How to apply decals to a Plastic Model Airplane

Model Planes Building Tips for Beginners

As a hobbyist it can be an enjoyable pastime to build your own model plane. Here are some tips for creating a better-looking plastic model plane. These tips will help you to build plastic model planes.

1. When you get your model plane kit make sure that you wash all the parts properly with soap and water as plastic parts are made by injection molding and are covered with a chemical that is used to release the parts from the injection mold. If not removed by washing, this chemical will prevent proper paint adhesion to the model. Dry the parts using a hair dryer after you wash them.


2. The first thing to assemble and paint should be the cockpit as this would be enclosed permanently in the fuselage halves and it will be practically impossible to paint it later.

3. Use only a minimum amount of glue. You should try using only a thin line of glue around the fuselage and on the sides of the wings. If you find it difficult to control the amount of glue, try using a pin for applying it. If not controlled during application excess glue will form lumps on the external surface that will require finishing with sandpaper.

4. Alignment is of paramount importance during assembly. All your efforts will be in vain if the result is a crooked airplane. The wings and tail should be perfectly aligned with the fuselage. The best way would be to use tape for holding the big pieces together to check their alignment before glue is applied.

5. Many times you can observe gaps between the pieces that have been glued together. More often such gaps will be found between the fuselage halves or at joints between the wings and the fuselage. Just fill these gaps with putty or super glue and finish the surface with sandpaper once the filler dries out.

6. (a) If you are brush painting your model plane make sure that you have at least three brush sizes, wide medium and fine with you before you start painting. Never overlap brush strokes or try repainting any area that is still wet. If another coat is necessary, wait until the first coat dries out before applying the next one. When you finish painting clean your brushes with thinner and stack them upright in some old tin or cup.

(b) When painting with spray cans you may find that the flow slows down after some time. This is because the can cools down. The remedy is to place the can in warm water for about ten minutes before using it again.

(c) Though a bit costly, if you have an airbrush it is best as it will let you control the paint volume and air pressure letting you paint fine lines as desired.

7. The clear plastic canopy of your model plane has a frame that needs to be painted. A good way is to cover the whole canopy with masking tape and use a sharp blade to cut and remove the tape only from the frame, which can then be painted and left to dry. After the paint dries, remove the rest of the tape from the canopy.

8. Apply a coat of clear gloss overcoat over the paint to give your plane a shiny look. Once the gloss coat dries, you can apply the decals, which will now look much better on the glossy surface. It the plane has a naturally flat surface you can apply a clear flat coat after you apply the decals.

How to paint a cockpit

Some useful tips here

How Make Your Model Airplane Look Awesome

Model planes are not only dear to boys but men also. They find them very amusing and entertaining. They love having them as a part of their collection and are a very popular past time for them. They are available in many kits as of today, depending on choice and the size of your purse. You get them in Balsa wood and in Plastic. Besides looking good, planes need to last long too. So you can opt to paint on an iron-on-film covering, which does not chip easily. And hence retains the colour for a longer period of time. It is more tough and durable too. Some planes are not just for fun, but are family heirlooms. They become one, because they are taken care of and hence are passed down from generation to generation. Some people treat them like their playmates, and hence take extra care of them.


Before you think of painting, you have to ensure that you scrape down the surface with sandpaper as it will smoothen out any dents, raised edges or rough spots. Fill up dents or holes with model filler or putty which is locally available. Use a tack cloth to wipe all extra dust and grit. Apply a coat of primer so as to prevent wrinkles from forming. When you want to use a covering, choose from a film that looks like a metal covering or cloth that has a unique and creative look. You also need a hobby knife, a covering iron, covering thermometer and a yardstick. First always cover the bigger surfaces and then go to the smaller surfaces. For the wings and the fuselage, cut it into four different pieces and stick it onto two different sections. The top and the bottom, and do not forget to stretch it at the edges.

You can add some great trims, which not only look good but are so visible from the ground, flying high up in the air. Cut them in perfect straight edges. If you do not have clear windows or windshields, use black or silver as an imitation to suggest. You can also experiment with pin striping tape, which is available in the stationery shop. They come in different colours, and you can use your imagination and arrange them accordingly. In a pattern that suits your taste. Choosing the right colours are also very important. Opt for bright and vibrant colours, which can be seen from afar, especially when you are trying to track your plane from the ground. Be creative and use colour techniques with the wings and the fuselage. One good tip is to always ensure that you colour the top of the plane with light colours and the bottom with dark colours.

