How to Buy Vinyl and Resin Model Kits and Figures

Models are no longer simply cars, airplanes and ships. The hobby of collecting moved into a new universe with the growing popularity of science fiction and fantasy.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Airplane Glue
• Curio Cabinets
• Display Shelves And Stands
• Lockable Cabinets
• Lockable Display Cabinets
• Superglue
• Internet Access
• Macintosh Computers
• Computers
• Polaroid Cameras
• Camera With Close-up Lens
• Cameras
• Digital Cameras
• Internet Explorer
• Dremel Rotary Tools
• X-Acto Knives
• Airbrush Kits
• Airbrush Paints
• Razor Plane Sets
• Razor Saw Sets
• Wet And Dry Sandpaper
• Videocassettes

1. Join a modeler's club.

2. Subscribe to modeler's magazines and e-mail discussion groups.

3. Use the Internet. Check special-interest pages and trading pages.

4. Follow your true interests. Many models bursting onto the scene are in response to the latest fad. Don't get caught up in the hysteria.

5. Look for anything from a perfect replica of an F-1 racing car to the Starship Enterprise.

6. Check military replica figures from manufacturers such as Soldat and Testors.

7. Go for Star Wars and Star Trek models from Ertl and Polydata.

8. Find superhero figures from Inteleg, Screamin' and Horizon.

9. Add to your collection of fantasy figures with Neeka: Samurai, Werewolf and Gypsy Girl and Abby Kadabra from N.E.R.V. Inc.

10. Check out other manufacturers such as Bandai, Dark Horse, Monogram, Geometric, Polar Lights and Photo Gallery. They offer everything from James Bond figures to the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Tips & Warnings

• There are specialty merchants such as John F. Green Inc. that offer old and rare unassembled model kits.

• An enclosed curio cabinet keeps models clean and secure.

• Keep track of what you buy. You never know what may become a valuable collectible.

• Keep track of your collection with a computer database program.

• Buy carefully. Buy a model because you want it. Buying a model because someone tells you it's a good investment is risky business.

• Paint only in well-ventilated areas.

• Exercise caution when youngsters are handling knives and other tools.