Assembling the Model

You need a large table with adequate lighting.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions.
Cut, rather than break, individual parts from the plastic trunks or sprues.

Sprue Cutters

• Compare the parts included, to the list of parts needed.
• Clean up the parts using sandpaper to remove nubs and excess plastic resulting from manufacturing, then wash them in a mild detergent and allow to dry.
• Collect your tools.
• Spend a little time and study the assembly instructions.
• Follow the parts assembly sequence exactly.

Excel Hobby Tools Extra Hands and Third Hand.

Tips

• Use the minimum amount of glue necessary to make a solid bond.
• Enhance your assembled model by filling in gaps with putty and carefully sanding the filled surface.

Detailing The Model

• Check your model finish to determine whether water-based acrylic or petroleum-based paints will serve better.
• Remember that you'll need sandpaper to prepare the surface to be painted.
• Use rubbing alcohol to remove skin oils and other contaminants from your model. Use alcohol as a cleanser only after testing it on a piece of scrap.
• Handle your clean, ready-to-paint model only while wearing gloves.
• Note that beginning modelers most often use aerosol paints. Choose a quality brand.
• Remember that some model-painting projects will require brushes. Find soft, flexible brushes and keep them clean.
  
  (Testors/Model Master 1/2" Black Sable Flat Drybrush Paintbrush #8861)
  
• Invest in an airbrush painting system when you're ready to take the next step in the modeling hobby.
  
  
  Testors/Aztek Double Action Airbrush #A4308
  
  
  Testors Blue Mini Modelers Airbrush Compressor #50204
  
  
• Read, read, read. Check modelers magazines and the Internet to learn what works and what doesn't.

Things You'll Need
-Elmer's Glue-All
-Needle-nose Pliers
-Nail Files
-Pliers
-Desk Lamps
-Metal Files
-Masking Tape
-Plastic Model/replica Kits
-Tables
-Airplane Glue
-Gripping Straight Tweezers
-Hobby Knives
-Magnifying Lamps
-Superglue