It's always wise to read through the instructions and understand the suggested assembly sequence, however, we all know that on many kits if you do that, painting will be very difficult. You have to be able to look at the whole and then plan the assembly sequence in your head so you have a plan for assembly and painting. I think it's equally vital to read the instructions carefully as it can be very easy to make mistakes if you don't pay close attention. Before beginning a step, study the step carefully, if it is a big step and involves a lot of pieces, go slow and methodically through the step.
I couldn't agree more - it's all about balancing the need for paint access with building in a logical order. You have to reference the instructions but also think ahead. Thank you for your Excellent comment!
I wish I would get to those mistakes... my mistake is, I buy the model kit, and then, put it on the shelf to all the others I also bought and never built XD
Hahaha!! Same here! Only collecting and not building but recently I start building a small old Matchbox kit to get into the hobby again. Got everything I need, airbrushes, compressor, paint, brushess etc etc, but now I need the time to really start some serious building!
For me it was so bad I started selling kits from my stash 🫣 The best thing is making a list of what you really want to make. For me it also helps to keep doing some modelling before I buy, then I realize better how much time it takes and I buy less.
Almost 50 years building,Still make mistakes 63 years old in February,encourage anyone to build,it keeps you sane from the outside World gives you pride and loads of Fun,get your kid involved ,keeps them off the Streets and they will love it,let them make mistakes so they can learn to get better
Well said! I'll be 62 in Feb. I stopped building back in the mid-70s; I took it up again 4 years ago when I shattered my left leg. (I am - was - a long haul trucker; recently retired..) And I wish now I'd seen this type of video before I started ...
I think it's important to be patient and to take your time. Mistakes are a part of learning. I'd much take the time to end up with something I'm happy with instead of being impatient and finishing it just to finish it.
Many years ago, as a kid I built a model of the Arizona. I went page by page in the instructions, gluing as I went - mistake. I glued the secondary guns in place and then the deck over that. I flipped to the next page where it had this warning "Do not glue the secondary guns as after the deck is in place, this allows the guns to swivel" or something along those lines. I did not dare to pry apart the deck as I feared I would break it. Grrrr - should have read ahead and the whole thing.
an ancient story: Teacher hands test to all students; first line says: Read entire test before begining. 4 minutes later 1 student walks up to desk and lays test on desk. Last line of test says, "now you have read test; sign test and hand it in --- nothing more to do".
When I first open a kit, after inspecting everything, I fill the kitchen sink with warm water with a degreasing dish soap, and give everything a bath. I then use a cloth (the blue cloths from the Swiffer mops are GREAT for this - relatively lint free and they absorb a TON of water!) to wipe and dry them. I'll wash my hands frequently with the dish soap to remove any skin oils that build up. Like he says, DO NOT RUSH THINGS!! I have - and the results are painful .... I use acrylic brush paint mostly (my home isn't airbrush friendly, and I can't handle the smells of enamels, lacquers, and the cleaners). When at a point when I need to let paint dry - especially clear - I try to paint it later in the evening just before finishing, and let things dry overnight.
Mistake #5, not building something from Tamiya for your first kit. Learn how well parts should fit together before building kits that require more advanced skills.
I say when you can build one of those Tamiya 1/12 F1 cars,youre a big boy builder.Tanks are easy,it doesnt even matter if you scratch it a bit etc,its a tank.Planes are slightly more difficult,but cars are in the hard league.
@j.4332 At the time I restarted the hobby, I was recovering from surgery for a shattered leg, and I had been a truck driver for 36 years. (Now, I'm a retired trucker after 40 years!) I know what a truck is supposed to look like, and can point to and name just about all parts - believe it or not, were kinda required to do this at least a couple times a day: it's our PTI - pre/post trip inspection. "So, hey," thinks I, "how hard could it be?" Uh-huh..... But I do enjoy the cars and trucks!
For the build process this video covers the most important things to avoid pretty good. Maybe "Work on spacious desk and use cutting mat" can be added. For painting I can add: Use primer when you want to continue with acrylic paints and don't use to thick paint.
