How to Buy Plastic Model Kits and Accessories

Plastic models are an ideal way to interest youngsters in the modeler's hobby - and to rekindle skills for anyone returning to the hobby. Cars, airplanes, ships - even the starship Enterprise - are available as snap-together or glue-together replicas.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Airplane Glue
• Artist's Brushes
• Clean Rags
• Superglue
• First Aid Kits
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Polaroid Cameras
• Polaroid Film
• SLR Camera
• Digital Cameras
• Film
• Internet Explorer
• 14-function Pocketknives
• Spray Paints
• Dremel Rotary Tools
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• X-Acto Knives
• Airbrush Kits
• Electric Screwdrivers
• Jewelers Screwdriver Sets
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Pliers
• Razor Plane Sets
• Razor Saw Sets
• Screwdriver Bits
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Tweezer-nose Pliers
• plastic model/replica kits - Tamiya, Revell-Monogram, AMT/Ertl, Hasagawa, & Testors
• modeler's tools and supplies - Panavise, soldering iron, wire bender, tube bender, sanding disks

Prepare a Work Area

1. Find a place in your home, garage or shop where models under construction won't be disturbed.

2. Find a table and cabinets appropriate for a shop area.

3. Make sure the area is well lit.

4. Provide adequate ventilation.

5. Collect an ample set of tools and supplies. Some are common - such as needle-nose pliers and screwdrivers. Others - such as X-Acto knives and adhesives - will be specialty items.

6. Collect old rags for quick cleanups.

7. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit within easy reach.

Choose Your Model

1. Look for a replica that's both easy to build and appeals to your interests.

2. Free your imagination - plastic car models are available in replicas of Model T Fords, F-1 Formula racers, muscle cars such as Trans-Ams or Camaros, classics such as Corvettes and Thunderbirds, and NASCAR racers.

3. Remember that as you grow in assembly skills, you can custom-paint and decal your car model to give it your unique interpretation.

4. Let your imagination fly - you'll find plastic airplane models as replicas of modern jet fighters such as the F-14 Tomcat, classic WW II aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, and commercial aircraft such as the venerable DC-3 or the huge Boeing 747.

5. Lend your plastic aircraft model a touch of history. Finish it to represent WW II hero Chuck Yeager's P-51's "Glamorous Glennis."

6. Let your imagination set sail - replicas of historic sailing ships, the great battleships and aircraft carriers of World War II, and modern nuclear submarines are all available for assembly.

7. Do research and trim out your ship model with the exact paint scheme. For example, US Navy aircraft carriers are always identified by a two-digit number.

8. Let your imagination soar into space - check out the replicas of the Enterprise, spacecraft from the Star War series, and even real-life replicas of the Saturn Apollo moon rocket.

Tips & Warnings

• Use glues and spray-paints only in a well-ventilated area.

• Youngsters need supervision when handling potentially dangerous tools.