The Art of Building Plastic Model Airplanes - Part 2 of 3

Very useful pieces of information

How to Build a Plastic Model Airplane

Plastic model airplane building is a hobby that appeals to a wide variety of people and age groups. From the youngster building his or her holiday gift to the veteran re-creating a piece of history. Following the basic instructions is generally a good place to start, but there is a whole world of knowledge beyond the instructions. Here are some tips for creating a better-looking model:

Wash the parts first. The parts are made by injection molding, and are covered with a release agent to help un-stick them from the mold. This agent will prevent paint from sticking well to your model. Wash the parts in soap and water, then air dry. You can use a hair dryer to help.

Cockpit. Assemble and paint the cockpit next. The cockpit will be permanently enclosed within the fuselage halves, and will be nearly impossible to paint later.


Minimize glue. Use only a thin line of glue on each side of the fuselage, or each side of the wing. Use only a dab to attach small parts. You can apply the glue with a pin to have better control over the amount of glue. Excess glue gets onto the surface of the model and creates lumps which must be cleaned up with sandpaper.

Alignment. Take care to line up the wings and tail relative to the fuselage. A crooked airplane is easy to spot. Use tape to hold the larger pieces together to check the alignment, before you apply glue.

Gap Filling. Sometimes after gluing there will be gaps between pieces. A gap between the fuselage halves, or where the wing joins the fuselage, is common and easy to spot. Fill these gaps with putty, or with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). When the filler is dry, smooth with sandpaper.

Paint with Brush. If painting by brush, get at least 3 sizes (wide, medium and fine). Try not to overlap your brush strokes, or repaint an area that is still wet. Wait until the paint is dry then apply another coat if necessary. After painting, clean your brushes thoroughly with the recommended thinner, and store them upright in an old cup.

Spray Cans. Paint delivered by spray can will give a smoother finish than the brush. Cans cool down as they are used which causes the paint flow to slow down. Place the can in warm (not hot) water for ten (10) minutes or so to fix this.

Airbrush. The airbrush is the ultimate tool for painting model airplanes. It is like a spray can with much more control. The air pressure and paint volume can be controlled (in some types, simultaneously) allowing the user to paint fine lines at will. If you plan to keep building models, it is a worthwhile investment.

Canopy. The clear plastic canopy has frames that need to be painted. This can be done with a fine point brush and a steady hand. A better option is to use masking tape to cover the canopy, then use a sharp hobby knife blade to cut and remove tape from the frame portions. Then paint, and after drying remove the remaining tape.

Gloss Coat for Decals. The water-slide decals (markings) that come with the kit will look much better if applied onto a gloss surface. A clear gloss overcoat should be applied, then after drying apply decals.

Flat Coat. If the airplane has a naturally flat (matt, non-glossy) surface, then after applying decals, paint with a flat clear coat.

Scale Model Aircraft Building an Overview and Details of the Hobby

When the Wright brothers realized their initial successful flight in the early 1900's, the entire world was altered. At last, it was proven that man could soar like the birds! That primary airplane wasn't perfect and the flight was not very long, but this was incredible! Ever since, millions of people have flown millions of miles around the globe.

Scale Model plane Making became a common hobby not long after the first real planes were built. Enthusiasts from all social classes, yound and old and income levels participated. Early scale model makers were fascinated with the Wright Bro's and had to be a part of it all.

In the beginning, there were no model plane model kits on the market and the complete model had to be made by hand. Though quite simple in design, these early models really had the ability to fly! As time when by, flying machine kits were developed for home hobbiest to assemble. The early kits were sparse and only included basic parts, but no power source. Most used twisted rubber strips and could only fly short amounts of time.


Steam power was another means used propel scale model flying machines. By using model scale, flash steam power plants, flights could be sustained for longer times and distances. This was a major advancement over way of powering models, but not nearly efficient enough to please the model builders of the time. Over time, electric engines were developed that were just the right size to be used in a scale model airplane. This amazing innovation rearranged everything for the model plane world.

