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Professional Sanding Files x 4 (542) Albion Alloys Sanding sticks are a staple of the modeller’s arsenal, and we’re forever wearing them out filling seams or changing shapes that we’re not too happy with. This set from Albion Alloys contains four sanding files, each of which has a different grit on the opposite side, with the following eight grits supplied: Coarse Grey/Grey 100/180 grit Medium Blue/Sky 120/240 grit Fine White 240/320 grit Extra Fine Yellow/Red 400/600 grit Each one is 165mm x 20mm and about 3.5mm thick - it varies by grit. The abrasive is manufactured by Alpha Precision Abrasives, and laid down on a plastic core over a thin foam pad. This gives the sticks a flexibility and cushioned effect that prevents flat-spots and stops the user from applying too much pressure, reducing the likelihood of deep scratches. If you work up through the various grits to the extra fine, the finished result should be a smooth as a baby’s behind, just take care not to round off flat areas by applying more pressure at the ends of each pass. The sticks are a good width and feel pleasant in the hand, with very little loose abrasive in the bag, indicating that the grits are well-adhered to the foam substrate. The set arrives in a bag that you will find at your local model shop (or online) hanging from a display by a plastic loop that adheres to the rear of cardboard header card. Unlike some brands, Albion have kept a minimal packaging profile that extends to no extraneous printing on the sticks themselves, which might lose them a few sales through their product placement by celebrity modellers, but in the grand scheme of things if you use them and are happy with them, you’ll know where to find replacements when they eventually wear out. Available from good model shops both online and bricks and mortar. Review sample courtesy of