The Art of Building Plastic Model AirplanesConstruction Guide for the Beginnerwww.BuildingScaleModelAircraft.comBy Oscar Gagliardi, Jr.

1 - Selecting the model to build – Scale & skill level

Start by selecting the airplane model you like to build and the best scale for your collection which is subject to your preferences and available display space.

For this tutorial I have selected the North American F-86A Sabre in 1/72 scale. A kit made by Matchbox.

Keep in mind that the larger the number, the smaller the model will be. Look at the chart listed below.

Plastic Model AirplanesCommon Scales

Smaller Bigger

1/144 1/72 1/48 1/32

2 - Working area

2.A - Workbench

It is best to devote a workbench to your hobby. An area where you can exclusively keep all your building tools, rulers, tape, paint, spray cans, brushes and other equipment neat and organized.

2.B - Magnifying glass

A magnifying glass is a great addition to your workbench. It will allow you to paint small parts and add meticulous detail to your model.

3 - Preparation

3.A - Opening the box – Analyzing the parts & instructions

This is one of the most exciting steps of the hole construction process. Carefully open the box and analyze the plastic parts attached to the spruces.

Notice that every part is identified by a number. Look at the set of decals and decide on the specific markings and color scheme for your model.

Read the instructions and study the sequence of steps. They are not written on stone, sometimes you may need to modify them a little.

3.B - Kit preparation – Cleaning the parts

It is very important to clean the plastic parts in a mix of water and mild soap to remove any residue of oil from the mold used to make the parts. This process will help the paint to adhere better to the surface of the plastic.

Remove as much water from the plastic parts and let them dry on top of a paper towel.

3.C - Research & information gathering – Looking for references

It is a good idea to look for photographic references of the model you are planning to build to help you improve the details and even help you customize the model to a specific squadron, air force or model variant.

Search books and aviation magazines, postcards, search the web and if possible visit a local aviation museum.

3.D - Reading the color chart & gathering paint

There is one more thing you must do before starting to build your model. Read the color chart listed on the instructions or the model box and gather all the paint required.

4 - Painting

4.A - Protecting your working area

Before you start painting, lay down paper, a drop cloth or a piece of plastic to help protect your furniture.

4.B - Painting small parts

Review and follow the instructions to paint the small parts while they are still attached to the sprue. Use a number 0 brush and small amounts of paint. We will start painting the landing gear components using silver enamel paint.

4.C - Using a magnifying glass

With the help of a magnifying glass to see better when painting some of the small parts. The magnifying glass will allow you to add additional detail to your model.

4.D - Cleaning the brush

Paint using one color at a time and throughly clean the brush using brush thinner before using a different color. Be sure to use the thinner in a well-ventilated area. Thinner is flammable and volatile.

4.E – Painting interior parts

Before gluing together the fuselage we need to paint the interior part of the single seat cockpit. Only paint the parts that will be visible from the outside.

We are now ready to start assembling the model.

Now we continue painting the small parts using a different color.

Having the small parts still attached to the sprue makes it easy to handle them. Make sure you do not touch the freshly painted parts to avoid fingerprints.

We proceed to paint the internal cockpit components.

Using the same color we paint the wheels.

We have painted the ejection seat, the pilot, the wheels and the inside of the airplane nose.

We have also painted the inside part of the landing gear wheel pants and the air breaks.

5 – Assembly

5.A - Cutting the parts loose from the sprue

Use a hobby knife or a pair of wire cutters to free the airplane parts. To avoid damaging the parts, do not break them apart from the sprue.

Use a hobby knife or fine sand paper to remove any left over plastic from the parts.

Be careful when handling the hobby knife.

5.B - Preparing parts before gluing

Before gluing parts together, make sure you remove the paint from the areas you will apply the glue. Use a hobby knife or sand paper to remove the paint. Plastic will bond together better without any paint residue interfering.

5.C - Gluing parts together

When using glue packaged in a squeeze tube, use a plastic glue tip to help apply the glue in small quantities. Start by squeezing a small amount of glue on a paper towel to fill up the plastic glue tip. Apply the glue to the plastic parts and hold them together applying a little pressure for a few seconds.

5.D - Gluing the fuselage using liquid glue

Proceed to remove the fuselage from the sprue. Use a hobby knife or a pair of wire cutters to free the parts. Be careful not to damage the fuselage when cutting.

After removing the two fuselage halves from the sprue, sand the edges to get them ready for gluing.

Review the instructions and determine which other parts you need.

Apply glue in the interior of one of the fuselage halves to install the engine component. Remember to use small amounts of glue.

Proceed to apply glue in the front area of the fuselage to install the cockpit configuration which includes the ejection seat, the instrument panel and the pilot.

To glue large parts like the fuselage halves is best to use liquid plastic cement. This type of glue dries faster. Apply the glue all around the edges of the fuselage.

Join the two fuselage halves making sure the cockpit configuration fits properly in place.

Use small pieces of masking tape to keep the two fuselage halves together while the glue dries.

5.E - Building the wings

Use a hobby knife or a pair of wire cutters to separate the wings from the sprue.

5.F - Gluing the wings using liquid glue

Use liquid plastic cement to glue the two wing halves together. Apply the liquid cement in small quantities. Hold the wing halves together applying some pressure. Repeat the same procedure with the other wing.