I have a quarter-inch thick board (packing from a cabinet gotten online!). It's great - I don't have to worry about the cutting board eventually wearing out .. Whatever works best for each individual ... 😊
Yep. I was in a model store looking to get some more tanks and this lady came in with her son. I overheard them and I would guess he was about 10 and he wanted to get his first model. She was pointing out airplane kits and I told her son, "if it's your first kit, get a tamiya panzer II. It's cheap, it fits together well and if you mess up, it's a tank. It's just battle damage and it makes it better, not worse. As long as you enjoy building it and you are happy then however it turns out is fine. Every kit you make teaches you something." He asked me how long I have doing them, and I told him "since I was your age." I'm 60 now and still learning.
For mistake number 1. read the all instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I had to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
washing kits in warm soapy water is a myth, while the early days of kit may of needed this, new kits not so much, been building since the late 80's and never had a problem not washing kits, even building a Porter kit from the early 60's wasn't a problem, the only parts I do wash are resin/ 3D. parts.
We usually advise to wash. It doesn't hurt anything. Doesn't cost much. and it will get rid of any residue that might have happened at any time and not just the molding process. Having said that, your mileage may vary and if you're having success, then keep doing what you're doing :). Thanks for watching and for your comment!
For mistake number 1. read the instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I has to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
We have close to eighty thousand different items in this store and Tamiya Extra thin is our number one best seller. Sage advice from you! Thanks for commenting!
Folks will hate this, but I've built models off and on since 1964. I have never washed a kit before building or painting it. I dont do any extra handwashing either, but I do use a tack cloth. I've never had a paint issue. I also paint real cars and I'm very careful in all stages of prep, prep sol cleaner, tack cloths, rubber gloves, the whole works. After learning to paint real cars, I just never changed my model building habits. Do whatever works for you.
First mistake, going into a model shop to buy a model, cause then you need paint, brushes, glue etc then later on realizing you need other tools sanding sticks, files, fillers, pilers and so on, then as we have those tools, might as well buy another models, and it goes on, many years later thousands and thousands of pounds spent, stacks of models bought but no chance of every making them, as we don't live that long, so if you are close to a model shop and think oh i might just pop in and see what they have, stop, don't do it, just walk on by, just think all that money saved you could now be driving around in a Rolls Royce? 🙂
For some, It's only about the collecting. For others, it's only about the building... But for everyone, It's about having fun. Thanks for your comment, and for watching! :-)
That is what modelling is all about! It's about your own personal journey in model making. At the end of the build, if you think it looks good then that is all that's important! There are hundreds of ways to build a model and every on-line guru claiming to be an expert started out as a beginner at some time. You just have to find what works for you. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
That's a simple one, Vince - it would cost the manufaturer money, which in turn they would pass onto you - kits are expensive enough, & frankly, a small bowl with a dash of w/up liquid isn't going to break the bank - it's merely another process in the prep work for a successfully built model.
@andrewtongue7084 After unboxing and inspecting, I wash everything in the sink with warm water and a degreasing dish soap. Works great ... The only thing I can see that might be a problem is not rinsing the parts after dunking them in a bowl of soapy water - the soap gets left on.
That's understrood, Tex. I have a spray attachemnt on my sink tap, so I wash off the soap with tepid water - hot can deform the plastic; I also use a cheap w/up liquid for the plastics, anything too astringent will remain as a residue. Happy & creative modelling ! Andrew
At 1:29, you said "A quick rinse with warm water" will help to remove residue from the manufacturing process. Shouldn't it be warm SOAPY water? The water in your video appears soapy, but that's not what you said? Could you please clarify for me?
Andy with AHQ is a long time builder. It caught my attention when he noted that he doesn't wash the parts, as the release agents that used to be on the kits of old simply is no longer there to be cleaned off these days. Thoughts?
We find that some kits can still have a little residue and it never hurts to rinse with some warm, and soapy, water. It's true that some people don't bother rinsing but honestly, it won't hurt anything so why not do it? Thanks for commenting and for watching!
A little soapy water is good insurance and it doesn't cost much. There are different manufacturing processes and formulas from all of the different companies and
I'm a big time super modeller, I don't need to do all this. Howcome when we were young, we'd eat greasy chips, paint and build, a whole tube of glue for one airtank and it would turn out great. Now if we look at the model the wrong way, the paint job is done, gone.
Same here. I still have the scar too. You don't have to cut yourself too many times to learn the proper technique... I'm glad you're still building! Thanks for watching and for your comment.
