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Getting started in model building: how do I build a model?

Want to get started in the exciting world of model building? Find out how to build a model for the first time.

Everything you need to know to build a model.

How do I start building a model?

To build a model for the first time, take it step by step. Start with models for beginners before moving on to the more complex models designed for experienced model builders. The Revell model and the Heller model are ideal for a first step into this world. Beginners are sure to find their favourite models in the collections of these leading manufacturers.

What tools do I need to make a model?

To get off to a good start in model making, here are a few basic pieces of equipment to acquire:

● Cutting materials: plastic cutting pliers, a blade holder fitted with a straight blade, sandpaper.

● Primer: this painting material allows you to vary the tone of the colours according to the desired finish, to even out the surface of the model and to reveal any sanding imperfections.

How do you glue a model properly?

First and foremost, it's important to determine the type of glue to use. The choice of glue depends on the material of the parts and decorative elements to be glued.

For a plastic model, the glue comes in liquid form and has a more or less long drying time to allow meticulous positioning of the elements to be fixed. Plastic glue can slightly melt, through a chemical reaction, the two plastic elements to be glued and weld them together.

Frequently used for wood and cardboard, white glue is suitable for a wooden model and its various decorative elements, but also for translucent plastic parts. It is also used to glue ballast in model railways, sand and gravel in dioramas.

There are also other types of glue, such as :

● Spray glue: for trees, flocking and backdrops;

● Cyanoacrylate glue: for all types of material, including plastic, metal, rubber, wood and porcelain;

● Hot-melt glue: practical for rapid bonding with a special glue gun ;

● Two-component glue: with an epoxy resin for a strong bond;

● Glue for glazing: clean and invisible on the model's glazing.

How do I clean a wooden model?

To remove a little dust from the wooden model, simply wipe it clean with an old cloth or microfibre cloth. If the dust resists, you can dampen the cloth and run it gently over the wood. If, however, the wood has decals, avoid using water to remove them. It is preferable to use a brush to remove the dust.

A damp cloth with soap is preferable if there is too much dust. If there is a stain embedded in the model, it can be removed with toothpaste or black soap. And if the dirt persists, there are several specific cleaning products on the market for restoring model cars, model planes and wooden model boats.

Excellent customer review

Excellent customer review

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09-23-2023

The website is easy to navigate. The search engine is quite efficient. Shipping was relatively fast considering that I didn’t pay extra for...

MICHAEL R.

09-22-2023

Item arrived in great condition. The tracking was a bit all over the place but I wouldn’t hesitate to order again.

ARTHUR D.

09-22-2023

Item arrived in great condition. The tracking was a bit all over the place but I wouldn’t hesitate to order again.

ARTHUR D.

09-21-2023

Item as described..super fast shipping. Highly recommended.

DENNIS D.

09-21-2023

Site is sometimes hard to navigate

JOHN L.

09-21-2023

Shipping box could be better

WAYNE H.

09-19-2023

I am. Dry pleased with the products 1001 Hobbies offers, not only the variety but the fair price for their products. Also the updates concerning...

BILL K.

09-14-2023

The order was completed in good time, trans-Atlantic shipping was fast. Despite damage to the external packaging, the contents arrived in good shape.

JAMES W.

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