There are truly two different types of scale model aeroplane that are available. One is the non-flying or display kind. These are for admiring only and are usually secured to a holding stand, or they may be suspended the ceiling. These model plane are most often created in a scale of 1:48, although a variety of scales are available.

Static models can be made quite easily and come in a number of ready to assemble, predecorated, simple designs. They are usually constructed of balsa wood, plastic, lightweight metals or even paper. The majority of these are imitations of actual airplane both military and civilian.

Some advanced model kits require the model maker to have more more complex. These model kits require the complete construction of the aircraft this includes painting the craft. Display aircraft models aren't provided with engines and really can't be fitted with one. They simply aren't meant to fly and are not made to be able to.

Flying scale model airplanes are substantially different from non-flight models. Quite often they have little resemblance to any real aeroplane, these models are created simply for flight, not to imitate any particular craft. Flying plane models are available in three classifications, free-flight, control line and RC. Of the three, remote control model plane are maybe the most used now.

Model aeroplane with the ability to take flight quite often borrow their form from vintage flying machines. They are usually constructed with a frame of lightweight balsa covered this is done with cloth, decorative paper or plastic film. At the same time other styles are made using sheets of lightweight balsa wood to create a stronger body. The models wings are sometimes a combination of wood and styrofoam, making it easier to construct larger airplane models.

Power Sources for model aeroplane come in a amazing myriad of sizes and styles these days. There are electric and gasoline motors and even miniature jet power engines available. The kind and style of motor is dependent on the size and weight of the model plane it will propel. The most common way to keep control of the motor on a model aircraft is with RC technology. The modeler can control the speed, how high the airplane flies and maneuver the model with with a simple flick of his finger.

A less used type of power for model airplane is the control line. The plane model is tethered to a wire that is controlled by the pilot. For most planes of this type, the flying distance is restricted only as long as the wire allows. However, the flight time is usually much longer than other styles of flight. The downside is that the model will only fly around in circles.

Some scale model makers today prefer to construct vintage, free-flight model planes. They require the model plane builder to know a bit more about the workings of flight than newer model kits, adding to the challenge. Much like the Wright brothers, these model builders have a need to put their aeronautic skills to the test. Each part is carefully crafted to exacting specifications or the aeroplane will be no more than a display model.

What Do I Need To Get Started Painting My Model Airplane?

Building model aircraft is a popular hobby, with many people making a range of different things, from scale models of historic airplanes to re-enacting battles with miniature figures. In order to add the finishing touches to these, then model builders use a number of methods, such as airbrushing or painting by hand to make them look more authentic.

The airbrush approach has become one of the best options for those creating scale model airplanes, due to the precision, type of finish and quality of finish that can be accomplished. One key tip from the modelling community online is that it's important to make models that appeal to you, because that way the interest will keep flowing. Similar tips come when it comes to your chosen method of adding the finishing touches.


Airbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. If you are new to the field there is a huge range available, many companies provide a starter airbrush kit for beginners, as the choice on offer can be a daunting one. An airbrush is a spraying device that uses pressurised air to operate. The tool mixes the air with liquid paint, which results in a fine mist. Single action airbrushes deliver paint in a steady manner, whereas double action can be used for more precise and detailed work.

There are also different ways in which the pressurised air is produced. It can either be done via a canned propellant, or with a compressor. A compressor takes energy from electricity and converts it into kinetic energy which pushes out the paint and helps to create a mist. Compressors allow the user to produce a steady stream of paint or to release it in quick bursts.

One item that is also a good consideration for people doing a lot of spraying is a spray booth. This device helps make the use of spray paint safer, as it extracts dangerous fumes from the room and as such prevents any physical repercussions as the ingredients of the paint can be harmful to humans.

It is definitely worth looking into purchasing a real spray booth as opposed to fashioning one yourself. Professionally produced spray booths are a safe option because they meet required standards, whereas making one yourself can have unforeseen repercussions, with tales within the online community about people who have made their own but had explosions or fires due to the wiring of a homemade fan and so on.

