How to assemble a plastic ship model. Tips for a beginner modeller - Manual: How to build good models. Model knives and cutters

Dec 23

If you are reading this text, then you are probably already potentially interested in starting to model cars in 1/24 scale. We have prepared a small educational program, which will surely be useful to a novice modeller.

If you have already decided on the car model, then go to the catalog and choose the set that you will assemble. It is worth remembering that the sets differ not only in the manufacturer, but also in the level of nesting of elements, detailing and quality of plastic.

For example, among all scale model manufacturers, the best quality of materials and the best level of detail can be traced from the Japanese manufacturer Tamiya.

About the manufacturer

Tamiya is one of Japan's leading manufacturers of prefabricated models and hobby items. Tamiya is an established manufacturer of some of the finest quality hobby products in the world. Tamiya's products include RC R/C models, a collection of Mini 4WD construction vehicles, in-house production of chemicals and hobby supplies, and prefabricated models of cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, aircraft and ships.

In our example, we will analyze the stages of building a model from a kit from the Japanese manufacturer Fujimi - Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 V Spec II

About the manufacturer

Fujimi Mokei is a Japanese model maker based in Shizuoka. Fujimi produces plastic models of various vehicles, including aircraft, cars, ships, and various historical and fantasy miniatures.
In addition to model design kits, Fujimi produces accessories for its products, such as car rims and dioramas.

Kit contents

Set cover photo

Kit contents

A total of 9 sprues with the necessary parts for building the model are included. A set of decals is also included.

Most kits from Fujimi do not have masks for painting glass, so you need to have masking tape on hand.
What is required to build a model

1.Fujimi set
2. Any quick dry (second), clear or model adhesive. For example, glue from the series
3. Any spray paint, as well as stationery / model acrylic for painting interior elements and suspension.
4. Tools: scissors, nippers, needle file (for processing the edges of the part), tweezers (for working with small parts), masking tape.

Assembly process

The assembly of the kit is carried out according to the illustrated "step to steps" (step by step) instructions. You can do the assembly and painting work at home.

If you strictly follow the visual instructions, then the assembly of the first model will not bring a single gram of disappointment or misunderstanding. From step to step, you will watch how your model is built.
We also recommend watching a time-lapse video on assembling this set!

In today's article, we will consider the sequence and the main secrets of high-quality assembly of plastic models using the example of aircraft and helicopters manufactured by Zvezda.

Where to start building a model?

First of all, you should decide on the subject of future exhibits, it can be both civilian and military types. Here the choice depends on your preferences. Another criterion for choosing a model is its scale. Beginning modellers should choose kits with few parts and a single color scheme.

You should also get the necessary tools. Here is a rough list of required equipment:

1. Model knife set.
2. Tweezers.
3. model rug.
4. Glue.
5. Special model tape or adhesive tape.
6. wire cutters.
7. Sandpaper or file.
8. putty.
9. Brushes, airbrush.
10. Paints.

Having collected the necessary tool, you can proceed to the assembly of the selected models.

Collection of models, on the example of aircraft and helicopters of the company "Zvezda"

At the very beginning, you should prepare the workplace where you will work. To do this, you need a table, preferably with a large surface, which must be covered with a model rug to avoid damaging the table surface. On the table should be only those items that are useful for assembling the model. The room in which you will work should also have good, bright lighting. Then you need to inspect the purchased kits, study the instructions, make sure that there are no missing parts, and also for the absence of defects on them.

So, let's move on to the sequence of assembling models.

1. At the beginning, we separate the parts from the sprue. Then we clean the remaining irregularities when disconnecting. Do not separate all the details at once, as in the future you may get confused about what to what and where to attach which part.

To begin with, we separate the parts of the fuselage and attach the halves to each other, but do not glue them, but make sure that they fit each other clearly. If one of the parts has defects, it should be adjusted with sandpaper or a needle file. Sandpaper should be waterproof, as in the process it will have to be washed frequently in order to get rid of plastic chips.

2. Before gluing the parts together, connect them with a modeling tape or adhesive tape, this will facilitate the gluing process.

