Building aircraft carrier models or any other type of scale modeling is an interesting hobby. While some people caught on since they were quite young, others jump the bandwagon to pass the time. Regardless, scale modeling puts several skills to the test and caters to the interest of both the young and adults. If you are interested in building aircraft carrier models, you have come to the right place.
Tips for Building Scale Models
Prepare Your Workstation
If you are new to model building, the first thing you need to do is decide on your workstation area. It could be any room or area in your house with enough lighting. We suggest that you use your garage, basement, or home office instead of the living or bedroom so that you are able to access all the tools required.
Once you have decided on where to work on your scale, the next thing to do is find a surface that is big enough to accommodate the scale you plan to build. You can opt for computer desks or flat benches. There are ho hard rules as to what you should pick. Simple anything that allows you to work with ease and convenience.
Finally, the last thing you need for the workstation is good lighting. Although most experts prefer an overhead lamp or lighting but we suggest that you opt for a moveable, retractable desk lamp. Make sure that you have sufficient lighting for building scale models as the process can take hours during the day, which can affect your eyesight.
And since you are a beginner, you should start with building small-scale models that require more precision, skills, and better visibility for the extremely minor components.
Carefully Read the Instructions
Although most builders ignore reading the instruction booklet and get straight to building the model, we strongly encourage that you read them carefully. Going through the instruction booklet will help you understand how all the pieces go together.
For instance, you might have similar parts that need to be installed in different areas. Comparing the parts with the illustrations in the book will allow you to develop a plan of where to start and finish. Furthermore, once you start on the build, keep following the booklet.
A common problem amongst builders is that they jump ahead only to find out that the pieces do not go together. As a result, they end up disassembling the model and wasting time. The booklet is only provided to make your experience more enjoyable.
Stir Your Paint
If you intend to use paint, make sure that you stir them before use so that the contents can mix together. To do this, use a plastic stick or small wooden spatula and stir the paint roughly for around one minute. Place a cloth or a piece of newspaper underneath the scale model so that the workstation does not get stained while painting.
Painting aircraft scale models can be slightly tricky if you are a beginner. Instead of jumping straight to the task, we suggest practicing on some surfaces first. You can use plastic cutlery for the purpose or paint the interior side of the parts that will help develop control and precision.
Test the Fit Before the Glue and Be Patient
Before putting the glue on the parts first to fit them, it is important that you test the fit. In some cases, the parts might have some residue on them that needs to be removed using a file or knife. It might also be that some parts are broken, missing, or simply not compatible.
This way, you will avoid the hassle of taking the parts apart once you have glued them, which also risks cracking or breaking them during the process.
Moreover, building a scale model requires a lot of time, effort, precision, and patience, especially when it comes to building aircraft carrier models like USS Theodore Roosevelt. Some builders end up ruining their projects just because they expected the model to be completed in a few hours. That is not the case each time.
Initially, it might relatively take less amount of time while building small scale models. However, as you move up to the bigger models, you can expect it to take days if not weeks.
Make Sure You Have Good Ventilation
As mentioned earlier, you will be using paints and glue while building your scale model. With that said, it is important that you open a window or install a fan in the window to allow good ventilation. This is one of the basic tools for building scale models.
If you do not have windows in your room, keep the door open and turn on the fan. This will allow fresh air to drift in. It is important to keep ventilation in mind as paints and glue contain chemicals that are harmful to health. Constant exposure can lead to chronic diseases.
The Internet is Your Friend
While building your favorite aircraft model carrier, it is normal to become frustrated, especially when you are just starting out. With time, you will get used to it and be more patient. However, if you are confused about some parts or steps, know that the internet is your friend.
You can go through different forums and videos on the internet to help correct your technique. As you pass the obstacles, there will come a point where you will become skilled enough to build scale models without needing the instruction booklet or the videos. Until then, do not hesitate to ask or look for help when required.
Conclusion
Remember, building aircraft carrier models takes skill, so don’t expect everything to be perfect the first time. The key is learning from your mistakes and moving on. Once you are done with your first project, pick up the next, perhaps one level up. Repeat the steps above and keep working your way up to better projects.