Assembling models and kits, whether if you like aircrafts, boats, or military soldiers, it can be bring hours of fun and help with your boredom. Collecting models and kits not only can kill some time, but also can be very helpful in building some skills. I am not going to bore you with all the skills you will learn, because the results may vary with each person. I want to share with you some tips and tricks to modeling that will make assembling plastic model kits more enjoyable and a lot easier to start modeling.
When I started modeling, I made few mistakes along the way and wasted some of my hard earned money. Or should I say…Spent a lot of my allowance only to not complete the model kit. This where I help you save some money-I hope! Oh, I began modeling with the easy ones; The “Snap-fit” models or models that don’t require any glue or paint to assemble. Starting these models got me hooked into assembling more models. Beginning with the easy ones may seem really lame, but it will help you discover if you like modeling and if you want to try something harder. How do you know what is harder? Well….Model kits all come with a skill rating. Revell/Monogram skill rating, one of the most popular to buy, their model kits come with different skill ratings. Not only Revell, but many other makers of plastic model kits have same skill ratings:
- Skill Level 1: The easiest to assemble. Does not require glue or paint for assembly. For ages 8 years of age and up.
- Skill Level 2: Intermediate skill level. Does require some previous experience in modeling. Contains not only more parts for assembly, but the parts may be smaller than skill level 1. Does require glue or paint for assembly. For ages 10 and up.
- Skill Level 3: Advanced skill level. May have many complex parts. Does require glue, paint, complex directions, and a lot of patience to assemble. For ages 12 and up.
Skill rating may go as high as level 6. All model kits come with a skill rating. Check and make sure you don’t buy something that is too hard. The allowance I wasted? I bought a Tamiya model kit when I was about ten. It had rating of “expert”. I remember spending about $35 dollars on the kit. I thought it was the greatest. Went home opened the model kit and tried to assemble it. Needless to say…I did not finish the kit. I ended up putting the model together wrong and the model was ruined. Basically, buy a model kit that you feel comfortable with. Remember….Model kits may only take an hour to assemble and some may take months to assemble.
Helpful Hints
- When handling small parts that are hard to handle, use some tweezers to handle the parts. This will definitely ease the frustration.
- When gluing the plastic model parts together, try using a toothpick to apply the model cement onto the part. This way you control the amount of glue. Not only can you use the toothpick to apply, but you can use it to spread the glue out-rather than your finger.
- Use plastic modeling spray paint for painting large sections of a model. Hand painting these with a brush will take time and not look as clean as spray paint. Like car bodies, tank bodies, ships, and airplanes.
- Use an X-acto™ Knife to cut parts off their retainers. This way you have less chance of breaking your part you need from the holder (be very careful when handling the knife!!) This knife is generally used in modeling. It is relatively inexpensive for the beginner and you can buy replacement blades. Knife is very light and easy to handle.