After gluing the top layer of the case, let it dry, and then proceed to gluing the bottom one.

Get a special superfluid, quick-drying glue.

Before gluing the fuselage, the windows and cockpit should be glued. For transparent parts, use a special adhesive with a transparent base. You should also place a small weight in the nose of your model, this is necessary so that later your exhibit does not fall on the tail. Plasticine can be used as a load.

When assembling a helicopter model, you should assemble the cockpit and engine, then cover everything with primer and paint. After complete drying, place it between the halves of the fuselage.

After all the above manipulations, you can start gluing the body halves. Next, glue the rest of the parts to the assembled model. If you have a model aircraft, we glue the wings, tail, turbines, landing gear, etc. If you have a helicopter model, then we glue the lights, antennas, landing gear, install the blades, etc.

For the convenience of applying glue, use brushes. When gluing small parts, use tweezers.

After all the parts are glued, we leave the model to dry for about a day.

3. Our model is dry, now we can proceed to the next step - grinding. All joints where gluing took place should be sanded.

4. If the model turned out with slight irregularities, then its surface should be covered with a layer of putty and, after drying, go over with sandpaper again. Putty dries throughout the day.

Before applying putty, cover all places where it should not go. You can do this with masking tape.

The primer is applied from an aerosol can at a distance of 20 - 30 cm from the surface of the model. After this procedure, we also leave our model to dry for a day.

6. After grinding, applying putty and primer, we proceed to the staining process. For your first model, choose a single color paint scheme. Because without proper experience it is quite difficult to paint a two- or three-color model, and even more so a camouflage.

Paint small details without cutting them out of sprues, this is done to simplify the process.

You can paint the model with brushes, a can of paint, or use an airbrush with a compressor.

The painted model should dry within two days.

7. After the paint is completely dry, apply the decals that came with the kit to the surface of the model.

In fact, decals are transfer pictures. It is easy to apply the decal to the surface - cut out the desired image, dip it in warm water for 15 - 30 seconds, and then apply it to the desired place on the surface and lightly press it with a napkin, thereby removing the excess layer of water.

After we cover the surface with a layer of varnish and again let the model dry.

Perhaps these are the main stages in the assembly of plastic models of aircraft and helicopters. Either way, build quality comes with experience. So don't put it off, get your first model quickly, and it may not be the only one, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of modeling!

What should I start with? I think for a start it is worth understanding the main factors of fast and at the same time high-quality assembly.

1. For assembly, you should choose a high-quality model with good docking and detailing out of the box.
2. You need to use the right chemistry, with a short drying time.
3. It is necessary to start the assembly with a clear understanding of the amount of work and alterations, so as not to get bogged down in a lot of improvements, often made “for the soul”, but little noticeable on the final result.
4. It is important to follow the assembly sequence, breaking the model into subassemblies, so that in the process you do not have to constantly deal with different things.

Let's dwell on each of the points in more detail.

If you want to quickly build a model, you should not take something complex or of poor quality for assembly. A large number of parts or the need to process every detail and joint will nullify all attempts to quickly get the finished result. So no ships, BTTs with super-details, LND models and budget sets of vehicles from the ARC, VE and others.

But this does not mean that the choice of models will be small. New models from , various models from - all this can be taken for quick assembly. The scale can be anything, except perhaps all sorts of large scales, like 1/32 for aviation or 1/16 for BTT - not the best choice) for example, in a couple of days off, you can safely build an excellent Yak-3 in 1/48 or a new T-34/85 in 1/35 or 1/72 of Zvezda, I-16 or Yak-52 in 1/48 of the ARC, almost any model from Tamiya in 1/35 or 1/48, etc. The main thing is that the model does not have a lot of details, there was a good fit and good detailing. There are many such models on the market today. And to understand what is in the box, it is best to use the search on the net and look at the reviews on the model and its construction.

IL-2 from Tamiya in 1/48 scale assembled in three days of work in the evenings

The basis of a qualitative result is the right choice of chemistry. So that the construction of the model is not interrupted by a long wait for the glue, putty and paint to dry, you need to choose the right consumables.