As well as having all these items it is important to remember that in order to produce these finishes, it will be necessary to have the paint you want to create the finish with. There are a great number of different choices for airbrush painting and as such it is important to choose the sort that will go with the material of the model you're making, in order for it to form the right kind of coating. Some models are painted from the inside with the detail as the first layer and the base coat next. Most however have a base coat and the detailing above it.

There are other parts and accessories to consider, however as a beginner it is worth looking into a starter airbrush kit that has all the basic equipment so that you can practise your airbrushing and see what you can achieve before stepping up and buying higher end goods. These airbrush kits often contain all you need, such as an airbrush, a compressor and needles needed for spraying.

The Art of Building Plastic Model Airplanes - Part 1 of 3

A very informative clip

Choose From a Large Selection of Model Plane Kits

There are a lot of different model plane kits that are available to choose from. Every one of them will have different features and be a different size. Some people prefer to have the smaller ones while other people like to put together the larger ones.

People of any age can be excited about getting new model plane kits. There will be different skill levels for each one. People will be able to choose one that is at the level that they are at.

Most people are not going to start out by picking something from a difficult level. If they have help from someone who is experienced, it will not be a problem but a lot of people like to do these kinds of things by themselves. They want it to be something that they can do as a hobby.


The person putting the model plane kits together will be able to match all of the parts by following the directions. They will be able to paint the parts before or after it is assembled. It is going to depend on which type of model a person will be putting together.

Model plane kits are going to make great gifts for almost any occasion. The recipient will be able to have an activity that they can do without involving others. There are many different ones that people like to collect too.

Some people will put these model plane kits together in one setting while others are going to take their time putting them together. There are many different sizes, styles and models that a person can buy. Model plane kits are not all that is available. There are cars, trucks and many more.

It is important to get something that is going to be of interest to the person who will be putting it together. They like to build model plane kits to see what the finished product will become. Even though they can see a picture of what it will be when it is finished, they think it is cool that they can create something like that.

Not only can a person purchase complete model plane kits but they will be able to purchase pieces that go along with those kits. Sometimes when putting these kits together, people can break parts or paint them wrong. Once they are glued together, it is difficult to get them apart without ruining a part even if it has been glued to the wrong spot.

There are a lot of advantages to putting together model plane kits too. These can be very relaxing to some people. It can also teach children, teenagers and adults how to put together certain things.

Some people are fascinated with certain types of model plane kits. They might be interested in a certain brand of airplane or model type. They may collect every model for that type of airplane or just put together models of airplanes in general.

Parents will often get their children excited about these models. Some of them will actually work and do different things after they are put together. Some of them are meant for sitting on a shelf to show off what a person has accomplished.

There are many different kinds of models and model plane kits that are quite popular. Young people and adults like to build things. If they can build a smaller version of something that they wish to own someday, it will satisfy their desire to own it for the time being.

When purchasing model plane kits, there are many different ones that can be chosen from. It is important to get one that is going to be easy enough to put together that someone is going to finish it. There are many skill levels and many different models to pick from.

Model Aircraft Kit Making - Simple Weathering Guide

A guest post by Frank LeGrand

For this guide I have taken the model Spitfire that I built when I was compiling my Model Kit Making Guide, and spent some time weathering where necessary to aim to make it look a bit more real.

As when making a model from the start research is one of the first things to do. I checked out the web to find some pictures of the most common places to find wear & tear on Spitfires.


The first things I had to do were remove the propellers, canopy & exhaust nacelles.

The main wear and tear from pictures I have seen appears to be around the nose, wings roots, and cockpit and around any moving parts on the wings.

A good tip that I do is paint any major wears areas silver (or whatever colour the real aircraft would be BEFORE painting). In this case I painted the nose silver and the wing roots. I dry brushed some silver paint around the cockpit where the canopy would have been sliding open & closed, and also on the tail.