Make Your First Model Airplane Kit in Several Easy Steps

Have you ever wanted to make your own model airplane? It may be easier than you think. Building model planes if a great hobby, and it takes a bit of patience. If you love planes, and you aren't sure how to go about creating your own model, these simple steps can help you.

First, shop around for a model plane kit. There are many different varieties, so take a look around at your options. You can choose from commercial aircraft planes to military fighter planes. They are available in stores and online.


Second, make sure the box contains all of the parts necessary for a full completion of the model plane. Sometimes the parts are connected to each other for packing reasons. Just cut of the plastic that you don't need. You can use sand paper to smooth off any marks from this.

Next, read all of the instructions carefully. Make sure that you understand everything. This is the most important part.

Now you can wash all of the parts in mild soap, and dry them off for painting. Then paint the parts and allow them to dry. Don't paint over the areas that will be glued to other parts of the model plane. Wait several hours so that the paint is well dried.

The next step is adding the stickers to all of the appropriate areas. Remember to consult the instructions to be sure where to put them. Soak them in water for a few seconds and apply them with tweezers. Use a tissue to remove the excess water from the stickers.

Glue the model airplane pieces together according to the instructions. It is a good idea to glue one section and then let it dry before trying to glue the next section on.

You can add weathering details with a fine brush or spray. Once everything is dry and the decals are in place, apply a finishing gloss coating over the model airplane. Avoid getting the coating on lights, canopies or other clear parts.

The last step is allowing the final coating to dry. Then you can put your new model airplane, that you put together yourself, on display. You can show all of your friends and family what you have done. If you decide to make more model planes, you may consider selling them. If it did not go well for you, there are plenty of already made model planes for sale online and in shops.

Scale Model Aircraft - Building Your Skills

A guest post by Robert Navidad

If you are anything like me, chances are you get a massive kick out of completing your latest scale model aircraft. Personally, I love static models and RC models. No matter which hobby fits you the most, I trust you take a keen interest to producing the best quality results.

Fortunately, there are tons of resources out there which can help you build the required skills to build, detail and finish scale model aircraft. For me, this began with the 'Modelling Scale Aircraft' book.

One question I hear a lot is "How can I get better at building these models". The short answer is practice. It comes down to study, learning new skills and starting with better kits and plans. There are so many ways to acquire these things, but they are most definitely not going to come from staying in your comfort zone.


Pushing the boundaries by purchasing more difficult models, or trying out some new technique you may have heard somewhere along the line is a sure fire way to become an expert. It is this willingness to learn that separates the good from the bad, and the end results should fuel your passion.

The internet is a solid place to begin looking for new knowledge which you can apply, but given you are reading this, you've probably already worked that out. However, you are not going to get any better without putting the new stuff you've learned into practice. You might completely mess it up, but that's exactly the point. Messing things up proves you are pushing boundaries, and this is by far the most effective way to learn.

Another extremely good option is purchasing complete guides that take you through the entire process, giving tips along the way. Do ensure that you choose a well illustrated book so that you can see exactly what is being done. This is where I should recommend "Modelling Scale Aircraft", which you can find below, or on the scale model aircraft blog.

Tools

They say that only a poor tradesman blames his tools, but without quality tools, some jobs simply can't be done. What I am saying is that one of the most important things you can do is ensure you have the right tools. On top of that, they should be of high quality. Cheap ones are only going to break and oftentimes make the job harder.

Be it files, an airbrush, blades or brushes, not only does using the right tools make it that much easier to work on your projects, but not having them can make it near impossible to achieve excellent levels of detail.

Plastic Model Airplanes Kits Building - Basic Tools and Materials

Plastic model airplanes kits building is not as complicated as you think it is. You just have to learn the necessary skill and apply it. The learning process takes time and you might even feel frustrated and disappointed along the way.

The most essential element for your ultimate success is patience. Take your time to acquire the basic skill and build up your confidence level and gradually proceed to more complicated model. As with other hobby and craft, you will need some basic modeling tools and materials to build your first plastic model. Here is a list of tools and materials that you can start with.


1. Hobby knife
For cutting purposes such as removing parts and trimming away access stub after cutting.

2. Sandpaper
For sanding off unwanted molded lines or sharp edges to achieve a smooth surface. The sandpaper is available in extra fine, fine and medium grits. Another alternative is to use emery boards.

