The Best Models & Model Kits

Buying Guide

For children and adults alike, working on models and model kits is a great past time. Whether doing it individually or with a loved one, working on models is both creative and logical, challenging people to think critically, solve problems and use their imagination all at the same time.

Model kits are typically made from plastic but can also include other materials like metal and wood. The builder has to assemble, and sometimes paint or add decals to, all the parts together to create a figure, which can be anything from a car to a dinosaur to an airplane to a character from a popular show or movie. The frame of the model parts is called a sprue, and the kit comes with parts that are usually numbered. This way, as people work through the detailed instructions, they can identify and use the correct parts.

When looking for models and model kits, one of the most important things to consider is interest. if you’re not building a model that is appealing to you, you may end up leaving it partway through the project. Model building requires careful concentration and can take a long time, so it’s best to work on a project that you find exciting. For example, if you’re not interested in cars, a model kit of a Lamborghini may not get you excited. However, if dinosaurs are more your thing, then that’s the model kit you should go for.

Another aspect to consider is skill level. As with any skill, your model building skills will improve with practice. If you’re new to model building or are a bit rusty from not having done it for some time, then you may want to begin with a small project that doesn’t have a lot of intricate parts. Some brands of model kits indicate a skill level on the package while others don’t. However, you can get an idea of the skill level pretty easily by looking at the size of the model and the number of pieces involved. The bigger the model, the higher the skill level.

• Many models and model kits will indicate the scale, which refers to how small the model is compared to the real deal. For example, a 1/72 scale indicates that the object is 72 times smaller than the real-world one. Typically, a smaller scale indicates a simpler model while a larger scale indicates a more complex model.
• When you’re working on a model kit, you will need to have a number of accessories to make the project go smoothly. Glue is an essential item you will need to join the parts together. It’s important to ensure the glue has dried on parts before you begin addition additional parts on it. Many people also use side cutters or clippers to take off the part pieces from the sprue frame. You have to remove them carefully so you don’t bend or break the parts. Some people use craft knives to tidy up the part once it’s off the sprue, as there may be a small piece from the frame that is left on the part. Be sure to work very carefully so you don’t damage the part itself.
• In some model kits, the part sizes are very small and can be difficult to pick up with your fingers. In this case, it’s best to use a pair of tweezers to help you grab tiny parts easily. Tweezers also help provide accuracy.