One of the most frequently asked hobbies question any time of year is what do I need to put together this model kit? And with Christmas on the way there will be heaps of new hobbyists with model kits under the tree.

So we've put together a quick guide to the basic tools and supplies a beginning modeller will need in order to get started building scale models.

Basic Tools for Building Plastic Model Kits

To make things simple this Christmas we have put together a fantastic Scale Models Essentials Tool Set, which is the perfect starting point for any new modeller's wor­k bench.

This set includes:

• Plastic Clippers
• Hobby knife with spare blades
• Model File
• Cutting Mat
• Revell Contacta Pro Mini Plastic Cement
• Tamiya Flat Brush 01

So let's take a closer look at why each tool is used for.

Clippers

When you begin assembling a scale model the first thing you'll have to do is take the parts off the sprue. While you can use a modelling knife to do this its much better to use a good set of Sprue Cutters or Clippers.

Sprue cutters are much safer to use for cutting the thicker sprues, which will dull your knife blade, and will give a clean, precise cut which won't require much clean up.

Modelling Knife

For finer cutting and scraping you'll also need a modelling knife. We have a great range of modelling knives available, including a number of different styles and sizes.

Always take care when using modelling knives!
Don't cut towards yourself, don't press too hard and replace blades when they start to get dull. We also highly recommend getting a good Cutting Mat, which will not only protect your table or desk but will also help keep your blades from breaking or going dull and are much safer to cut on.

Plastic Cement

The third key thing you'll need to assemble your model kit is some glue. For most kits the main glue you will need is a plastic cement and my favourite is the Revell Contacta Professional. This comes with a precision applicator which is great for getting the glue into hard to reach places and on small parts.

Regular plastic cement does fog up clear parts such as aeroplane canopies, so for those I suggest a Clear Parts Cement.

If the kit includes any metal components then you'll also need a superglue so be sure to check out our full range of Glues & Cement

Model Files

Even when you use clippers there will still be a little bit of excess plastic to remove from the model parts and a model file is perfect to smooth these off. A flat file will do the trick for most jobs but there is also a wide variety of different shapes and sizes available to get into small, hard to reach places.

What about Paint?

To complete your model you will also need some paints and brushes. The kit instructions will include a list of the suggested paint colours for the kit which you're working on and often this will include a few different options of paint manufacturers.

Our Paints & Weathering Supplies Store has over 2000 different paints from all the leading manufacturers such as Tamiya, Vallejo, Italeri & Humbrol; so chances are we'll have everything you need.

For new scale modellers I'd recommend using Acrylic Paints, which are water solubile, as they are easier to work with, clean up and don't give off fumes or odours.

We also have a huge range of Brushes available as well; for most projects you'll need a flat brush and a detail brush.

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From the Hobbies Gorilla