Not everyone has numerous builds under their belts; some are just getting started. Had I seen this some years ago, I could have saved myself numerous headaches. (To be fair, I now have almost 70 builds on my shelves..)
I built all of those and they are not as good as Tamiya but they still do produce adequate models. Check scalemates before buying, though. Especially Revell has a habit of reboxing 70s era sprues.
@johanmolendijk9811 AMT is bad about that, too. Using OLD molds - I've built kits where I wasn't sure where the part ended and the flash began .... Then they promote "New retro packaging! New decal sheets! New tires!", but still has a crappy kit...
Yep, you're right, it is called Cement. It's funny when we tell a new customer that they need cement for their model when they're buying one for the first time. They're like, "what?? Cement?!?..I'm not trying to build a sidewalk here...." And then we go through and explain the difference. In a video intended for beginners, which I'm pretty sure you're not, It's just easier to say glue. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
I suppose it should've been titled 4 common mistakes that most people make. Those mistakes are the most common that we've come across in our years of selling models. Of course everyone is different and has their own building journey. Thanks for watching, and for your comment!
For mistake number 1. read the all instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I had to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
For mistake number 1. read the instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I has to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
It's always wise to read through the instructions and understand the suggested assembly sequence, however, we all know that on many kits if you do that, painting will be very difficult. You have to be able to look at the whole and then plan the assembly sequence in your head so you have a plan for assembly and painting. I think it's equally vital to read the instructions carefully as it can be very easy to make mistakes if you don't pay close attention. Before beginning a step, study the step carefully, if it is a big step and involves a lot of pieces, go slow and methodically through the step.
I couldn't agree more - it's all about balancing the need for paint access with building in a logical order. You have to reference the instructions but also think ahead. Thank you for your Excellent comment!
I wish I would get to those mistakes... my mistake is, I buy the model kit, and then, put it on the shelf to all the others I also bought and never built XD
Hahaha!! Same here! Only collecting and not building but recently I start building a small old Matchbox kit to get into the hobby again. Got everything I need, airbrushes, compressor, paint, brushess etc etc, but now I need the time to really start some serious building!
No, that's not a mistake: What happens is that "you're building your stash..."
Absolutely right! Building a stash, and building models are two separate, though sometimes intersecting hobbies.
That's why some saying, scale modeling includes 2 hobbies. 1st is collecting the unbuilded models and 2nd is actualy build them😂
For me it was so bad I started selling kits from my stash 🫣 The best thing is making a list of what you really want to make. For me it also helps to keep doing some modelling before I buy, then I realize better how much time it takes and I buy less.
Test fit your parts!:)
Almost 50 years building,Still make mistakes 63 years old in February,encourage anyone to build,it keeps you sane from the outside World gives you pride and loads of Fun,get your kid involved ,keeps them off the Streets and they will love it,let them make mistakes so they can learn to get better
Well said! I'll be 62 in Feb. I stopped building back in the mid-70s; I took it up again 4 years ago when I shattered my left leg. (I am - was - a long haul trucker; recently retired..) And I wish now I'd seen this type of video before I started ...
What day in Feb mines the 6th along with my Sister in Canada
25th ..... 😊
70 this year and still making
I think it's important to be patient and to take your time. Mistakes are a part of learning. I'd much take the time to end up with something I'm happy with instead of being impatient and finishing it just to finish it.
Many years ago, as a kid I built a model of the Arizona. I went page by page in the instructions, gluing as I went - mistake. I glued the secondary guns in place and then the deck over that. I flipped to the next page where it had this warning "Do not glue the secondary guns as after the deck is in place, this allows the guns to swivel" or something along those lines. I did not dare to pry apart the deck as I feared I would break it. Grrrr - should have read ahead and the whole thing.
an ancient story: Teacher hands test to all students; first line says: Read entire test before begining. 4 minutes later 1 student walks up to desk and lays test on desk. Last line of test says, "now you have read test; sign test and hand it in --- nothing more to do".
When I first open a kit, after inspecting everything, I fill the kitchen sink with warm water with a degreasing dish soap, and give everything a bath. I then use a cloth (the blue cloths from the Swiffer mops are GREAT for this - relatively lint free and they absorb a TON of water!) to wipe and dry them. I'll wash my hands frequently with the dish soap to remove any skin oils that build up.
