My first kit, need some pointers...

[Benzo]

Hey everyone,

I got my first kit yesterday.Actually I got 3 kits yesterday because they were on sale for AUS$8 each instead of AUS$20. It's AMT's 1970 Dodge Charger (The Fast and The Furious edition). What should I do before I put it together?

UPDATE: I have now test fitted the engine and prepped the body for primer.

Edited July 25, 2008 by Benzo

[MrObsessive]

I see looking at your profile that you're pretty young.........so it's neat you're getting started in this crazy hobby!

What I would do first is to get famliar with the parts on the instruction sheet. If the part names are not called out (Most likely not) then familiarize yourself with the shape of the parts and the part numbers.

One important thing to keep in mind is to always test fit your parts before gluing them! This may be mentioned on the instruction sheet, but I can't stress enough how important this is being that you're new and you want to minimize frustration!

It would be good to (for now) go exactly in the order of the instruction sheet. Don't get ahead of yourself, and you'll find it gets easier as time goes on to the point where you may not need to do this.......but I wouldn't go that route just yet! Also, don't cut the parts off the trees until you're ready to use them...............nothing worse than to lose that part you need to fully finish the build!

Once you feel comfortable with the parts layout-----If I were you, I would wash the model and parts in a mild dish detergent such as Dawn or some other degreasing dish detergent. The model companies use a mold release to get the plastic out of the mold. This residue is left behind on the plastic and can wreak havoc on gluing or painting down the road!

Let the parts air dry, then you can start to assemble per the instructions!

You don't say if you got any hobby supplies such as glue or sandpaper or whatnot...............but you'll want to only use products that are recommended for styrene plastic. At this point, I wouldn't fool with super glues or epoxies...........there will be time enough down the road to use those type of products when you're more familiar with the building of a kit.

I was older than you when I got started building model kits (at 17 which was a looooooong time ago! ) but as you get experience you'll want to try more things as you go along.

Most important be patient with yourself, and have fun!

Any more ?'s don't hesitate to ask..........there's a bunch of us here that have been doing this forever and can lend a helping hand!

Now go build that car young man!

[JamesW]

I can't say anything that they haven't already said. I'm 28, been building for about 18 years or so and I'm still learning a few things. There's always something new to learn when building. It can become frustrating sometimes, but take a little break and jump back in. Don't let the first couple of models discourage you if they don't turn out the best. My first 4 or 5 were terrible, and to this day I still can't paint the best. Keep moving on. This is a great hobby. Just remember to HAVE FUN.

[sdrodder]

welcome to this board first of all. Man i thought i was the youngest here. Now i am beat by one year. Just kiddin around of course. Well bils advice is great. Also Blusemans advice is good. too. If you are not comfertable painting yet dont. I know from experice. My first couple cars were just either primer of cheap paint which suprisingly didnt run at all. Also the others have mentioned this but take your time. It will take patience. Always prefit the parts. Lets see what else. Oh one thing if you do start painting you should know one safty rule. The most important rule is buy a respirator mask and wear it when you spray paint items or when you use an air brush. You should be able to get it at a local hadwear store or good body shop supply store. If you have any more questions dont be afraid to ask. Everyone here is willing to help.

[cruz]

It's always great to hear young people getting into the hobby, personally I think model building is the best hobby to have. I think that the first thing you did right was becoming a member of the forum before anything else, I can guarantee that you will learn from a lot of people around here. Like the guys say, if you have any questions just go ahead and ask and most of all, there is no stupid question my friend!!!

[Nick F40]

  marcos cruz said:

It's always great to hear young people getting into the hobby, personally I think model building is the best hobby to have. I think that the first thing you did right was becoming a member of the forum before anything else, I can guarantee that you will learn from a lot of people around here. Like the guys say, if you have any questions just go ahead and ask and most of all, there is no stupid question my friend!!!

I agree! I'm a youngin here so don't be afraid

I like your T4

[62SS]

Welcome to the board. If you listen to the advise these folks have given you, You cant go wrong. If you build what you want, How you want, You will surely have fun. After all, Thats whats most important. Enjoy your models and your time on this board and you will certainly enjoy this wonderful hobby. Any questions just ask and Im sure you will get your answer.

Good luck and Build on,

Ed

[evilone]

heres my $0.02

1:don't rush it (if you do they tend to look like something in the toilet)

2:do what ever makes you happy

3:don't try to please anyone

4:start with the decent paint (ex.krylon i still use it and will not stop using it)

5:start off as a O.O.B (Out Of Box)

6:if the going gets tough chill out for a little(DON'T RUN AWAY)

follow these basic steps and presto you'll have it down in no time NOW START BUILDING i wanna see you version of a kick a$$ mopar

Edited July 25, 2008 by evilone

[Jello]

All those great guys that posted before me gave you some excellent advice! I been building model cars since 1965 and still enjoy it as much today as I did in '65! Its a great hobby and made even better having model car forums loaded with fantastic people, cool models, great ideas, good tips and the many how-tos from those that know how.

Best advice I can give you is, practice, practice makes perfect and work on developing patience and don't be hard on yourself the first few kits you start on and just have fun as thats what this hobby is all about. As you go along doing more kits, you will develop skills and what works best for you.

Remember, theres no such a thing as a dumb question either and feel free to ask us for help!

Enjoy!

~ Jeff

[evilone]

  Jello said:

All those great guys that posted before me gave you some excellent advice! I been building model cars since 1965 and still enjoy it as much today as I did in '65! Its a great hobby and made even better having model car forums loaded with fantastic people, cool models, great ideas, good tips and the many how-tos from those that know how.

Best advice I can give you is, practice, practice makes perfect and work on developing patience and don't be hard on yourself the first few kits you start on and just have fun as thats what this hobby is all about. As you go along doing more kits, you will develop skills and what works best for you.

Remember, theres no such a thing as a dumb question either and feel free to ask us for help!Enjoy!

~ Jeff

you lie heres a dumb question

how much is a penny worth?

or who designed the VW bug?

[Jello]

  evilone said:

you lie heres a dumb question

how much is a penny worth?

or who designed the VW bug?

Hmmmm, 2 cents right?

Hmmmm, Mr Beetle perhaps? :P

What did I win huh huh?

[evilone]

  Jello said:

Hmmmm, 2 cents right?

Hmmmm, Mr Beetle perhaps?

What did I win huh huh?

1 million fake dollars

[Benzo]

Whoa! I must have been on at the wrong time, this was dead last night! Thanks for all the responses everyone! This car is now in the WIP section, so no need for any more responses here.

[Nick F40]

  evilone said:

you lie heres a dumb question

how much is a penny worth?

or who designed the VW bug?

Dr. Porsche!