Once the silver paint on the nose & wings was dry I then painted the camouflage colour over the silver. I let this dry, and then I used a sharp blade to scrape away the camouflage paint where necessary to reveal the silver below. This is very effective and I feel looks a lot more authentic than painting silver over the camouflage.

Once this way done, I used a wash to highlight oil & dirt on certain areas.

The wash that I used was basic watercolour paint, in this case black. Just paint the areas you want to highlight and the black wash will naturally run into any recesses. When dry, carefully clean off the excess wash with clean water. I used a cotton bud and a fine brush to do this.

I also painted the exhausts and the underside of the aircraft to show signs of dirt.

I also painted the leading edges of the propeller blades silver.

That's it, once cleaned up and the props & canopy replaced the model was done.

Notes:

Aim for realistic effects, remember the scale of the model and think about how much wear & tear there would actually be. Resist the temptation to do too much, STOP when it looks real, this is the point it is finished.

Practice on an old kit or bits of plastic to get it right BEFORE trying it for real.

The wash I used was water based because the kit was painted in acrylic. Make sure the wash IS NOT the same type of paint as the kit or things will go wrong very quickly. You could use a chalk wash if you wish instead.

Painting Your Model Aircraft Kit - Hints and Tips

A guest post by Frank LeGrand

PAINTING YOUR MODEL

This is one area of model making that has to be 'spot on'. Any imperfections when painting really show up and can be difficult to fix.

Paint

There are 2 main types of paint you will use when painting model kits:

1. The first is acrylic paint. This is a water based paint meaning you must wash your brushes in water, not white spirit. You will often find acrylic paint in 'starter kits' as it is the easiest to paint with and can be cleaned off when wet with water and a paper towel if a mistake is made (although you have to be quick).
2. The second is the oil based enamel paint. This is the most common type you will find in model stores, and has the broadest range of colours so that you can 'colour match' you model for authenticity. It can also be mixed as required to produce a one-off colour for special parts or areas that need a colour you cannot get off the shelf.

It is also available in mini spray cans, more of that later.

Before you start your model, get all the paint that you are going to need. The kit instructions will have a list or sometimes it will be on the box or packaging, get exactly what is recommended and do not guess. If your model shop doesn't have any of the colours you need, get the shop to order them or get them online.

Brushes

It is also important to ensure you have good quality brushes that are in good condition. Any loose bristles or hairs on a brush can wreck havoc when you are painting, especially small detailed areas. I replace any damaged brushes before starting a new kit, brushes are not expensive and it is a good habit to get into to avoid making mistakes.
Have a good variety of brush sizes from fine upwards; I have at least 6 sizes for different jobs.

Additional supplies

There are a few more things you will need:

• Paint thinners (for enamel paint)
• Paper towels. Make sure that the bottle / tub / tray that you clean your brushes in is clean, DO NOT clean brushes in dirty cleaner. Use paper towels to dry your brush after cleaning.

Masking tape.

There is also a product available that you can 'paint' to mask areas prior to painting, this can be useful if painting around clear glass sections, I find masking tape fine for most jobs however.

Work Area

The area you are painting in must be well lit, dust free and well ventilated to avoid inhalation of paint fumes, especially if using spray paint.

Goggles and a face mask may also be worn, again mainly when using spray paint.

Try to paint your model in similar light conditions to what it will be displayed in, you will be surprised how much varying light can affect the look of paint and how different your model will look. If working under a lamp, try to get a daylight effect bulb, this is much easier on your eyes and the paint will look the same in daylight as it does on your work area.

Painting tips

• Have a good read of the instructions before painting; look out for any parts that need painting BEFORE assembly.
• Give the paint a good stir before using it, used matchsticks make inexpensive paint stirrers and you can have one for each colour.
• Try to do as much painting as possible with the part on the sprue.
• When painting any parts (especially small ones), do not overload your brush with paint, it is better to use a couple of light coats than a blob. Too much paint will lesson the detail on the plastic, and is almost impossible to fix.
• Let the paint dry completely before assembly, adhesive will damage any soft paint, leave it overnight to dry.

