| Building plastic model kits is a fascinating pastime. Any | | | | are made specifically for models as they are much |
| modeler will tell you that what he builds is absolutely | | | | more flat than regular stickers. They also have a |
| not a toy. The vast majority of models are from | | | | different adhesive backing. |
| history. The accuracy of models is typically what is | | | | The size of models obviously varies with genre. |
| measured during contests. There are a wide variety of | | | | Typically each genre has a common scale, but not |
| genres that use models from military to sci-fi, from | | | | always. For example, most battleships are made to a 1 |
| cars to space. | | | | 350 or 1/700 scale. When someone builds a battleship |
| Just like any other hobby, there are people at all | | | | to 1/350 scale it is still a few feet long. Other common |
| different levels of experience. However, the type of | | | | scales would be 1/48 and 1/32 for aircrafts or cars, 1 |
| person that enjoys model building will likely stick with it | | | | 35 or 1/72 for tanks, and 1/16 or 1/6 for figures. |
| for years to come. The time, precision and overall | | | | Each modeler has complete control over his model no |
| dedication to make one model is just part of the | | | | matter what is in the box. Though traditionally modelers |
| puzzle. There is also the relatively high cost of the | | | | work toward historical accuracy, some items are |
| hobby. Not necessarily the models themselves, but the | | | | completely up to them. For example, whether or not to |
| tools required to do a quality model. | | | | have people on your model is totally up to the modeler. |
| Here is a list of tools that most modelers have in their | | | | In fact, models that include people tend to have them in |
| tool box for their hobby: | | | | pieces. That way a modeler can even decide the tiny |
| Brush (some modelers use airbrushes for a smooth | | | | person's hand gestures. It really is quite remarkable! |
| effect) | | | | Some plastic model kits can take on many of the |
| Tweezer | | | | characteristics of the life size item. For example, many |
| Plastic side cutter | | | | car models require sanding, painting, etc. All the things |
| Pliers | | | | you would need to build a real life car are required |
| Craft knife (think Xacto) | | | | when making a model. |
| Mini-Drill | | | | Next time you visit your local hobby shop, or shop |
| Sandpaper | | | | online, ask about different brands for plastic model kits. |
| Putty | | | | Some have been around for ages, some just in the |
| Obviously some plastic model kits require different | | | | last ten years or so. The truth is that models have |
| tools, but all models require these basics. Every time | | | | drastically upgraded in the last 15 years. Lots of |
| you get a model there will be some flash to deal with. | | | | modelers have group meetings or showings, get |
| Flash is a bit of excess material that needs to be cut | | | | involved and ask around about what other brands |
| off and smoothed out. Model pieces are typically | | | | people are using. |
| made out of polystyrene plastics melted into molds. | | | | And like most things that take time, dedication and bit |
| Somewhere along the line, every modeler will find | | | | of money, your finished product will be around a long |
| excess plastic from the mold. | | | | time. Many people even pass plastic model kits down |
| Another time that excess material needs to be taken | | | | to future generations. Start a tradition of modeling; it will |
| care of is with waterslide decals. These special decals | | | | be an amazing gift for ages to come. |