The usual model glue, which is ordinary, which dries pretty quickly. But such glue dries completely for a long time, and the seams glued with it between large parts can easily shrink over time, which is critical when assembling the model quickly. So it is worth using such glue where the seam passes through the real joint of the parts and does not require sealing. Well, for attaching various small parts.

Tamiya's Super Liquid Glue is the best choice for working on most small to medium parts.

For docking and at the same time for sealing seams on large parts, it is best suited. And - with In this case, the glue will serve as both glue and putty. And the activator will allow you to achieve instant drying of the glue, which also does not shrink. That is, 30 seconds after gluing, the part can already be safely processed, sanded, etc. Of course, when working with such glue, it is worth considering the fact that it glues the parts instantly, and when it dries, it becomes harder than plastic and requires sanding from 600 numbers.

It is also convenient to glue various small parts that require accurate and fast positioning on super glue with an activator.

Cyanoacrylate glue - the best glue and putty for quick assembly

There will also be a place. Applied in a thin layer, it dries in about 30 minutes and allows you to edit small surface jambs, for example, scratches, small cavities on super glue, etc. Shrinkage is not terrible here, because the layer will be thin.

Tamiya's White Finish Putty is a good choice for quickly fixing small blemishes on the model's surface.

When assembling the IL-2 model, the fuselage was glued with super glue, and small flaws along the junction of its halves were filled with white putty from Tamiya

It is also better not to refuse the use of a primer. Habitual model primers dry out “tack free” in 10-15 minutes and after half an hour you can safely paint over them. And to show the surface of the model before painting and improve the adhesion of the paint will never be superfluous. Nitro primer from or Hansa would be the best choice.

Primer from Tamiya is a good choice in any, including fast construction

But the paint is best to choose acrylic, water-based. That is, acrylic from Vallejo, Zip, Pacific88, Master Acrylic, . All of these paints have a fast drying time and allow you to apply colors with minimal drying time. Yes, the other side of the coin is the frequent sticking of paint on the airbrush needle, but this can be combated by adding a drying retarder to the paint and mechanically cleaning the tip of the needle. Well, it goes without saying that you should immediately take ready-made colors so as not to mess around with mixing paints.

Ready set of paints from MIG. With it, you can easily apply camouflage to a model of a German aircraft in one evening.

After applying the paint, it is enough to wait 30 minutes before applying masks. Of course, you should be careful, but in general, even water-based acrylic holds well on a primed surface.

The model is painted in the base color (acrylic SPTA), camouflage masks from Tesa tape are applied

Then the second color of camouflage is blown out and after the paint has dried, after a few minutes the masks are removed. Applying camouflage to the top of the Su-2 took less than an hour, including waiting for the paint to dry.

The longest drying time is required for glossy varnish, which is applied under decals and washes. The most easy-to-work glossy varnishes, such as

Have you decided to get into modeling, but don't even know where to start? In this article, we will try to talk about the key nuances of the process, as well as give some tips for beginners that should be refreshed in memory and professionals. First of all, we note that modeling requires enormous effort and a lot of time. To hastily assemble models means to turn them from potentially perfect products into a pitiful semblance of a cheap Chinese fake. If you are ready to work hard to create a real work of art - welcome to the world of modeling! So let's get started.

Where does modeling start?

Of course, with the purchase of the model itself. The catalog of our store contains a lot of kits for beginners and professional modellers. If you don't understand anything about military equipment - choose a model that you just like and seem the easiest for the first assembly. If you are fond of military equipment and are well versed in it, you will surely find in the catalog exactly the model that you have always dreamed of seeing in your collection. If the model of the desired equipment is not available - contact the consultant, it is quite possible that it will be delivered to you on an individual order.

So, the model is selected - it's time to start choosing tools. What will we need? Absolutely everything that is sold in the store, but it is often not possible to buy everything at once, and to assemble one model you may not need the tools that are needed when assembling another. There is a joke among modellers: “Choose tools intuitively, you will forget to buy the most important thing anyway.” Therefore, we will draw your attention only to the key and most necessary tools and materials.