Spray paint

• Where possible, paint any large areas with spray paint to avoid unsightly brush strokes. Hold the can 10 - 12inches from the area to paint and use even strokes from left to right. The aim here is to build up the paint a coat at a time, too much paint in one go will cause it to run (again almost impossible to repair). Leaving 20 - 30 minutes between coats usually works well, do this until you have a nice even finish and leave to dry overnight.
• If the colour you are painting is not available in a spray, use the largest brush you have and paint even strokes in one fluid movement. Do not dab at the area you are painting. Again, aim to build up the paint in a series of coats.
• BEWARE, brush paint takes longer to dry than spray paint as brushing uses more paint than spraying, so leave longer between coats - maybe an hour depending on how mush air circulation you have and the temperature of the room you are painting in.
• It is good idea to do a test on a piece of sprue to see how long it takes for the paint to become touch dry so you have an idea how long to wait between coats.
• Finally, check your instructions for any additional information about painting, particularly if you have to mix paints look out the ratio of one colour against the other, e.g. 10:90

The best advice is to take your time, resist the urge to rush painting your model and it will turn out better.

Why We Love Building Plastic Model Airplanes

Wood, paper, plastic... all of this can be used to build model airplanes. Paper airplanes are preferred mostly from kids because they are easy and in practice free to make. Older kids and adults often prefer to create or collect wooden model aircraft because wood allows you to start from scratch and build very precise models. But wooden airplanes are usually static.

People from all ages like plastic model airplanes because they can be both static scale or flying models, they are affordable, and there are thousands of kits for builders.


The free flight plastic airplanes are simple and cheap, and best of all, they can fly. This kind of aircraft has no engine - it's usually thrown by hand and flies using the initial power given by your hand. Plastic is very appropriate material for them because it's light and robust and the models usually can survive many flights.

If you are buying a ready free flight plastic airplane, prepare to spend from $2-$3 to $20-$30. If you want to build one yourself, it's not much of a challenge - there are kits which can be assembled for minutes.

It's very popular to build static scale plastic airplanes from kits. Such kits can contain a lot of parts and may need to be painted or can come painted, but not assembled. Building a scale model from a kit is a lot more challenging than building a free flight plane.

Some of these kits are a bit more expensive ($20 - $100) because of the large number of details in them. The expenses can add up quite quickly, because there is a large variety of civilian and military airplanes and helicopters available as plastic kits. It's very easy to get addicted into buying more and more kits.

Finally, a large category of plastic model airplanes have a battery or gas powered engine and can fly under your remote control. The RC airplanes usually don't copy exactly real aircraft - at least not in such details like the the scale models. The RC models are very popular within the kids and teenagers because flying them is very exciting.

When you become a really advanced hobbyist, you may even build an RC aircraft yourself from scratch. Of course, you are not expected to build the engine and remote control yourself - just assembling all from a kit is challenging enough.

Quality Time? Try Building Plastic Model Airplanes

It's sometimes hard to have some good quality time with your kids, especially when it doesn't involve a game console. If that's the case with you, it might be time to introduce them to the joy of assembling and painting plastic model airplanes. Besides the all important quality time we all want to have with our kids, assembling model plane kits requires your child to develop skills which they'll use throughout their life. Skills such as;

• Planning and decision making (Do we follow the directions step by step or assemble and paint sections in our own order)
• Patience (waiting for glues to set and paints to dry)
• Hand/eye coordination (way beyond the button mashing hand eye coordination touted as a plus by video game companies)
• Perseverance (Working Through the frustration of assembling a particularly intricate portion of the model)

You may be wondering if your child is old enough to take on a project like building a plastic model airplane. You'll be happy to know that model planes have been designed with a very broad range of ages and difficulties in mind. There are even companies that develop and sell snap together models which require no paint or glue.

The hobby of assembling models is also (at the low end) very inexpensive to get started in. For just a few bucks you and your children will have hours of fun and good quality time together.

There's no reason not to introduce your child to this fun, inexpensive, and rewarding hobby.