reduce assembly and make them easier to get onto the gaming table.Some aircraft may require separate components because of their size, design, or level of detail. Larger models may also be produced using other printing methods when resin printing is not practical.Tabletop Flights uses a combination of regular inventory and production as needed. Commonly ordered models may already be in stock, while other models are produced as orders and inventory requirements dictate.
Production Schedule
Tabletop Flights is a small shop, and I use a regular weekly production schedule to keep printing, quality control, maintenance, and shipping moving efficiently.Friday through Monday - Production These are the primary printing days. New orders are added to the production schedule as needed, along with models being produced to replenish inventory.Many commonly ordered models may already be in stock and ready for final inspection and packing.Tuesday through Thursday - QA & Maintenance These days are primarily reserved for inspecting completed models, handling any necessary reprints, cleaning and maintaining the printers, and preparing completed models to move on to Dispatch & Shipping. Production is not limited exclusively to these days when circumstances require otherwise, but this schedule provides the normal rhythm of the workshop.
Quality Control
Every Tabletop Flights model is inspected before it is cleared from the workshop.Resin printing is a manufacturing process, and minor variations between individual prints are normal. These variations should not affect the appearance or usefulness of the model on the gaming table.If a model has a significant printing defect or does not meet my standards, it does not leave the workshop. Whenever necessary, the model is reprinted before the order moves forward.Once the models in an order have completed production and passed inspection, they are turned over to Dispatch & Shipping and the Postmaster for packing and shipment.
Alternate Scales
Many Tabletop Flights aircraft can be produced in scales other than their standard listed scale. However, with more than 1,100 aircraft files in the production library, not every aircraft has already been prepared in every possible scale.Models are rescaled and prepared for production as they are needed. Once a particular version has been successfully prepared, it becomes part of the production library for future orders.Preparing an aircraft for a new scale involves more than simply changing its overall size. The model must be checked for features that may be affected by scaling, including wall thicknesses, clearances, small components, supports, and other details necessary for a successful print.Because of this, a model that has already been prepared in the requested scale may move through the normal production process, while a model being produced in that scale for the first time may require additional preparation time.Not every aircraft can be successfully produced in every scale. If a model cannot reasonably be produced at the requested size, I will contact you before proceeding.For information about requesting an alternate scale or a model not currently listed in the store, visit Stores & Requisitions and see the Quartermaster.
Preparing Your Model for Painting
Tabletop Flights resin models arrive ready for normal hobby preparation and painting.If necessary, minor surfaces can be carefully cleaned up with fine sandpaper or normal hobby tools. If a model has become dirty or has been handled extensively, wash it gently with warm water and mild dish soap and allow it to dry completely before painting.I recommend priming resin models before painting. A good primer provides a better surface for your paint and also helps protect the resin from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.Unless specifically stated in the product description, Tabletop Flights models are supplied unpainted and do not include decals, glue, paint, or flight stands.
Resin Model Care
Resin models require a little care, particularly around thin wings, struts, landing gear, propellers, weapons, and other fine details.Handle your models with reasonable care and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on thin or projecting components.
UV Light & Long-Term Display
Unpainted and unprotected resin models should not be left for extended periods where they are exposed to sources of ultraviolet (UV) light. Prolonged UV exposure can cause resin to become increasingly brittle over time.The most significant source is direct sunlight, but some artificial lighting can also produce UV radiation. If models are going to be displayed for long periods, particularly near windows or under lighting that produces UV, they should be protected.Priming and painting your models provides an additional barrier between the resin and UV light and is recommended for models intended for long-term display.
Heat
Avoid leaving resin models in areas subject to excessive heat, such as inside a hot vehicle or directly against a strong heat source. High temperatures can temporarily soften resin and may allow thin components such as wings or struts to bend or deform.Heat-related bending is usually different from long-term UV damage. A slightly warped component can often be corrected using the methods described below.For storage and transportation, foam trays, padded containers, or other protective cases are recommended.
Straightening a Warped or Bent Part
Thin resin components can occasionally develop a slight bend or warp, particularly after exposure to heat during shipping or storage. This normally does not mean the model is permanently damaged and can usually be corrected in just a few minutes.
Hot Water Method
- Heat water until it is hot, but not boiling.
- Place the affected portion of the model in the hot water for approximately 5–10 seconds.
- Remove the model and gently straighten the softened part.
- Place the corrected part into cold or ice water to help set its new position.
- Repeat the process if another small adjustment is necessary.
Do not force the part while it is cold. If it does not move easily, warm it again before making another adjustment.
Hair Dryer Method
A hair dryer on a low setting can also be used. Warm the affected area gradually until it becomes slightly flexible, gently reposition it, and allow it to cool in the correct position. Cold water can also be used to help set the part.Use care with either method. Resin can soften quickly when heated, particularly on very small components.
Simple Repairs
Despite careful production, inspection, and packaging, thin components such as propellers, struts, landing gear, weapons, or other small details can occasionally become detached.If a small part has come loose, first check the packaging before discarding it. The component is often still inside and can normally be reattached with a small amount of CA (super glue). Minor breaks in resin models can generally be repaired the same way. Use only a small amount of glue and allow the repair to cure completely before handling the area.If a model arrives with significant damage or there is a problem that cannot reasonably be corrected with a simple repair, visit Dispatch & Shipping and see the Postmaster. The Postmaster handles problems involving models damaged during shipment.
Common Workshop Questions
My wing or another part is slightly warped. What should I do?
Use the hot-water method above to gently straighten it.
A propeller, strut, or other small part came off.
Check the packaging for the part. It can normally be reattached with a small amount of CA (super glue).
The model feels slightly flexible. Is something wrong?
A small amount of flexibility in thin resin components can be normal and is generally preferable to an excessively brittle part.
Should I wash the model before painting?
If the model has become dirty or has been handled extensively, gently washing it with warm water and mild dish soap is sufficient. Allow it to dry completely before priming.
Why is my alternate-scale model taking additional time?
If that particular aircraft has not previously been prepared at the requested scale, the model must first be resized, checked, and prepared for successful printing before it can enter normal production.
My model arrived seriously damaged. Who should I contact?
Shipping damage belongs with Dispatch & Shipping. See the Postmaster, who handles damaged, delayed, and missing shipments.
Need Another Department?
Looking for a model, alternate scale, or Special Request?
Visit Stores & Requisitions and see the Quartermaster.Need help finding a product, placing an order, using a discount code, or completing checkout?
Visit Accounts & Payments and see the Paymaster.Question about an order after it has left the workshop?
Visit Dispatch & Shipping and see the Postmaster.Need information about safe handling, small parts, or other precautions?
Visit Safety & Handling and see the Safety Officer.