3 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Model Kit

Whether you enjoy the challenge of building things or just want to relive some childhood memories, scale modelling can be one of the best pastime activities. If you’re looking to get into this hobby, but don’t know where to start – you’ve come to the right place. I’ll show you how to build your first scale model, or remind you of the steps you need to take to get the job done. From choosing your first model kit to putting the final touches, there are many things you’ll need to consider and do.

When choosing your first model kit, you’ll have to consider your experience, interests and the scale of the model you’d like to assemble. The great thing about scale model building is that you can find even the most specific vehicles to work on. No matter whether it’s a historical Airfix Bedford truck, a modern Ford Mustang or a sci-fi model of the Millennium Falcon, there’s something out there for everyone. Once you’ve decided what you want to build, you should consider the following.

Required Skill Level

Scale model building is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, which is why you need to choose a model that’s appropriate for your skill level. If it’s your first model, or you’re rusty, get a model kit for beginners. This will make your experience much more enjoyable, making you stick with the hobby. Model kits are separated into 5 skill levels, ranging from 1-5, with 1 being the most beginner-friendly, while 5 being advanced. If you’re up to the challenge from the get-go, consider a level 3 kit. You can always turn to the internet for help, as there are thousands of articles and videos online. Moreover, you can join a forum and talk to other enthusiasts. Keep in mind that your first model doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be fully finished. You don’t have to paint it. Just make sure the parts fit together well and fill out any gaps. This will give you a decent amount of knowledge and confidence, which are the two most important skills for beginner modellers. Also, keep in mind that the more advanced the kit is – the more tools you’ll need to assemble it.

Decide on the Scale

The scale of the model represents its size. Choose a scale you’ll be happy with. Some of the more popular scales include 1:8, 1:16, 1:24, 1:48 and 1:72. The smaller the second number is, the bigger the model will be. Most car model kits, for instance, are either 1:16 or 1:24. Experienced modellers generally go for larger scales, as they come with more details, allowing them to add their own personal touch to them. Inexperienced modellers, on the other hand, lean towards smaller-scale models, as they take less time to complete and don’t require as much detailing work. Either way, make sure you follow the instructions closely to successfully complete any model. Another thing to keep in mind is that larger-scale models will require more space to be displayed.

Required Tools

As aforementioned, the more advanced the kit is, the more tools you’ll need. Just like a construction worker can’t do without a drill, screwdriver or hammer, you can’t do without a few tools. You don’t have to buy every scale modelling tool right off the bat – you can start building your collection slowly as you progress. Having the right tools will make the job easier and more enjoyable.

The first thing you need is the model kit itself. Most model kits come with all the parts needed to assemble them, and they’re generally attached to the sprue. When you want to use the part attached to the sprue, cut it off. As I talked before, no matter whether you want an Airfix Bedford, a model of the Titanic, World War II figurines or anything else, you’ll have no trouble finding it online.

Next, you’ll probably need glue. Liquid cement is commonly used for building model kits, but there are also other options, such as aliphatic glue, polyvinyl acetate, canopy glue, epoxy resin and cyanoacrylate.

Then, you’ll need tweezers to position the smaller parts. There are many types of tweezers available, but all you need is one pair, to begin with. You can then add to your collection.

A hobby knife is another important tool to have. You can scribe panel lines with it, cut out decals, remove parts from the sprue, apply filler and perform a range of cutting and scraping tasks with it.

Last but not least, you’ll need brushes and paint. While some models come painted, if the model you choose isn’t, or you want to paint it to your liking, you’ll need a few different brushes, including wide, fine point and soft brushes. As far as paint goes, you have two options – acrylic-based and oil-based paint. Acrylic paint is the most popular type, as it provides the best results.