The first thing that every modeler should buy is glue, and professional glue. Superglue and PVA will definitely not work. It is advisable to purchase several glues at once in order to learn to understand the difference between them already in the process of assembling the first model - it is better to take a second, helium and classic model glue. Next, we get a primer, a file, sandpaper (both with large and with the finest grains). Now pay attention to paints and enamels - for starters, you can buy colors that match the scheme of your model. However, in the future you will need absolutely all the paints and enamels presented in our catalog, you can be sure of this.

Next, we move on to one of the main tools - these are brushes. From the very beginning, it’s worth starting experiments, so immediately purchase a dozen brushes of different sizes, types, shapes and manufacturers. It may be more convenient for you to paint with an airbrush (sprayer) - if you have money, you can also purchase it. Don't forget to buy an airbrush compressor. If you are not afraid of expenses - purchase all materials in the maximum variety. A novice modeller, like no one else, should experiment and form his own style of assembly, priming, painting.

Getting to know the model

As soon as you brought the model home, get ready for one of the most pleasant moments and hurry to lay out all the details on the table in front of you. It is at this time that you can plunge headlong into the wonderful world of modeling and feel all its charm. Carefully consider all the details presented, understand how creative, complex and at the same time exciting the assembly process will be. It is very important that in the process of getting acquainted with the details you correctly assess the front of the upcoming work.

You are now completely ready to assemble your first model. Prepare the work surface, separate the parts from the sprues. Try to attach several parts to each other. Understand how difficult this process will be, feel its charm. Perhaps this is where it is worth finishing the first acquaintance with the model - put the parts in a box and put it aside. It's time to start professional training and create a full-fledged work surface and modeler's workplace.

We create a workplace

Assembling a good model requires proper preparation of the workplace. It is desirable to have, if not a separate office, then a separate desktop. You can convert the old workplace or desk. To do this, remove everything unnecessary from the surface and from the boxes, from now on you will only be engaged in assembling models. Believe me, you will have to store it in the table and on it, spend a lot of free time here, because it is extremely inconvenient to shift things and tools from place to place.

A special rug for modellers is spread on the table. If possible, give preference to A1 format material. We already lay out all the necessary tools on it. Remember that you are creating your own workplace, therefore you can independently determine their sequence, degree of significance and, in accordance with these parameters, place them on the table in any order. Next, we arrange paints, brushes and other materials-tools.

Getting ready to assemble

Preparing for the assembly in our case is the need to understand that many things that you thoughtlessly threw away before will surely be needed by you from now on. First of all, start collecting on an industrial scale all kinds of wires and their trimmings, pieces of plastic, sticks, glass jars and even caps from beer and vodka bottles. Do not be surprised - in the future it will be very convenient to use them to create a palette of colors.

At the same time, let me prepare you a little psychologically. The fact is that very soon you will acquire a truly exciting hobby that will take up the lion's share of your free time. At the same time, most friends and family, for objective reasons, will not quite understand your passion for creating models. Try not to conflict with them and pay enough attention to family and friends. Believe me, this hobby can be successfully combined with the opportunity to be a great son, friend, brother, husband, dad and colleague.

Purchasing an aftermarket

We suggest you sit down at the table again and study the features of the set you purchased. Look carefully at the instructions and at the details laid out in front of you. You may well find, and most certainly will, that many of them are either inaccurate, not detailed enough, or simply missing from the set. That is why we suggest purchasing an additional detailing kit (cockpit, photo-etched) in advance.

