How to Buy Metal Model Kits and Accessories
Assembling a model collection - especially one where you've built the display yourself - is an entertaining and absorbing hobby, one that can be carried through childhood into adulthood.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Airbrush Head Sets
- Airbrush Jars And Covers
- Airbrush Moisture Traps
- Airbrush Propel Regulators
- Face Mask For Painting
- Flat Hobby Paintbrushes
- Hobby Clamps
- Acrylic Paints
- Curio Cabinets
- Custom Cabinetry
- Desk Lamps
- Display Shelves And Stands
- Lockable Display Cabinets
- Magnifying Lamps
- Worktables
- Airbrush Cleaners
- Dremel Rotary Tools
- Airbrush Compressors
- Airbrush Kits
- Airbrush Paints
- Bent-nose Pliers
- Electric Screwdrivers
- Groove Joint Pliers
- Jewelers Screwdriver Sets
- Magnetic Screwdrivers
- Nut Drivers
- Pliers For Jewelry Making
- Razor Plane Sets
- Razor Saw Sets
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Assembling the Model
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1
Begin accumulating a wide selection of tools.
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2
Look around your residence for common household tools that are also useful in the modeling hobby.
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3
Find a mentor. Experienced modelers have many tricks and tips that they can teach you.
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4
Choose a place where you might leave the model partially completed if necessary.
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5
Make sure the place is lit well.
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6
Use a wide, level worktable.
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7
Check parts against the manufacturer's parts list.
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8
Read instructions carefully and completely before beginning.
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9
Lay out parts in the proper order in small containers.
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10
Proceed patiently exactly in accordance with the instructions.
Buying the Model
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1
Think about your interests - airplanes, automobiles, ships, etc.
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2
Consider specializing, perhaps building classic car replicas or World War II airplanes.
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3
Set a budget.
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4
Check your area for a modeler's club.
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5
Visit local model retailers.
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6
Subscribe to modeler's publications.
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7
Use the Internet. E-tailers such as eHobbies.com provide helpful articles and a wide variety of stock.
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8
Keep abreast of what's new - join e-mail lists and participate in discussions on Web message boards and chat rooms.
Displaying the Model
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1
Think about how you want to display the model.
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2
Start first with a shelf or cabinet until you decide whether you want something more elaborate.
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3
Choose an enclosed cabinet if possible, something to keep the models free of dust and away from prying fingers.
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4
Consider displaying the models in a theme-appropriate background, perhaps a series of classic cars gathered around a model of a Depression-era service station.
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5
Move on to a diorama or more elaborate displays as you increase the number of models built.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Paint only in a well-ventilated area and wear a breathing mask.
