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