Getting Started in Scale Modelling

HOBBIES · GLOBAL

Getting Started in Scale Modelling

Scales explained, tools and glue, painting basics and working safely

Scale modelling is a forgiving hobby to enter and the early frustrations are all avoidable. Most of them come from glue and paint rather than from skill.

Scales

1:72 and 1:48 dominate aircraft, 1:35 armour, and 1:24 and 1:12 cars. The first number is life size and the second is the model, so 1:72 is seventy-two times smaller.

Larger scales are easier to build and take more space. For a first kit, choose a larger scale with fewer parts.

Tools

Sprue cutters rather than scissors, a sharp hobby knife with spare blades, fine sanding sticks and tweezers. Cutting parts off with a knife is how they break.

A self-healing cutting mat and good light do more than any expensive tool.

Glue

Plastic cement melts and fuses styrene rather than sticking it, which is why it produces a stronger joint than superglue. Use it sparingly with a fine applicator.

Superglue suits resin and metal parts and leaves visible residue on clear plastic. Use a specific glue for clear parts such as canopies.

Painting

Wash parts in soapy water to remove mould release agent, which is why paint sometimes refuses to adhere. Prime, then build up thin coats rather than one thick one.

Acrylics are easier and clean up with water. Enamels and lacquers give a harder finish and need solvent and far better ventilation.

Safety

Ventilate properly with any solvent-based paint or glue, and use a respirator rated for organic vapours with an airbrush rather than a dust mask.

Keep blades, small parts and solvents away from children, and cut away from yourself.

Choosing a first kit

Look for a low part count, a recent tooling and a subject you genuinely like. Older kits are frequently cheap because they fit poorly, which is thoroughly discouraging for a beginner.

Read a build review before buying, since the fit quality varies enormously between manufacturers and between eras.

Workspace

Good light, a mat, and somewhere a half-finished part can be left overnight undisturbed. Small parts vanish into carpet instantly, so work over a shallow tray.

Storage and display

Finished models attract dust and fade in sunlight. A glass case or a shelf away from a window keeps them presentable for years.

Keep the leftover parts, spare decals and the instruction sheets, since the spares from one kit frequently rescue another later.

Finishing

Decals go onto a gloss surface, with a matt varnish applied over the top afterwards. Build one kit right through to completion before buying another five of them.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Modellbau-Universe? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Modellbau-Universe — official site

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