Building Plastic Model Airplanes Kits - Tips & Thoughts

Building plastic model airplanes kits is a fascinating pastime. Any modeler will tell you that what he builds is absolutely not a toy. The vast majority of models are from history. The accuracy of models is typically what is measured during contests.

Just like any other hobby, there are people at all different levels of experience. However, the type of person that enjoys model building will likely stick with it for years to come. The time, precision and overall dedication to make one model is just part of the puzzle. There is also the relatively high cost of the hobby. Not necessarily the models themselves, but the tools required to do a quality model.


Here is a list of tools that most modelers have in their tool box for their hobby:

• Brush (some modelers use airbrushes for a smooth effect) 
• Tweezer 
• Plastic side cutter 
• Pliers 
• Craft knife (think Xacto) 
• Mini-Drill 
• Sandpaper 
• Putty

Obviously some plastic model kits require different tools, but all models require these basics. Every time you get a model aircraft there will be some flash to deal with. Flash is a bit of excess material that needs to be cut off and smoothed out. Model pieces are typically made out of polystyrene plastics melted into molds. Somewhere along the line, every modeler will find excess plastic from the mold.

Another time that excess material needs to be taken care of is with waterslide decals. These special decals are made specifically for models as they are much more flat than regular stickers. They also have a different adhesive backing.

The size of models obviously varies with genre. Typically each genre has a common scale, but not always. For example, most battleships are made to a 1/350 or 1/700 scale. When someone builds a battleship to 1/350 scale it is still a few feet long. Other common scales would be 1/48 and 1/32 for aircraft or cars, 1/35 or 1/72 for tanks, and 1/16 or 1/6 for figures.

Each modeler has complete control over his scale model aircraft no matter what is in the box. Though traditionally modelers work toward historical accuracy, some items are completely up to them. For example, whether or not to have people on your model is totally up to the modeler. In fact, models that include people tend to have them in pieces. That way a modeler can even decide the tiny person's hand gestures. It really is quite remarkable!

Some plastic model airplanes kits can take on many of the characteristics of the life size item. For example, many car models require sanding, painting, etc. All the things you would need to build a real life car are required when making a model.

Next time you visit your local hobby shop, or shop online, ask about different brands for plastic model kits. Some have been around for ages, some just in the last ten years or so. The truth is that models have drastically upgraded in the last 15 years. Lots of modelers have group meetings or showings, get involved and ask around about what other brands people are using.

And like most things that take time, dedication and bit of money, your finished product will be around a long time. Many people even pass plastic model kits down to future generations. Start a tradition of modeling; it will be an amazing gift for ages to come.