"The Basics"

[Aaronw]

You probably saw my other post looking for a good basic tutorial. Since there doesn't seem to be one lets make one.

If you guys will post your ideas in this thread I'll play editor, and organize it into a post in the tips and tricks section. I will credit all the posters who participate at the beginning of the first post when I combine everything, but am not going to credit individual bits to each poster as I think that would make me go bald.

Don't hesitate to tell me anything I write is wrong, if I could do this myself I'd write a book.

I guess the first thing to figure out is what are "the basics" I'm thinking

Tools

Selecting a kit

Research

Preparation

Glue

Assembly

Painting

Decals

Final finishing

Anything I left out or something that deserves its own subject?

Lets try to keep this simple, out of the box kind of stuff, no resin, no photo etch, no tape seat belts etc (the horror ).

Don't worry about trying to write like a step by step, something simple like I like to start with 400 grit sand paper and work my way up to 1000 grit when I'm cleaning mold lines off the kit.

Which rreminds me, some basic terminology is probably appropriate too.

Flash, mold lines, seams what else?

Edited November 24, 2008 by Aaronw

[Abell82]

You mention glue, but not tools. Such as a hobby knife, scissors, tweezers, sprue cutters (side cutters). Also Paint brushes, sandpaper, files etc.

You'll need a basic tools required section.

[Aaronw]

Tools are good.

I'll add it to the list, thanks.

[Smart-Resins]

Well, need some spot putty to fill in those pin holes and sink marks, theres two basic terms as well! a piece of sanding foom or polishing cloth. Now, is tape allowed as a basic for targa tops, if not, still need it for masking off those trim pieces when painting the chrome on them! Side cutters for sure and emery boards(females nail filers) to help take down the mold lines. Sand paper to sand the spot putty off. A novis polishing kit for polishing the dupli-color automotive paint.

[Guest 66dragfreak]

I think y'all are forgetting one of the most essential "tools" you need to succeed in this hobby. ATTITUDE is at the top of the "tool" list. Without an open, objective attitude, you may not fully enjoy the fun modeling and all that goes with the hobby. Be receptive to learning new techniques, be willing to tackle subjects you might not build much of, and always be receptive to suggestions, ideas, tips, and tricks to help yourself become a better modeler. I learn so much from other hobbyists that I apply to my builds and each one is better because of those suggestions. Be open minded and willing to try different things. Always look to have fun FIRST and you will see just how paramount the tool of a good attitude really is.

Hope this helps!!!

[FloridaBoy]

I say to use the KISS method. Keep it simple and smart. Get one tube of glue, and also a prepained model kit like AMT and Revell had, or a slammer. All needed is a tube of glue and follow the directions.

With each model built, so does the confidence and desire. What I am recommending is that the finished model be display friendly in the home. As the model building progresses, so will paint, assembly technique, workmanship, clean up, etc etc. let the builder grow and evolve. If you overwhelm him with extensive lists and procedures and tips, it will take the fun out of it, make is a "is it right or wrong" task, and take the fun out of it. Sometimes even this old war horse goes back to basics. I am now waiting the paint to dry on an out of the box basic 57 Chevy made by Monogram. No frills except paint and glue.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

[MR BIGGS]

I think the number one tool for building anything would be (Patience) cause without that nothing will ever get done. So without Patience your tool’s, focus, determination and will to build will be rendered useless. That’s why not every one can build model’s.

[Jantrix]

The ideal situation here would be for someone to build something box stock, no added details, no fancy paintwork, no scratched parts and do a step by step photo tutorial on how it was done. This would easily cover all the basics as far as tools, paint prep, glue, etc.

So who has something box stock planned that has the time, patience and the photographic expertise to do smething like this? I have a box stock planned, but it's many builds down the priority list, and a half dozen WIP's screaming for my attention.

[Cornpatch]

I say to use the KISS method. Keep it simple and smart. Get one tube of glue, and also a prepained model kit like AMT and Revell had, or a slammer. All needed is a tube of glue and follow the directions.

With each model built, so does the confidence and desire. What I am recommending is that the finished model be display friendly in the home. As the model building progresses, so will paint, assembly technique, workmanship, clean up, etc etc. let the builder grow and evolve. If you overwhelm him with extensive lists and procedures and tips, it will take the fun out of it, make is a "is it right or wrong" task, and take the fun out of it. Sometimes even this old war horse goes back to basics. I am now waiting the paint to dry on an out of the box basic 57 Chevy made by Monogram. No frills except paint and glue.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

I am afraid I am going to have to agree with Mr. Willaman here. Trying to have some one new to modeling learn everything at once takes the fun out of the whole modeling thing. Everybody that is into the modeling thing has there own way of doing things.

Again Mr. Willaman, has a good point, about starting with a pre-painted model. I started my son out on these, so he would gain his confidence and also learn to follow the instructions. After he had put together about 8 of these, he came to me and ask if he could try a glue model. Told him to go ahead, he did and hasnt looked back since. Its been almost 4 years now and he is good at what he builds, in fact probley better now than the old man.

Remember, this can be an expensive hobby, especially when your just starting out. You dont want to have somebody go out and buy a lot of modeling tools and kits till they find out if after one, if they even complete that, that they dont like it or even want to pursue it further.

Jeff

[Aaronw]

Wow Mark good stuff, I didn't see you post this before.

Lots of good comments, as far. As for the starting with a pre-painted snap kit, I would agree completely when you are introducing a child to models but would you say the same thing about an adult? I know that it still makes sense, but I'm thinking the adult mind might be prone to reject such an "easy" kit.