Like he says, DO NOT RUSH THINGS!! I have - and the results are painful ....
I use acrylic brush paint mostly (my home isn't airbrush friendly, and I can't handle the smells of enamels, lacquers, and the cleaners). When at a point when I need to let paint dry - especially clear - I try to paint it later in the evening just before finishing, and let things dry overnight.
Excellent advice! Thanks for commenting.
Mistake #5, not building something from Tamiya for your first kit. Learn how well parts should fit together before building kits that require more advanced skills.
My dumb arse thought the best way to start was with the Airfix HMS Hood. Twice.
Absolutely!
My three two kits after almost 50 years were level 4-5 big truck kits ..... yeah.
Then I tried to modify the second one ..... yeah.
NOT a good idea!!
I say when you can build one of those Tamiya 1/12 F1 cars,youre a big boy builder.Tanks are easy,it doesnt even matter if you scratch it a bit etc,its a tank.Planes are slightly more difficult,but cars are in the hard league.
@j.4332 At the time I restarted the hobby, I was recovering from surgery for a shattered leg, and I had been a truck driver for 36 years. (Now, I'm a retired trucker after 40 years!) I know what a truck is supposed to look like, and can point to and name just about all parts - believe it or not, were kinda required to do this at least a couple times a day: it's our PTI - pre/post trip inspection.
"So, hey," thinks I, "how hard could it be?"
Uh-huh..... But I do enjoy the cars and trucks!
Nicely done,,thanks for sharing,,😊
For the build process this video covers the most important things to avoid pretty good. Maybe "Work on spacious desk and use cutting mat" can be added. For painting I can add: Use primer when you want to continue with acrylic paints and don't use to thick paint.
I have a quarter-inch thick board (packing from a cabinet gotten online!). It's great - I don't have to worry about the cutting board eventually wearing out ..
Whatever works best for each individual ... 😊
This should be a video on what beginners should start out doing first time out.
You are so spot on.
Armour model kits are the more forgiving models to build when it comes to any mistakes made.
Yep. I was in a model store looking to get some more tanks and this lady came in with her son. I overheard them and I would guess he was about 10 and he wanted to get his first model. She was pointing out airplane kits and I told her son, "if it's your first kit, get a tamiya panzer II. It's cheap, it fits together well and if you mess up, it's a tank. It's just battle damage and it makes it better, not worse. As long as you enjoy building it and you are happy then however it turns out is fine. Every kit you make teaches you something." He asked me how long I have doing them, and I told him "since I was your age." I'm 60 now and still learning.
Thank you so much for your comment. This is great advice!
For mistake number 1. read the all instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I had to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
washing kits in warm soapy water is a myth, while the early days of kit may of needed this, new kits not so much, been building since the late 80's and never had a problem not washing kits, even building a Porter kit from the early 60's wasn't a problem, the only parts I do wash are resin/ 3D. parts.
We usually advise to wash. It doesn't hurt anything. Doesn't cost much. and it will get rid of any residue that might have happened at any time and not just the molding process. Having said that, your mileage may vary and if you're having success, then keep doing what you're doing :). Thanks for watching and for your comment!
For mistake number 1. read the instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I has to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
Good tips
Nah, never do that mistakes because I built snap fit together model kit, no glue needed. ;-)
Wait, you build these after buying?
Another mistake is not using Tamiya extra thin cement for your glueing needs. That stuff is all you need for plastic.
We have close to eighty thousand different items in this store and Tamiya Extra thin is our number one best seller. Sage advice from you! Thanks for commenting!
very basic but i like it
Folks will hate this, but I've built models off and on since 1964. I have never washed a kit before building or painting it. I dont do any extra handwashing either, but I do use a tack cloth. I've never had a paint issue. I also paint real cars and I'm very careful in all stages of prep, prep sol cleaner, tack cloths, rubber gloves, the whole works. After learning to paint real cars, I just never changed my model building habits. Do whatever works for you.
First mistake, going into a model shop to buy a model, cause then you need paint, brushes, glue etc then later on realizing you need other tools sanding sticks, files, fillers, pilers and so on, then as we have those tools, might as well buy another models, and it goes on, many years later thousands and thousands of pounds spent, stacks of models bought but no chance of every making them, as we don't live that long, so if you are close to a model shop and think oh i might just pop in and see what they have, stop, don't do it, just walk on by, just think all that money saved you could now be driving around in a Rolls Royce? 🙂
For some, It's only about the collecting. For others, it's only about the building... But for everyone, It's about having fun. Thanks for your comment, and for watching! :-)
My mistake is following online modelling masters and feeling crap that i can't attain their perfection. Am trying to enjoy it for myself.
