Welcome to the wonderful hobby of scale model kit building! I’m glad you are interested in learning more about this creative and fun activity. 😊
To start building your first scale model kit, you will need some basic supplies and tools. Here is a list of the essential items you will need:
The Supplies
- A scale model kit of your choice. You can choose from a variety of subjects, such as cars, planes, ships, tanks, etc. You can also select a kit based on the skill level and the scale. Skill level indicates the difficulty and complexity of the kit, while scale indicates the size and proportion of the kit compared to the real thing. For beginners, I recommend choosing a kit with a low skill level (such as 1 or 2) and a medium scale (such as 1:72 or 1:48 for aircraft, or 1:24 or 1:25 for cars). You can browse the different categories online at my store, or at ModelCars.Com using code MC10POFF to get 10% off on your purchase, or at DiecastModelsWholesale.com and shop to see what appeals to you. There are hundreds to choose from. For help on choosing a kit, see my post on Choosing a Scale Model Kit.
- A side cutter or nippers. This is a tool that you use to cut the parts from the plastic sprues (the frames that hold the parts). However, you want to cut the parts as close as possible to the sprue gate (the point where the part connects to the sprue) without damaging the part.
- A hobby knife. This is a tool that you use to trim the excess plastic from the parts after cutting them from the sprues. You also use it to cut decals (the stickers that add details and markings to the model) from the decal sheet. Equally important is to use a sharp blade and be careful not to cut yourself or the parts. You can find some examples of hobby knives here and here.
- A sanding stick or nail file. This is a tool that you use to smooth the edges and surfaces of the parts after trimming them with the hobby knife. However, you want to use a fine-grit sanding stick or nail file and be gentle not to scratch or damage the parts. You can find some examples of a sanding stick or file here and here.
A set produced by AV Vallejo that includes the above three: Cutters, Knife and File can be purchased here. Or click on the image below. After all, you’ll be using these as often as you’d like.
- A glue. This is a substance that you use to attach the parts together and fill in any gaps. Therefore, there are different types of glue for different purposes and materials. For plastic model kits, you want to use a plastic cement or a super glue. Plastic cement melts the plastic and bonds the parts together, while super glue creates a strong and fast bond. Especially, you’d want to use a small amount of glue and apply it carefully to avoid making a mess or ruining the parts. You can find some examples of glue here and here.
- A tweezers. This is a tool that you use to handle the very small parts and decals. You want to use a pair of tweezers that have a fine tip and a good grip. Whatever you do, however, don’t use your mother or sister’s tweezers. You can get one from a dollar store. No need to purchase expensive ones unless you have money to burn.
- A paint. This is a substance that you use to color and detail the parts and the model. There are different types of paint for different purposes and materials. For plastic model kits, you can use either acrylic or enamel paint. Acrylic paint is water-based and easy to clean, while enamel paint is oil-based and more durable. You want to use a paint that matches the color scheme and the instructions of the kit. You can find some examples of paint here and here.
- A brush or two. In addition ot paint,this is a tool that you use to apply the paint to the parts and the model. There are different types of brushes for different purposes and effects. For plastic model kits, you want to use a fine-tipped brush for small details as well as a flat or round brush for large areas. You want to use a brush that is clean and in good condition. I use varies kinds of widths and lengths of bristle. If you are comfortable with an airbrush, as I am, nock yourself out, but this is a blog for beginners. You can find some examples of brushes here and here. I suggest get good and inexpensive brushes because you will go through them in time.
These are the basic supplies and tools that you will need to start building your first scale model kit. Of course, there are many more items that you can use to enhance your model building experience, such as a cutting mat, a ruler, a pencil, a masking tape, an airbrush set, a primer, a clear coat, a weathering product, etc. But for now, I suggest you focus on the essentials and enjoy the process of building your model. You can always learn more and improve your skills as you go along.
😊I hope this information was helpful to you and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I’m here to help you with anything related to scale model building. Have a great day!
Promote Your Blog with Me for FREE.
If you who wish to promote your blogs, you may do so. I shall provide a link to your blogs or link to any article in your blog – for free- on my Scale Model Making Page. So, feel free to contact me if you have any blog which relates to the topic of scale modeling and the like.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am a participant in the affiliate advertising programs for ModelCars.com, DiecastModelsWholesale.com and Temu. These programs are designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to these affiliated sites.
Please Like and Share
Leave a Reply