| Building plastic models is a fascinating hobby in | | | | are usually best painted on the sprue, and larger |
| which you will find just about any model | | | | parts and body parts are best painted after |
| classification to suit your interests. There are | | | | assembly. Most models are easier to build if they |
| many types of models from which to choose - | | | | are built and painted in steps. Motors and other |
| cars, boats, airplanes, to mention just a | | | | small assemblies should be assembled and painted, |
| few.Whatever model you choose to build, the | | | | then installed in the model frame. The model body |
| basic steps to successfully construct it are the | | | | is assembled, painted and the smaller parts added. |
| same. Master the steps, and anyone can build | | | | Think of the completed model as a series of small |
| really nice models.The first step is - and get ready | | | | models which must be painted and assembled |
| for this - Read The Instructions! Make sure you | | | | first. These smaller models are then used to |
| understand what's involved before you start | | | | construct the larger, finished model.Once the |
| building. Assemble the tools and supplies you will | | | | plastic model is completed, the decals are applied. |
| need to complete the model. Some items needed | | | | Cut them singly from the sheet and apply where |
| for successful assembly - paint, model glue, hobby | | | | the instructions depict. A drop of water placed on |
| knife, tweezers, toothpicks, sprue or fingernail | | | | the model before the decal is placed will make it |
| clippers, building board, wax paper, paper towels, | | | | easier to move the decal into final position.It's |
| paintbrush, and paint thinner. Choose a work area | | | | important to use the proper materials when |
| out of the way of other activities. The model will | | | | painting and gluing the model. Model paints are |
| require a little time to build, and you don't want it | | | | formulated for plastic models. The pigments in |
| in the way of other activities. Alternatively, | | | | these paints are also ground extremely fine, to |
| assemble on a building board which can be moved | | | | give them scale thickness. Other paints will cause |
| under a bed or other storage area between | | | | the model to be out of scale, or worse, possibly |
| building sessions.Open the parts bags, and carefully | | | | 'melt' the plastic because the solvents in it are not |
| spread them out on a flat surface near your | | | | compatible with the plastic.Model cements are |
| work area - do not cut any parts from sprues at | | | | best to use, because they will melt the plastic |
| this time! The sprue many times has identifying | | | | together, creating a stronger bond. Model |
| numbers on it to help you identify the part. Using | | | | cements are available in an odor free, non-toxic |
| the parts list included in the instructions, find and | | | | formula for younger children.Tools are just as |
| identify each part. If any are missing, call the | | | | important in model building as they are in any |
| manufacturer. Information you will need is the | | | | other endeavor. Use a hobby knife, fingernail |
| model number and part number. The model | | | | clipper, or sprue cutter to cut parts from sprue - |
| number can be found on the side of the box, and | | | | don't just tear them off. A neat cut will be |
| the part number is found on the plans. Most | | | | achieved with one of these tools. Test all parts |
| model manufacturers have 800 numbers listed in | | | | before assembly - trim flash and shave parts |
| the plans to call for missing parts. The part will be | | | | carefully as needed to ensure a perfect fit. |
| shipped to you free, but may take a couple of | | | | Spread glue on parts with a paintbrush, or |
| weeks.Now, carefully wash the model in warm | | | | toothpick for an even coat. Use glue sparingly to |
| water in which a small amount of dish soap has | | | | cut down on sanding after assembly and before |
| been dissolved. This is to remove the mold | | | | painting.Now it's time to display the completed |
| release manufacturers use to pop the model | | | | model! Car models may be displayed in clear |
| parts from the mold during the manufacturing | | | | acrylic model cases. These protect the model |
| process. If it's not removed, paint and glue may | | | | from dust and inquisitive fingers. The cases stack |
| not adhere properly to the model. Rinse and allow | | | | for easy storage. Airplane models may be hung |
| the parts to air dry or dry with a hair dryer set | | | | from the ceiling in realistic dives, or placed on the |
| on LOW if you want to begin work immediately.If | | | | display stands which come with many of them. |
| you are going to paint the model, now is the time | | | | Boat models frequently are too big for display |
| to decide which parts to paint before assembly, | | | | cases, but usually come with their own display |
| and which parts should be assembled first, and | | | | stands. All plastic models may be displayed in a |
| then painted. Study the instructions to help with | | | | diorama. This is a scene constructed specifically |
| this step. A good rule of thumb is - small parts | | | | for the model, to place it in a realistic setting. |