If you have ever thought of building model trucks but you are unsure just where to begin you should first start at the beginning. Maybe you say one at the local retail store and thought it would be neat to try. You might have also received one as a gift for the holidays or for your birthday. You might have also picked it up for someone else. No matter exactly how you decided to begin to try this new hobby you now want to try assembling one to see how enjoyable it is.
When you get it home you take it out of the box and open up the instructions to see what exactly you will need to get started. One of the first things listed are all the recommended tools. Some of these tools may help to make your first model much easier to assemble as well as any other ones that you decide to assemble thereafter. Each one of these tools can come in very handy if you will go ahead and buy them and place them in a shoe box or plastic container so that you will have them for building each of your new models.
The list that follows is not a comprehensive list by far but it will help to get you going on your way to setting up this model builder's toolbox. The very first thing you will need to place in this box is a decent model cement. As a side note, model cement can contain styrene and/or toluene. This means that it can be very hazardous to breath the fumes for extended periods. The way that this cement works is by reacting with the plastic to help bond it together. This is very similar in effect to the process of welding. One thing you will want to ensure is that the cement that you choose is rated for hobby and craft use.
One of the things that you will want to use is a piece of safety equipment. A NIOSH approved breath mask that is rated N95 should be enough to suit your purposes. This will help you to reduce the amount of fumes to which you are exposed. Protecting your hands can be accomplished by the use of a pair of latex gloves. They will help to let you know when you are applying too much glue because they will start to rip easily. Now that you are set with your cement and your safety equipment as well you will be ready for the real tools.
One of the first tools you will need is a decent hobby knife. These can be purchased in a set that normally includes multiple blades in many different sizes and shapes. This will soon prove itself invaluable in your model building career. It allows you to cut parts loose from the sprue as well as helping you to trim any parts that need it. There are times that you will find the parts have extra bits of plastic on them that is known as flashing. It is a by-product of manufacturing and can be safely removed.
Another set of tools that will come in handy is some hobby clamps. These clamps will hold parts together your parts which will allow the cement time to dry. This will keep you from having to hold them together by hand. They can also hold your parts for painting so it can make your painting job easier. The tools and equipment listed above will all help you in starting your new model building hobby. Model truck building can be fun and rewarding. It will also help you to be more creative and build skill as well.
If you really love painting your model trucks but it just seems to be getting old you might consider trying out a new way to paint them. You can try airbrushing them. This is a very easy method to learn once you try. The basics are not hard to pick up at all and once you do you can then move on to some of the more advanced techniques rather easily.
You will first need to gather several items together before you begin. You can find the majority of these at either a hobby shop or a local retailer. You may even be able to find some basic kits with all the parts you will need. To start with you will want to find a basic air brush kit. This should come with all the parts you will need to begin. This includes covers, hoses, nozzles, jars, etc. One thing that it may or may not have is a small compressor. If it does not then you should find one that does. If you do not see one then ask a salesperson. They should be able to help you find what you need.
You should also make sure to pick up some protective equipment. These will help to protect you from any accidental exposure to harmful fumes as well as helping to protect your skin from exposure as well. Some of the items that you will need includes breathing masks, latex gloves, and safety goggles. Some of the other paint supplies that you will be needing includes air brush cleaner, wet and dry sandpaper, drafting tape, rubbing alcohol, and paints. Now that you know what you need to begin you can concentrate on making a paint booth. To begin this you should pick up a small fan.
Try to find a cardboard box that will be big enough for you to work in comfortably and then cut out one side and the top. One the side across from the one you removed you need to cut a hole that will be big enough for the fan that you picked up. You will want to place the fan inside the hole facing out. This will pull the fumes out of the box and ensure that you have proper ventilation. You will also need to make sure that you either wear some old clothes or an apron so that you will not ruin any good clothes. If possible you should do your painting as well. There will be a tendency of the paint to be blown out of the booth through the fan. This can make a very big mess. You might try to loosely wire a piece of cardboard covering the side of the fan outside of the box. This will still allow air to flow properly while limiting the amount of overspray that can be spread about.
After you get everything in place you will need to make sure that you have your airbrush assembled properly. You should also make sure you are using the correct paint for your particular airbrush gun. Try to find out if you will need primer for your model truck. If you do then start by applying it carefully to each piece. Many cements have a problem with adhering to primer or paint so you may have to carefully scrape it away from the sections that will receive the cement.
Just before you begin you need to make sure that you are comfortable with your painting technique. You can practice a bit by using a bit of scrap plastic or even metal. You need to remember that it requires a very smooth and even stroke while moving from side to side. Do not release the air gun's trigger until you have made it past the edge.
After you have finished your first few models you will then be able to attempt more advanced techniques. No matter which type of stroke it is you are wanting to try just make sure to practice it before actually attempting it on the piece. Before long you will be able to handle these with no problem at all.
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