Working with aftermaket

Take a close look at the photo-etch kit you purchased and decide which parts you will need to fabricate yourself. We will not delve into the assembly process - there is an instruction for this, moreover, the features of creating each new model are individual. Instead, let's note a few key nuances of the work that a beginner should definitely take into account and which a professional should not forget about. We include the following points:

• Careful attitude to instructions. Following it is the key to successful assembly of the model;
• Multiple check. Before work, look at how the details fit on the drawings. If there are deficiencies, it is recommended to correct them immediately;
• Remember the numbering. When cutting off parts from the sprue, especially small elements, try to remember their numbering for sure, so as not to get confused in the future;
• Detail the interior elements. Many modellers advise photographing the interior of a structure prior to its final assembly;
• Be careful with small details, it is almost impossible to find them on the floor - use boxes and drawers for storage;
• Don't be afraid to spend time fixing a detail with defects visible to you - it will be much more difficult to fix an already assembled model;
• Do not be afraid of damage to the jointing during the grinding process., for example, primers - boldly polish the surface, achieving its ideal state;
• Experiment with tools: remember that many household items can be useful in modeling.

Remember also that the materials you use, paints, varnishes and enamels are completely safe for human health. The only thing to be wary of is paints with very pungent odors. These include, for example, nitro paints. They are recommended to be used only when the hood is running, and in rooms where small children have access, they are usually not used at all.

Model painting features

Painting a model is a creative and at the same time complex process from a technical point of view. We have already described it in one of the articles posted on our website, so we will only note the points unknown to you.

Firstly, trust the manufacturers, but always check them. On various forums, you can find messages about the discrepancy between the colors indicated by the manufacturer and the real shades of technology. Therefore, do not be too lazy to check with the original and choose the color scheme yourself.

Secondly, pay special attention to the choice of coloring option - some of them are presented in the instructions, some you will have to search on the Internet yourself. Make a choice in favor of the most complex drawing - only in this case you will be able to win the first "respect" in the image of a modeler.

Third, always use a primer (of course, if you do not work with nitro paints). It will help not only securely fasten the surface of the model and the layer of paint and varnish material, but also smooth out roughness, numerous irregularities and other flaws.

Fourth, fix the parts to be painted on the holders and never touch them with your hands - one awkward movement and all the work will have to be done from the very beginning.

Conclusion

Don't be afraid to experiment. We have to repeat this over and over again. Modeling is a combination of creativity and scrupulous study of instructions. Only in the process of assembling models do you gain invaluable experience, which is reflected in your technique and allows you to form its individual style. Listen to the advice of experienced modellers, but always check them in practice - no one can be considered the ultimate truth. Be creative, learn from your mistakes and create real masterpieces. And we, for our part, are happy to help you with wonderful models and tools of the highest quality, presented in an incredibly wide range.

Good day, dear users of my resource!

With you again Dmitry Ignatychev - your guide in the world of large-scale modeling.

Often the life of a beginner modeler is full of surprises. As well as many seemingly unsolvable questions. Questions, questions, questions… What and how to do, how to cut sprues, how to glue, how and with what to paint…

All this is not easy to understand. Especially if there are no modellers among your friends, there are no large-scale modeling clubs in your city, and there is very little time to search and study literature. Taking into account the fact that there is very little valuable information, and the Internet is filled with disparate arguments on various forums, it’s getting tough in general :)) But ... dear friends, don’t try to quit what you started. The matter must always be brought to a natural finale - to result .

Well, I, in turn, will help you understand the science of scale modeling. And I devote my new material to solving such a problem as the selection of a set of tools sufficient to create my first (s) models. We will figure out what is necessary and necessary to have in the arsenal at the initial stage of gaining the skill of a modeler, and what will not be needed at all.

In general, the arsenal of the master of modeling is very extensive. And it can take up a lot of space. From a small closet in a private room to a whole workshop in a private house or garage. Such instrumentation is similar to the workshops of great violin makers such as Amati and Stradivari. Such things are perfectly displayed in the brilliant Soviet film "Visit to the Minotaur". And like any significant business, such a number of tools are collected and acquired for a long time. Sometimes measured in decades. But this is all the lot of true MASTERS who are in love with their work. Matter of LIFE.

But you, my dear reader, if you are at the very beginning of this path, so many tools are not required at all. Especially if you are not at all sure that you will be doing this for a long time.

Therefore, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of beginner modeller's tools I have prepared.

