Your first Model.

The first model you purchase is very important. It must be one that  a beginner can build. Nothing complicated or difficult for the first one. It is just as important that the subject matter be of interest to you. For instance, I am not interested in anything past about 1970. Now that's not to say the 2011 Camaro or Challenger doesn't interest but that's the exception to the rule. So choose your first model carefully. Ask questions.
Once I have purchased the model and got it home I will open it and look at the different parts trees. I will look at the body, frame and engine components very closely. Now I got a little ahead of the game in these photo's but you will get the idea.

Then I will read over the instruction sheet very carefully looking at the different parts of the model.

After doing these two steps the decision on the paint for the body, the interior need to be made. Which engine configuration are you going to build? Are you building it Stock, Custom or racing?
Next we need to look for areas that need touching up before we start priming or assembly.
Pin marks are marks left by the pins that release the part molded from the mold itself. In the picture below if you look closely you will see these marks at the lower edge of these panels. These marks can cause problems with getting the part to mount properly and need to be sanded down to a smooth finish.

Once these marks have been removed we are ready to get started. 
Not everyone begins a model in the same manner. However I suggest that for the first several models you simply follow the directions as you go.
Almost all instruction sheets start with the engine. On this particular model the engine is a Chevy 350. I know it a model of a 37 Ford Sedan but Chevy 350 engines were very commonly used in these old cars when they were restored.
Now as I stated earlier I kinda jumped the gun a little on this and the engine is complete except for finishing the wiring, painting the Air Conditioning Compressor and some minor touch up.

Ok, we will pause here and I will continue this tomorrow.
Enjoy your model building.
By the way I got the distributor from  Morgan Automotive Detail.

Tools that are needed for Building Models.

The tools that are needed range from very basic to somewhat complex. I know of people that build models and use a CNC Mill and CNC Lathe to turn out parts they use. While these tools are nice they are NOT needed when a person first gets into building models.
Here is a list of tools that will  be needed when you build your first model.
1-- A good glue. I use testor's Glue for building my models.
                          I also use super glue for those hard to handle pieces that often fall off a model.
                          And then there is Clear Testor's cement that I use for attaching glass.
                          I also use Elmer's Glue for attaching flocking in the interior.

Other tools that are real handy are;
1-- A good balanced xacto knife with # 11 blades, for trimming parts.
2-- A sprue cutter to cut parts from the trees
3-- A good pair of twezzers for those small parts.
4-- Several different small files for removing pin marks
5-- An assortment of finger nail files, yes like the ones your Mother uses.
6-- Sandpaper, I use 800, 1200 and 2000 grit.
7-- A sharp pair of scissors for cutting decals.

A helping hands magnifier.

Now you will need two good lights that attach to your bench or desk. At least I need two but then I'm 60 years old and need a lot of light.

Next time we will cover paints, rattle cans and bottles. We will look at paint booths, air-brushes and start building a model. 

Building Model Cars.

As a lot of men my age I built model cars when I was 10 or so years old. And just like so many others I got out of it when my interest in girls peaked. 
Now at the age of sixty I have returned to building model cars. that's not to say I have lost interest in women I just can't remember why they are so interesting.

The first thing I had to do was figure out where I was going to build these models. Then I had to purchase certain tools, paints, glues and etc. Once that was done I was ready to go. I believe that's a 65 Chevy Impala sitting there.

And then I had to purchase a Paint Booth for painting the models. Once this was done I was ready to start building.
More to come as we build models together. 

The paints I use, at present, are simple spray paint cans. I use everything from Tamiya, Model Master and even Dupli Color paints. I even use Color Place Primer and Krylon paints that you can buy at Wal-Mart for very little.
I do have an Air-Brush and Compressor but we will get into that later this summer.
I use pastel paints and enamel paints in jars.
We will make use of lacquers but we need a very good primer coat as the Lacquer will eat some plastics.


We are about building models so I have posted some I have built this past year.

And last but not least the one I am currently working on.

OK, that's it for now.