Thanks

[FloridaBoy]

Wow Mark good stuff, I didn't see you post this before.

Lots of good comments, as far. As for the starting with a pre-painted snap kit, I would agree completely when you are introducing a child to models but would you say the same thing about an adult? I know that it still makes sense, but I'm thinking the adult mind might be prone to reject such an "easy" kit.

Thanks

Aaronw

I was not suggesting a snap kit, there are plenty of prepainted full detail glue kits out there, and they hae motors, chasses running gear and interiors, all of the elements. My suggestion is based on my own personal approach. I am also a model railroader, and when I build a new layout, I want to have a train running within acouple of days -- a result. That result gives one confidence to prod on, and not get bogged down, like we all do on a massive undertaking the first time out.

I have been building for over a half century and still I go back to a simple kit just to get one done while some of my other projects are waiting to be done, telling me months ahead before a finish. With a prepainted kit, you do not have to build a paint booth or go outside in the cold and spray, or invest in an airbrush, and get a still good result as you will no doubt still add some modifications, such as detail painting, or aftermarket stuff, or trade parts or use parts with another modeler or kit. Please do not classify or prejudge the type of models by their box, I recognized you were an adult, and there is a good book about basics published by a competitor, but I went through it and I got bogged down. I truly want to see as many new faces in this hobby as I personally feel it is one of the better pastimes around.

I just wanted to ensure you built a good looking kit and personalized quickly - which is a good starting point.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

[Aaronw]

Aaronw

I was not suggesting a snap kit, there are plenty of prepainted full detail glue kits out there, and they hae motors, chasses running gear and interiors, all of the elements. My suggestion is based on my own personal approach. I am also a model railroader, and when I build a new layout, I want to have a train running within acouple of days -- a result. That result gives one confidence to prod on, and not get bogged down, like we all do on a massive undertaking the first time out.

I have been building for over a half century and still I go back to a simple kit just to get one done while some of my other projects are waiting to be done, telling me months ahead before a finish. With a prepainted kit, you do not have to build a paint booth or go outside in the cold and spray, or invest in an airbrush, and get a still good result as you will no doubt still add some modifications, such as detail painting, or aftermarket stuff, or trade parts or use parts with another modeler or kit. Please do not classify or prejudge the type of models by their box, I recognized you were an adult, and there is a good book about basics published by a competitor, but I went through it and I got bogged down. I truly want to see as many new faces in this hobby as I personally feel it is one of the better pastimes around.

I just wanted to ensure you built a good looking kit and personalized quickly - which is a good starting point.

Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman

I was not aware any of the pre-painted kits were not snap kits. I'm certainly not putting down snap kits either, as many are actually quite nice kits. I started my son with simple kits and have been working up to full glue kits. I'm just wondering if people have found the techniques used to bring a child into the hobby work as well with adults.

Obviously it should work in both cases but adults do usually come with more preconceived notions and egos to deal with compared to children or teenagers.

[Smart-Resins]

Well, I dont know about what I said as not being anything important. Build a car without filling in sink marks or pin holes or taking mold lines off and take it to a club meeting or to a show for box stock, and poeple will pass right over it. Jody

[Smart-Resins]

LOl. I know what ya mean about not wanting to stay at any of those clubs long, but we all know it does tend to happen, esp. if you go to a show and a newbie has come and everyone pasis right by not taking a second to contemplate the idea and maybe giving them a honorable mention for thier efforts as a beginner. I have dont that now!! But I have been there the first time. Placed third in the contest, out of only three, the other two blew my doors so far off, I had to go home to find them!! LOl. Now my personale feeling though again this is a opinion, Dupli-color automotive paints are so easy to use, I would very quickly recomend them any day over testors paint. Not only for thier ease, but also being more cost efficient. Now yes, tape for tops yes, but thats also why i came back for masking as I would recoment to any beginner to maske the body off after painting and doing one clear coat as to paint, brush or marker on the trim. Polishing, I would at least show them how to do a good spit shine using a old t shirt just to polish some of the dust off at any rate. I have done that trick as a beginner and took black primer to a high gloss with good ole spit shining. LOL. Maybe a extreme for some. But my basics stand at spot putty, emory boards, side cutters, tape, auto paint and something to polish with. This is how I have started all three of my kids and my two young brother in laws! So I am not anyone new to that area.LOl. Also your earlier posts are supurb. There is a great deal here to compile for sure! It would be nice to honestly see it compiled and put into simple terms with a model being used and progress/info photos taken and actually put into the magazine for any beginners out there reading it or for anyone thinking about teaching someone new in the hobby the basics! Jarius Gregg?? Opinions?? Jody

[Avenger]

Dude im not going to be rude or anything dont take this the wrong way. What if there are beginners like little kids like 10-12 or a person who first time building models, their going to say "oh my god this is to much!" you dont expect a new person to make models to do all that but that is really nice though, but dont act like a no-it-all please dont think im being rude.

[Smart-Resins]

I second that! if you tell someone how to paint and glue, they may build and not like! But if you give them a few things to do, they can do just that, pick and choose to thier liking. I know we all do that!! Like for instance, learning how to scratchbuild. I had tons of stuff thrown at me. I started small with two techniques and built up from there as I choose. I am still continuing that!! That is the "food for growth" wich I think basics should be!! I dont read anyone trying to be a know it all, and I know I most certainly am not as I have much to learn. I am not into fine airbrushing or fully wiring or using poly and dehydrators! LOL. Thanks.

[BKIN10SECS]

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