TOOLS FOR THE BEGINNER MODELIST

MODELING KNIFE

A model knife is arguably the most important tool in your arsenal. Simply because it all starts with him. With a knife you will separate the parts from the sprue. Cut off the cover. Clean up various kinds of defects. Now on sale there is an extensive range of knives, differing in length and thickness of the handle. Modern model knives have a collet for the blade. These blades can be interchanged quickly and easily. The fact is that interchangeable blades are designed to perform highly specialized tasks, to perform various kinds of work.

You can purchase both the knife separately and the whole set, consisting of the knife itself and a set of interchangeable blades. Everything is up to you. For starters, you can purchase a simple knife without interchangeable blades. If there are knives from different manufacturers on sale, ask to hold the knife in your hands. The tool should lie well in the hand, she likes it.

TWEEZERS

Here is another tool without which the work of the modeler will be extremely difficult. This is tweezers. It is necessary when working with small and Very small details. Only with the help of tweezers will you be able to install, paste tiny parts into the limited spaces of aircraft cabins, landing gear niches and others.

Tweezers are a modeler's friend

Tweezers are one of the most common modeling tools that can be purchased not only in model stores, but also in pharmacies and electronics stores. You can also purchase watchmaker's tweezers. It has thinner "sponges", which allows you to work with high precision with small details.

SANDPAPER

After separation from the sprue, all parts of the model must be cleaned from various kinds of defects. It can be all sorts of irregularities, flash. After gluing different parts, it is also necessary to clean the junction. Of course, manufacturers are constantly improving the quality of their kits. But one way or another, sandpaper will be required for a very long time in the work of a modeler.

You can purchase sandpaper at any hardware or automotive store. Also, various kinds of nail files, needle files are useful in the work. Needle files you can use for grinding metal, resin and not just plastic parts. The main feature of the needle file is its durability. It will last you much longer than any sandpaper or nail file.

But still, at the initial stage of work, sandpaper will do.

MODEL CUTTERS

Removing parts from the sprue with a beginner's model knife can be a tedious and in some cases dangerous task. The knife does its job wonderfully in skillful hands, and it can ruin a lot of others. Therefore, at the beginning of your career, it is advisable to use model cutters to separate parts.

At the moment, almost every manufacturer of tools and scale models has model cutters in their assortment. They do an excellent job with their tasks, leaving behind smooth, clean edges and joints. It is advisable to purchase a high-quality and not cheap tool.

WORKING SURFACE

All your work on the model will be related to cutting, sawing, cutting out. It will be necessary to process parts made of plastic and other materials without fear of spoiling the surface of the desktop. After all, you will create a model not in a specialized room, but on your everyday desktop. Therefore, it is desirable to prepare a special work surface. It can be either a piece of ordinary chipboard or a specialized self-healing rug.

Cutting board - the first assistant to the cook

It doesn't take up much space when folded. Lined with a graphic grid. Perfectly protects the surface of the table from cuts and tool jumps.

MODEL GLUE

Often glue is not included with the model. It can only be found in some gift sets and editions. Therefore, it must be purchased separately. Supplied in different packaging options. Either in glass jars or in plastic bottles with a needle. There are 3 types of model adhesives that differ from each other in the principle of action.

I'll glue everything - I'll tie everything

The choice of adhesive to use depends on personal preference and the specific job task. For example, I mainly use glue, which dissolves the edges of the surfaces to be joined. And then creating an integral connection from this.

So we got our very modest in size and cost TOOLKIT FOR A BEGINNER MODELIST. Something like NAZ - Necessary Emergency Supply. As you progress in mastering the mastery of scale modeling, you will become more aware of the essence of the work being done. And start expanding your tool arsenal. But it's still ahead...

In the meantime... DON'T PUT OFF, start building your first model. And all your questions will find a practical application. And you yourself will begin to answer them. And if you don't know, ask. Write in the comments, or to my mail - in the CONTACTS section.

P.S. Don't forget to like the article. After all, if she helped you, she will help another novice modeller. Best wishes. And ... beautiful models for you.