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