Scribing, engraving and panel lining

Engraving (panel lining) is undoubtedly one of the essential techniques to achieve a detailed and reasonably realistic finish. Large metal panels are rarely presented as a single piece, rather they are usually the sum of several smaller panels assembled together. These panels may feature, among many other things, riveted joints, welding (polished or not), or various internal fittings. In different science-fiction styles, each of these approaches is used as appropriate. In the world of steampunk, rivets are everywhere; in dieselpunk, visible and well-defined weld beads reign supreme; while in cyberpunk, visible paneling is the most common.