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Build great scale models, Part 2

Builder Basics: Gather your tools — It doesn't take much to get started
RELATED TOPICS: MODELING TOOLS | PAINTING | CONSTRUCTION
FSM-NB1314_01
Most of what you need to begin modeling will fit nicely on a TV tray or a small desktop — and you may have some of it in your household already, like the coat hanger that serves as a paint stand for this 1/25 scale AMT/Ertl 1949 Mercury. Clockwise from the car: white glue (for clear parts); super glue accelerator, super glue, and (don’t forget!) super glue debonder; sprue clippers; sanding sticks; small and large paintbrushes; hobby knife; assorted sandpaper in various grades; tweezers for tiny parts; a tube of styrene cement; and putty to fill seams.
Welcome to the world of scale modeling: This is the second of four articles introducing you to a great hobby.

In Part 1, we explained a little of the hobby’s history and the evolution of constant scale. In this installment, we’ll show you basic tools that will get you started on your first model.

Basic tools and supplies


Other than a well-ventilated room with a stationary flat surface, you don’t need much to build a basic model kit; you can see the essentials in the picture above.

Speaking of ventilation, whether you are sanding plastic or spraying paint, an OSHA-approved respirator mask is recommended. Remember this rule: If you can smell it, you’re breathing it.

Use clippers to cut (not twist) parts from the sprue (parts tree). Using the side clippers, cut as close as you can to the part. Be careful: Only cut excess plastic, not molded detail or locating pins.

Supplies checklist

  • White glue
  • Super glue
  • Super glue accelerator
  • Super glue debonder
  • Sanding sticks
  • Sprue cutter
  • Budget brushes
  • Hobby knife
  • Tweezers
  • Assorted sandpaper
  • Model cement
  • Filler putty
  • Paint set
  • Masking tape
  • Thinner
  • Scissors
  • Decal tweezers
  • Toothpicks
  • Clothespins
  • Rubber bands
  • Spray paint
  • Respirator mask
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Most expert modelers prefer an airbrush, but you can get good paint finishes with spray-can paint. No matter how you paint, wear a respirator mask to protect against irritating and/or toxic fumes.

Choose your model, and take it easy


By now you probably have a good idea of what you would like to build. Of course, that’s up to you. But here’s some advice: Keep the first one easy. Many kits are labeled with “skill level” or degree of difficulty indicated on the box. Or, you can read FineScale Modeler magazine Workbench Reviews, which almost always conclude with a recommendation of the appropriate expertise required to build that model.

In other words, take a few practice cuts before swinging away. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a simple model well built.



Up next:
Build great scale models, Part 3: Fundamental techniques for building better models.

Remember ...

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7 COMMENTS
Added 9 years ago
STEVE SELLMEYER
A very good article for beginners and a nice refresher for the rest of us. I too have not heard of decal tweezers. . . . . . . someone please fill me in.

Added 10 years ago
DAVID BURNS
Good article , short and to the point...Unlike my rambling comments, keep up the good work.
Added 11 years ago
BRIAN CARGILL
As someone who has not built any models (generally plastic planes, 1/32 Scale), I am finding these articles most helpful as they are not complex and easy to understand.

Keep up the good work.
Added 11 years ago
LAWRENCE HOOLE SR
I find the tutorials on youtube etc very helpful. I am subscribed to FINE SCALE MODELER and look forward to my first issue next month.
Added 11 years ago
CHRIS MURPHY
it is as it says, Basic information. I like it. and it is free. keep up the good work.
Added 11 years ago
BRENT SAUER
FSM I think you are doing a good thing here. Although Bob Scott feels this article contains obvious information, I don't feel the information would be obvious to a person who is new and looking into the hobby. Additionally, I don't believe FSM was gearing this article towards those of us who are experienced.

Keep up the good work.
Added 11 years ago
BOB SCOTT SR
BUDGET brush's??> better to use quality brush's!

Decal tweezers?> have never seen those.

Article is really not very good. Info is obviuose/ could have used more detail.
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