Petr Dousek

Rosie the Riveter

Reviewed By  Chad Richmond, IPMS# 10346

MSRP: see article. A couple of years ago, two of the finest modelers I know, Rich Van Zandt and Roger Rasor of IPMS/Memphis had some models at our annual contest that had unbelievably crisp rivet patterns where either none had existed before, or the unsatisfactory ones had been replaced. I immediately asked what they used, and the reply was "Rosie the Riveter". I said "Uh huh" and asked what they really used. Rosie the Riveter tools were then explained to me, but when I found out you had to have them specially made from the Czech Republic, I decided that maybe I didn't need one after all. Since that time, I have seen various articles about the Rosie tools and started to get curious again, especially since I have gotten back into building a few aircraft again.

When John Noack offered me the opportunity to do a review on the Rosie the Riveter tools, I became like a little kid watching the mail box every day. When it finally came, I opened the package and found two zip lock bags inside. One had four riveter tools and the other a CD. A small instruction card comes with the tools which gives you some ideas on how to use the tools. Lastly, it lists http://riveter.wz.cz/SBS.pdf as the place to go to, to get a step by step set of instructions. There you will find some really great pictures and narrative on how to use the tools. The enclosed CD also gives the three page "how to" presentation, plus pictures of some of Mr. Dousek's models that were done using the Rosie tools. I have included a few of those pictures in this review to show what fantastic things you can do with the tools, some time, and some patience. The tools seem to be the only part of that equation that I can call my own. Included also are some pictures of Rich Van Zandt's SBD and F-5 that were spiffied up using the Rosie tools.

Currently, there are four Rosie tools available: .70/6mm (white), .70/10mm (white), .55mm (green) and .40mm (red). The two white tools can be used for either 1/32nd or 1/48th scale. The green is for 1/48th and 1/72nd scale, and the red for 1/72nd. I contacted Mr. Dousek concerning pricing and availability. These tools are all hand made and are made of the finest hardened steel cycloidal gearing wheels. They are machine ground to a bevel on one side, with the other side being flat, to allow precise use of a straight edge or guide. Instead of the teeth being rectangular, as are most pounce-type wheels or gears, these are actually pyramidal or square on the end. So, at their size, it is almost impossible to tell that they are anything but round. If you're a glutton for punishment, in 1/32nd scale you could use the Rosie as a guide and then use a #80 drill to round out the rivets. Mr. Dousek also states these tools can be used on photo etched brass. I don't think I'll ever get that brave. The wooden handles, also handmade, are wide and flat, which gives you a lot of control, especially if you are using the tool freehand.

Now for the pricing. I contacted Mr. Dousek, and he stated that there are currently only these four tools available. Earlier there had been a fifth tool, but the four listed are all that are available at this time. The tools are not mass produced, but are constructed on request. · The white 0.70/6mm (1/32,1/48) is $18.50 (13,00 €). · The white 0.70/10mm (1/32,1/48) is $20.70 (14,50 €). · The green 0.55mm (1/48,1/72) is $18.50 (13,00 €). · The red 0.40mm (1/72) is $20.75 (14,50 €). Shipping (registered airmail) is a flat rate of $16.25 (9,00 € to Europe) for up to 5 tools (meaning 1,2,3,4, or 5 - still costs $16.25). If ordering more than 5 tools, contact Mr. Dousek for a quote. If you want to place an order, contact Mr. Dousek at email: dousekp@quick.cz . Please allow a good amount of time, as I stated, these are hand made, one at a time. There is one other place the tools can be gotten - John Vojtech, President of UMM-USA, markets them on e-bay. His web site is www.umm-usa.com. I would like to thank Petr Dousek for sending IPMS/USA the Rosie the Riveter tools and thank John Noack for giving me the privilege of owning these fine tools and doing this review.

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