Assemble the tail configuration following the instructions. Make sure the components are aligned having the same angle between the vertical tail rudder and the horizontal elevators.

5.G - Attaching the wings to the fuselage

Follow the instructions to attach the wings to the fuselage. Apply the liquid cement in small quantities to one side of the fuselage.

Insert the wing in the slot and hold it in place applying some pressure.

The liquid cement will dry quickly.

Follow the same procedure with the other wing.

6 - More Painting

6.A - Preparing your model for painting: Sanding

Now it is the time to get your model ready for painting. The model will have a metallic finish, which has the characteristic of easily showing surface imperfections.

It is very important to conceal any imperfections by sanding your model specially on the plastic seams and joints.

Start by using a sand paper with a low grit number and transition to a higher grit sand paper to even out and polish the surface.

The higher the grit number, the smoother the paper and the finer the finish results.

Use the sanding paper in a circular motion and do not apply a lot of pressure. Be gentle.

When sanding be careful not to erase the panel lines and the molded detail on the model.

6.B - Preparing your model for painting: Masking

Use masking tape to cover the areas of the model you don't want painted.

In our model we have covered the cockpit area, the air breaks indentations and the landing gear areas under the airplane.

6.C - Airbrushing

We can hand paint the model with a brush or we can select the better option of using an airbrush. The airbrush will give you an even finish. Use a head assembly with the smallest opening for extra fine detailing.

The best airbrushing results are achieved by a good constant motion. If the motion is uneven, the paint finish will be uneven. Start the motion before pressing the airbrush trigger, follow through with the motion after releasing the trigger.

To prevent paint runs and sags, do not hold the airbrush still or move it too slowly and maintain a distance of at least three inches from the model.

TIP: Try not to handle your model until it is completely dry or you will leave fingerprints all over it.

7 - Detailing – Weathering: “The pencil & eraser technique”

Use a well sharpened number 2 pencil to carefully draw over the indented panel lines of your model. This technique will improve the contrast and help the panel lines be more visible specially on airplanes with a metallic finish.

Using the eraser from a pencil you can achieve excellent weathering effects. Especially on airplanes with a metallic finish. Use the eraser to change the brightness of the surface panels as it happens in real life.

8 - Attaching small parts

After painting, gluing and detailing small parts like the landing gear, carefully attach them to the airplane using small amounts of glue.

If you use too much glue, the delicate plastic will melt.

9 - Marks and symbols – Applying decals

Use sharp scissors to carefully cut out each decal from the master sheet and set them aside on your working table. Do not cut the small clear film surrounding each design. If you apply a layer of clear gloss on a flat finish airplane, the clear film will blend in.

Most decals are water-activated, they are very fragile and very easy to damage, especially if you do not handle them carefully.

Dip the decal in water for about 15 to 25 seconds. This time will be in most cases enough to let the adhesive release from the backing paper.

While you wait, using a small brush, apply the decal setting solution to the surface of your model. The decal setting solution will help the decal adhere to the surface of the model better.

To make sure the decal is ready, try to slide it with the point of your finger from the backing paper, it should slide easily.

Apply the decal to your model using a small brush or the tip of your finger. Apply setting solution on top of the decal with a small brush. Use a piece of tissue to help remove the excess water and setting solution from the area around the decal. Clean the thin milky fluid residue around the decal using the piece of tissue.

Apply several coats of setting solution to get the decal adhere properly to the surface detail.

10 - Finishing your model

Look at your model with a critical eye from different angles and see what techniques you can improve next time. Compare your model with the reference pictures and see what detail you can add to make it look more realistic. Compare your model with models built by other hobbyists and share knowledge, hints, tips and techniques.

Your skills will definitely improve and your models will keep getting better and better.

11 - Modifications- Adding a touch of realism

Sometimes you want to add a special touch to your model, improve on a feature or maybe you want your model to have insignias from a different country.

In this example we displayed the air breaks in an open configuration.

12 - You are done! - Think about the next model you want to build

You are done!, you finished your first model. Now it is time to start thinking about the next model you want to build.

Maybe, you want to build the same model again with different insignias to try new techniques and practice your skills.

Before you start your next project you need to decide how you want to display your aircraft model collection.

13- Displaying your model - How do you want to display your finish models?

13.A - Stand Alone: This is a very simple procedure; just sit the aircraft model on a bare shelf, maybe next to other models. Two of the most common problems you will face are: people trying to touch it and dust, dust and more dust.

13.B - Dioramas: This is the incorporation of the model into a scene or context. The purpose of a diorama is to tell or represent a part of history, a moment or a situation. It is a good idea to protect your diorama using a commercial display case or vacuum-formed clear dust cover (acrylic or styrene). If a commercial display case does not fit your diorama you can consider building your own by contacting a supplier of acrylic plastic.

13.C - Custom Cabinets: This is of course the most expensive solution but it could be the most decorative one.

13.D - Hanging from a string: This is a nice option; but make sure the string you use its of good strength. Try nylon... you don't want your new model end destroyed!

Welcome to the hobby of building plastic model airplanes!. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to build your model, if it is ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred or even a thousand hours, this is a relaxing, entertaining, fascinating and rewarding hobby.

The Art of Building Plastic Model Airplanes – http://www.BuildingScaleModelAircraft – Copyright ©2007