Model Making Cheatsheet
Model Types & Scales
| Model Type | Common Scales | Skill Level | Detail Level | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Models | 1/72, 1/48, 1/32 | Beginner+ | Medium-High | 8-20 hours |
| Military Vehicles | 1/35, 1/48 | Intermediate | High | 15-40 hours |
| Cars & Motorcycles | 1/24, 1/25 | Beginner | Medium | 10-25 hours |
| Ships & Submarines | 1/350, 1/700 | Intermediate+ | Very High | 20-60 hours |
| Gundam/Mecha | 1/144, 1/100 | Beginner | Medium | 5-15 hours |
| Figures & Miniatures | 28mm, 1/35 | Advanced | Very High | 3-8 hours |
Essential Tools
| Tool Category | Essential Items | Price Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Tools | Side cutters, hobby knife, cutting mat | $15-40 | Remove parts from sprues, trim excess |
| Assembly Tools | Plastic cement, CA glue, tweezers | $10-25 | Join parts securely |
| Sanding Tools | Sanding sticks, files, sandpaper (400-1000 grit) | $15-30 | Smooth surfaces, remove seam lines |
| Painting Tools | Brushes (sizes 0-12), palette, water containers | $20-50 | Apply base coats, details |
| Precision Tools | Pin vise, drill bits, scribing tools | $25-45 | Add detail, create holes |
| Measurement | Rulers, calipers, reference guides | $10-20 | Accuracy and scale verification |
Paint Types & Applications
| Paint Type | Finish | Thinning | Drying Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Matte to gloss | Water/acrylic thinner | 15-30 min | General use, beginners |
| Enamel | Satin to high gloss | Enamel thinner | 2-4 hours | Smooth finishes, metallics |
| Lacquer | High gloss | Lacquer thinner | 10-20 min | Professional results, airbrush |
| Primer | Matte | As directed | 30-60 min | Base preparation, adhesion |
| Wash | Transparent | Pre-thinned | 10-15 min | Panel lines, shadows |
| Dry Brush | Various | Minimal water | 5-10 min | Highlighting, texture |
Weathering Techniques
| Technique | Effect Achieved | Tools Needed | Difficulty | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Line Wash | Defines panel lines | Thin dark wash, fine brush | Beginner | After base coat |
| Dry Brushing | Highlights edges, wear | Stiff brush, light paint | Beginner | Final details |
| Chipping | Paint wear, battle damage | Sponge, dark colours | Intermediate | Over base colours |
| Rust Effects | Corrosion, age | Orange/brown paints, salt | Intermediate | Weathered areas |
| Mud/Dust | Environmental wear | Earth tones, texture paste | Intermediate | Lower surfaces |
| Oil Stains | Mechanical wear | Black/brown wash | Advanced | Engine areas, joints |
Plastic Model Grades
| Grade | Quality Level | Price Range | Target Audience | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Grade (HG) | Good detail | $15-30 | Beginners | Snap-fit, minimal painting needed |
| Real Grade (RG) | High detail | $25-40 | Intermediate | Inner frame, realistic proportions |
| Master Grade (MG) | Premium detail | $40-80 | Advanced | Full inner frame, LED compatibility |
| Perfect Grade (PG) | Museum quality | $150-400 | Expert | Ultimate detail, metal parts |
| Entry Grade (EG) | Basic | $10-15 | Children/beginners | Simple assembly, pre-coloured |
Airbrush Setup Guide
| Component | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Professional | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbrush | Single action ($30-50) | Dual action ($60-120) | Gravity feed ($150-300) | Paint application |
| Compressor | Diaphragm ($60-100) | Piston w/ tank ($120-200) | Professional ($250-500) | Air supply |
| Hose | Basic rubber ($10-15) | Braided ($20-30) | Quick-disconnect ($35-50) | Air delivery |
| Booth | Cardboard box ($0-10) | Portable booth ($80-150) | Professional ($200-400) | Ventilation |
| Accessories | Cleaning kit ($15-25) | Moisture trap ($30-40) | Regulator ($50-80) | Maintenance/control |
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Prevention | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible Seam Lines | Poor part fit | Test fit before gluing | Sand, fill with putty |
| Paint Runs | Too much paint applied | Thin coats, proper distance | Sand when dry, repaint |
| Brittle Parts | Over-sanding | Light pressure | Replace part if possible |
| Fingerprints | Handling wet paint | Allow full cure time | Clean with alcohol, repaint |
| Decal Silvering | Air bubbles under decal | Use decal setter/softener | Prick bubbles, re-apply |
| Brush Marks | Wrong brush/technique | Proper brush, thin paint | Sand lightly, use airbrush |
Finishing & Display
| Finish Type | Purpose | Products | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss Coat | Smooth finish, decal prep | Future floor polish, gloss varnish | Before decals |
| Matte Coat | Realistic flat finish | Matte varnish, flat clear | Final step |
| Satin Coat | Semi-gloss appearance | Satin varnish | Mixed finishes |
| UV Protection | Prevent fading | UV-resistant clear coat | Outdoor displays |
Project Planning Checklist
| Phase | Tasks | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Research, gather references, plan colours | 1-2 hours |
| Preparation | Clean parts, prime if needed | 2-4 hours |
| Assembly | Dry fit, glue major components | 3-8 hours |
| Painting | Base colours, details, weathering | 4-12 hours |
| Finishing | Decals, final clear coat, touch-ups | 2-4 hours |
| Display | Base/diorama, photography | 1-3 hours |
Storage & Organization
| Item Type | Storage Solution | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Dropper bottles, paint racks | Label clearly, store upright |
| Tools | Tool box, foam inserts | Clean after use, organize by type |
| Parts | Parts organizer, ziplock bags | Label bags, keep instruction manual |
| Brushes | Brush holder, protective caps | Clean thoroughly, reshape tips |
| Work Space | Dedicated table, good lighting | Ventilation important, comfortable height |