3. Liquid plastic cement
This liquid plastic cement dissolves plastic surfaces to form a weld like bonding. This type of solvent cement is much neater and easier to work with as compare to those that come in a tube.

4. Plastic filler putty
This is used to fill up any gaps to achieve a smooth surface and more realistic appearance.

5. Small needle files
For sanding precise or certain areas that could not be done by using sandpaper. Small needle files are available in the form of square, round and triangle.

6. Spring clamps or rubber bands
To hold parts together during the bonding stage.

7. Toolbox
This is to keep all the small tools and materials in a handy and portable box.

8. Table
Find a table which you can use exclusively for your model building activity.

9. Cutting board
To be used as a form of protection for your table top against cement or extensive cutting by the knife.

10. Desk lamp
If the lighting in your work place is insufficient or too dim, use a desk lamp. Avoid building your models in a bad lighting that will hurt your eyes and ended up with a bad job.

Some of the items listed above are optional; you can ignore or include it at a later stage. As you begin to build more scale model planes and gain experience, the collection of tools and materials will also increase.

Plastic model airplanes kits building are an enjoyable and learning activity. When you have transformed an assortment of plastic parts into a complete and finished aircraft model, it gives you a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Building Revell B-29 Superfortress. From Start to Finish. 1/48 Scale.

Some great tips

Plastic Model Aircraft Kits Building - Airbrush Basics

Airbrushing is similar to spray painting using an aerosol can, except that you can control the amount of paint to be applied to the model. The tip of the airbrush emits a fine spray of paint that is adjustable by regulating the air flow. This tool enables you to create all kinds of unique and painting effects, which cannot be reproduced by either spray can painting or brush painting.

The basic components are the airbrush, a paint bottle and an air supply. The air supply is connected to the airbrush by a hose. Compressed gas can is frequently use as the propellant for airbrushing. An airbrush operates by using compressed air to propel the paint out of the bottle and onto your model. The amount of air through the airbrush is control by a trigger button. When you press the button, the air flows through the brush. When you release the button, the air stops.


One of the main advantages of using an airbrush is that you can spray any color you desire and the ability to control the spray pressure. These features enable you to apply thin, even overall color coats and to spray intricate camouflage patterns. An airbrush is best suited for painting small parts already attached to the model and painting camouflage colors for military models.

When using airbrush, the paint should be thinned about 30 percent from its normal brushing consistency. Test the spray paint on pieces of scrap cardboard. Then adjust the paint control and air pressure for optimum coverage. Begin with the paint control fully open and gradually tighten it down until the paint dries almost as soon as it touches the surfaces being sprayed. To achieve best result, airbrushes should be kept clean. If you are not using the airbrush for a long period, take it apart for a thorough cleaning.

It takes time and effort to master the skills and tactics of airbrushing. One effective way to learn is to practice on scrap materials. For those who are serious about plastic model kits building, it is recommended that you own an airbrush now or later.

Model Airplane Kits - Where to Look For the Vintage Plastic Kits

Model airplane kit building as a hobby is enjoyed by those very young to those more advanced in years. Over the last number of years even young girls have picked up the hobby of building plastic model airplane kits. But if the truth be told with what is going on in the world today a young girl or boy with a room full of built model airplane kits that they built in their spare time instead of the mall is a very healthy thing.

So on to the story where to find the vintage plastic kits? You know the some of those really great reproductions of the famous War-birds of the past with the notes to dress them out in their famous colors of the era. Some say match the skills of the builder with the plastic model airplane kit. Rarely will you find a kit that is too complicated for the very young to the very old.


There is nothing like the completion of a difficult plastic model airplane project dressed up in its vintage colors presented on display. This makes a very healthy sense of accomplishment for the builder. Especially if it was difficult to build and you had to enlist the help of one of the model builder forums on the internet for help in completing your project.

So where to find the best vintage model kits? The answer to this question could go on forever. But let's fill you with some ideas and get you started right. Well there are you traditional hobby shops that are always filled with the latest model airplane kits. But here is a place you may not have thought of. Old war-bird museums' are always jam packed with vintage plastic model airplane kits that are from the past not just the new stuff.

Here are a couple of resources that are great for finding a special vintage model treasure most have never thought of. Keeping a watchful eye open can turn up a new vintage model treasure just about every day. One such place is eBay but you must watch often because the model kits are up sometimes for a day and then gone. Another such place to keep a watchful eye on is Craigslist and the same is true here they come and go every day.