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Scale modelling is an enjoyable way to spend your time, whether you prefer to relive your childhood memories or embrace the challenge of constructing intricate models. If you’re intrigued by this popular hobby but unsure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you through the entire process, from selecting your first kit to adding the final details to your finished model.
Selecting a Model Kit
Building a model kit is meant to be a pleasurable activity, and choosing a kit that corresponds to your skill level is essential. If you are new to this hobby, it is recommended to start with model-building kits designed for beginners, as they offer an ideal level of difficulty that ensures an enjoyable experience rather than a challenging one.
It is crucial to select a model kit that genuinely piques your interest, whether it’s an aeroplane, spaceship, or train. Assembling model kits can take several hours to complete, so choosing a kit you’re passionate about or curious to learn more about is essential.
Constructing Your Model
After selecting your first model, you can begin the assembly process. To ensure your model closely resembles the image on the packaging, it is essential to exercise patience and possess basic knowledge of model building. It’s normal to experience some disappointment if your initial attempt at creating a model doesn’t turn out precisely as you envisioned. However, you can perfect your skills and achieve the desired outcome with practice.
While not everyone may enjoy reading instructions, it is crucial to do so before beginning the actual building process. Taking an overview of the building instructions and carefully examining the individual components on the parts trees before detaching them can save you from making mistakes later on. Some parts may look similar, so it’s essential to compare them with the illustrations in the instructions to avoid any confusion.
Test the Fit Before You Glue
Before glueing a part to your model kit, it is essential to test how accurately it fits. Some parts may have excess plastic residue, making it challenging to fit them properly. In this case, it’s recommended to use a file or knife to remove the excess plastic until the part fits perfectly, resulting in a more polished and professional finished product.
Glue the Parts Together
To assemble your model kit, you will need a special plastic glue, and we recommend using strong metal glue. Gently apply a small amount of glue to the surfaces of the parts you’re joining, and then carefully bring them together while exerting slight pressure. Usually, small quantities of glue are enough for permanent joining, and you can always add more if necessary.
Stir Your Paint
For the best painting results, it’s advisable to stir your paints thoroughly before using them, as this allows the contents of the paint to mix uniformly. To do this, use a plastic stick, toothpick, or small wooden spatula to stir the paint for around one minute. When you begin painting, ensure that you maintain a clean edge on the can by wiping it with a cloth. This simple step will ensure that you can securely put the lid on the paint can later on.
Apply Paint
When applying the paint to your model kit, it’s important to use smooth, consistent strokes of the brush. Slightly overlapping the paint strokes will help create an even surface later on. Avoid going back over areas you have already painted, as this can cause the paint to drag, resulting in an unrealistic surface. To prevent darker colours from bleeding through the light ones, it’s recommended to start with light colours and then gradually move towards darker ones. By following these tips, you can achieve a polished and professional-looking finish on your model kit.
Last Updated on by ayeshayusuf
