A Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Build!
To successfully build any model kit and ensure it ends up resembling a true miniature replica of its original, you must ensure that the assembly process is flawless and that no imperfections are visible in the joints of the pieces. In general, all model kits have many plastic parts arranged in frames or "trees," and each piece must be carefully separated, thoroughly cleaned, and, before assembly, you must test that each piece fits perfectly before gluing them. By following a good process, you would avoid gaps, imperfections, and any other detail that could be associated with complications in the assembly process. Below is a simple guide of steps and considerations that will become good practice if you adopt them each time you intend to build a scale model:
Materials and Process in Assembling Kits:
As mentioned earlier, most kits are manufactured by plastic injections (other kits may be made entirely of resin, a combination of resin parts, or kits made up of white metal parts or other materials; regarding these recommendations, we will only focus on the plastic parts of the kits). These plastic parts are organized in frames that, in addition to keeping the pieces organized, make it easier for you to find them. Each of these pieces is attached to the frame by small points called "gates." These can vary depending on the size and complexity, that is, some will only be attached to the tree by a single point while others, usually the larger ones, may have several points of union. To assemble your model, the first thing you must do is separate each piece from the tree without damaging or breaking them. Sometimes you will find very delicate and fine pieces with which you must be more careful when separating them.
Necessary Tools:
To separate each part of your model from the parts tree and to prepare each one properly before final assembly, you will need to have the following materials on hand:
- Cutting pliers: Thin-blade pliers for delicate "gates" and robust pliers for thicker ones.
- X-Acto knife: Mainly in older kits, the plates between which the plastic was emptied to shape each piece might not be as perfectly precise as they are today. This often resulted in thin plastic protrusions known as burs, which were simply excess plastic material that was not part of the piece. To remove these burrs, X-Acto knives, scalpel blades, craft knives, etc. are the most suitable tools.
- Sandpaper and accessories: Paper sandpaper, sponge sandpaper, or even sticks with sandpaper are the most suitable implements for working on the pieces after they have been separated from the parts tree. It is good practice to have a variety of these on hand in different grit levels.
- Modeling glue: There are very liquid glues or those with a certain thickness. The use of one or the other will depend on your preference or ability to work with either.
- Modeling putty: Depending on the quality of the kit and/or your skills as a modeler, it may not be necessary to use putty. However, in many cases, you will need modeling putty to repair imperfections, either on the plastic of the piece or between its joints.
Piece Separation Process:
Initial Cut:
To safely separate the pieces from the parts tree, use the nippers to cut the connections. Ensure that this cut is as close as possible to the frame and not too close to the piece to avoid damaging it. Perform this procedure carefully, especially if they are small or fragile thin pieces, as these could break if they are fragile or jump with the cut and therefore, you could lose them.
Removal of Nubs:
After separating the piece, you must remove the small remnants or "nubs" that remain on the edges. If these remnants are large, you could first use the cutting nippers to remove as much of these as possible and then finish removing the part closest to the piece using an X-acto knife. You must perform this procedure carefully because you could damage the piece by cutting it off or, in the worst case, receiving a painful cut on your fingers. On the other hand, if the remnants are thin or smaller, you could try directly with the X-acto knife blade, maintaining the same precautions indicated above.
Sanding and Smoothing:
Once the piece is separated, you must prepare it for assembly. This involves carefully checking for any burs on the edges or halves of the piece. If they exist, they can be removed by gentle sanding or with an X-Acto blade if the area to be cleaned is out of reach of the sandpaper.
Fit Test:
Before permanently gluing the pieces together, perform a "dry fit" of the pieces. With this procedure, you can verify that everything fits perfectly. If necessary, use adhesive tape to hold the pieces in place and make the necessary adjustments.
Preparation for Final Assembly:
Once you are sure that everything fits perfectly, apply the glue so that they are permanently fixed. Make sure that each joint is perfect to avoid later corrections.
Keep in mind that not all model kits need glue as snap fit technology has greatly improved in the last 30 years.
Additional Tips:
- Cut carefully: Work in small increments to avoid removing too much material at once.
- Use the right tools: For thick gates, use robust pliers to protect both the piece and your tools.
- Sanding progression: Use sandpaper from higher to lower grit to achieve the best possible smoothness.
With the right tools, patience, and putting these tips into practice, you will master the process of preparing your modeling kits. Good preparation of the pieces not only facilitates assembly but also results in a model without imperfections in the assembly that would visually mar or impoverish your model in terms of details. Get to work!