After a break from modelling for some 15 years (I’m 30 now) I have now been re-building for nearly 9 months. In this time I’ve managed a whopping two vehicle builds and nearly completed my first diorama.

Here are some tips that I’ve learnt in this period, from a beginner, for beginners. This is just a brain dump so its not in any particular order but I hope that you find some of these words of advise – even if some are so obvious – of some use.

Oil Paints – In the past I always struggled with enamels/acrylics when painting figures as they have a habit of going everywhere except where you want them to go. I always shied away from oils but a few months back bought a cheap set from an artists shop and have never looked back. Trust me, painting with oils is a hundred times easier than painting with other paints. Beware not to inadvertently touch the as yet not dried paint though as I have done on many occasions as you then need to reapply. Remember to give plenty of time to dry also. I use part of an old tile for mixing my paints on – it cost me nothing!

Bottle tops/jars/etc – Keep some small jars/bottle tops handy for mixing washes and storing small quantities of Future/Clear etc. Big bottle just clutter up the workspace.

Airbrushes/spray paints – Controversial subject this but I still don’t have one - ’yet’. I get around this by using paint in spray can form and not going overboard on fancy camo designs. Instead of using the relatively expensive Tamiya/Humbrol cans I use grey car primer acrylic – far cheaper and its worked for me ok.

Building – ALWAYS run through the instructions prior to commencing. On a few occasions I’ve been caught out by later finding that I should have fitted that part before that one etc. A good example of this was during a Universal Carrier build I built the Carrier itself with little trouble – pity I couldnt get the driver in without first taking him apart. As for the commander, he’s now standing outside the vehicle!!
It may help to stick the instructions/or a copy of the box up in front of you. This not only provides help but also inspiration!!!

Dioramas – Like I said I’ve only built one diorama but suffered/enjoyed a steep learning curve. I used an old frame and a combinations of left over tile adhesive (as you can tell, I’ve been doing some tiling lately) and some decorators caulk. Again, this stuff cost me no extra expense, neither did the stones I added, nor the vegetation. The stones were from my garden and the vegetation was some I’d picked up last summer and had left to dry. Thing was though I knew what I was after i didn’t really plan it and thus when I wanted to add rubble at a later stage it didn’t look quite right i.e. it was on top of the base rather than part of the base. Keep a look out for any unusual coloured sands whilst doing you day to day business. If possible grab a handful and crush (well) with a pestle and mortar – free dust.

Workspace – Keep a rubbish bin very close. Its surprising how quickly the cutting space clutters up with bits and bobs. As I said earlier keep what you can in small quantities such as small jars.

Ask – ALWAYS remember to ask questions no matter how stupid you may think they are. As it happens I’m writing this to also kill some time as I just posed a couple of questions (hopefully some kind soul will have taken pity on me).

That’s it – I hope it doesn’t sound pretentious.

One last thing, just remember to enjoy what you’re doing.

Cheers

David

Thanks for the tips! They might come handy

very good tips. u sound like u been building all your life
this will come in handy

Good advice for new modlers as well as old hands.

Thanks, David!

Always look around the home for items that my be useful in your building...

Q-tips = Cleaning small hard to reach areas
Toothpicks = pin point Super Glue applicator
Nail files = sanding of all sorts,, the good ones from a beauty salon with different grit on multipule sides
Nail clips= nice for removing flash or PE parts.
Womans Nail polish remove = (Acetone) mixed with filler putty it makes a good paste like
texture to smoothly apply in local areas.
Sheet of glass = good for using a hobby knive over to cut decals, paper or plastic sheets.

These are some of my personaly ideas,, If my wife knew what had happened to her stuff she'd be ...

Tobar...

Only one thing to add:
Your building speed is much slower than your buying speed. So plan ahead where to keep your inventory.

Great tips, Cheers.........
If I was to add one it would be keep the plastic cases you get with camera film.

Idea for 'blue tacking' / plastercine your figures to while painting to avoid fingerprints, grease, etc.....

Also if cut in half, ideal for mixing paint in..............

I wish. I have no job and no car. I'm lucky if I get 10 new models a year. Thanks for your time.

Hi Hip_Priest,

excellent list of tips whether for a beginner or for the more experienced.

We can all use good advise like this.

Cheers
Peter
:-)