My orders

Model kits to be assembled

See our shopping guide

22800 Products

Sort by
Get a 4% discount for all your orders during 1 year

1001prime program

Get a 4% discount for all your orders during 1 year

More information
The gift certificate: the ideal solution to please your loved ones!

Gift vouchers to download

The gift certificate: the ideal solution to please your loved ones!

Discover
To avoid mistakes, our team can choose them for you.

Paints and accessories

To avoid mistakes, our team can choose them for you.

Discover more
Our team is at your disposal to inform you about your orders

Customer Care

Our team is at your disposal to inform you about your orders

Contact us

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.

Back

Excellent customer review

Excellent customer review

8.4/10 on Verified Reviews

Show reviews

12-05-2023

Good experience thank you

ANN B.

11-29-2023

The Harry Potter Luminous Notebook Marauders Map Journal was packaged well and was received in a timely manner. I was ecstatic to find this Harry...

LYDIA W.

11-29-2023

Good selection, reasonable prices, good depth of stock, so orders fill fairly quickly, and good shipping speed trans-Atlantic, especially now that...

JAMES W.

11-28-2023

Very good kit selection and fast delivery.

PETRONILO P.

11-21-2023

I am happy with this purchase.

JOHN T.

11-20-2023

This is the first time I’ve purchased anything on here. It didn’t even take that long to get my order and considering it shipped from France all...

JOSHUA S.

11-17-2023

The model is excellent, it replicates the loft surfaces and detail very well. Service was great. Response to questions was quick, progress of my...

JESSE W.

11-17-2023

Great product, but more importantly, great service.

ZAC D.

Show reviews
The widest choice, a huge stock

More than 150,000 products for your hobbies, including more than 15,000 in stock and shipped the same day

Specialists at your service

A team of passionate people advises you by phone and chat

Fast deliveries

In the USA 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦 and the world 🌎 with UPS

Your satisfaction is our priority

Return within 14 days after your purchase