That is what modelling is all about! It's about your own personal journey in model making. At the end of the build, if you think it looks good then that is all that's important! There are hundreds of ways to build a model and every on-line guru claiming to be an expert started out as a beginner at some time. You just have to find what works for you. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
Why are sprues not rinsed by the factory,sounds logical?
That's a simple one, Vince - it would cost the manufaturer money, which in turn they would pass onto you - kits are expensive enough, & frankly, a small bowl with a dash of w/up liquid isn't going to break the bank - it's merely another process in the prep work for a successfully built model.
@andrewtongue7084 After unboxing and inspecting, I wash everything in the sink with warm water and a degreasing dish soap. Works great ...
The only thing I can see that might be a problem is not rinsing the parts after dunking them in a bowl of soapy water - the soap gets left on.
That's understrood, Tex. I have a spray attachemnt on my sink tap, so I wash off the soap with tepid water - hot can deform the plastic; I also use a cheap w/up liquid for the plastics, anything too astringent will remain as a residue. Happy & creative modelling !
Andrew
At 1:29, you said "A quick rinse with warm water" will help to remove residue from the manufacturing process. Shouldn't it be warm SOAPY water?
The water in your video appears soapy, but that's not what you said?
Could you please clarify for me?
Andy with AHQ is a long time builder. It caught my attention when he noted that he doesn't wash the parts, as the release agents that used to be on the kits of old simply is no longer there to be cleaned off these days. Thoughts?
We find that some kits can still have a little residue and it never hurts to rinse with some warm, and soapy, water. It's true that some people don't bother rinsing but honestly, it won't hurt anything so why not do it? Thanks for commenting and for watching!
A little soapy water is good insurance and it doesn't cost much. There are different manufacturing processes and formulas from all of the different companies and
I know EXACTLY where you shot that ...cool
I'm a big time super modeller, I don't need to do all this. Howcome when we were young, we'd eat greasy chips, paint and build, a whole tube of glue for one airtank and it would turn out great. Now if we look at the model the wrong way, the paint job is done, gone.
As we get older, we become much more critical of our own work don't we? I guess it's how we evolve as modellers. Thanks for commenting!
@@PMHobbycraftLtdCalgary I guess so.
Instructions? Instructions are merely the paper on which to note all the changes you are going to make. 📜🖋
Many years ago I cut myself pretty bad doing "don't do this with an X-Acto knife". Didn't have much money as a kid to buy fancy tools.
Same here. I still have the scar too. You don't have to cut yourself too many times to learn the proper technique... I'm glad you're still building! Thanks for watching and for your comment.
Mistake No5 watching your video, I wonder if you could make a video about how to put your shoes on?
Not everyone has numerous builds under their belts; some are just getting started. Had I seen this some years ago, I could have saved myself numerous headaches. (To be fair, I now have almost 70 builds on my shelves..)
Disagree on washing in soapy warm water,not needed on modern kits.
Ever tried following dragons instructions?🙄
Jman
Some of the brainiacs watching this have harsh comments for a guy just offering basic knowledge.
OMG never use modelling knife like you do...
I would add as a first and foremost mistake: Buying a Revell, Italeri or Airfix kit.
Or anything by Eastern Express! 🤬
I built all of those and they are not as good as Tamiya but they still do produce adequate models. Check scalemates before buying, though. Especially Revell has a habit of reboxing 70s era sprues.
@johanmolendijk9811 AMT is bad about that, too. Using OLD molds - I've built kits where I wasn't sure where the part ended and the flash began .... Then they promote "New retro packaging! New decal sheets! New tires!", but still has a crappy kit...
@@TexJester-no8th Juts like AIRFIX with its "Vintage Classic Range", which is an unabashed scam... And BTW, AMT still exists??? didn't know
@daniellabra4186 I build 1/24 and 1/25 cars and trucks (I don't do military or aircraft). Yeah .. AMT still exists in this realm...
That "glue" demonstration was a joke. And it's cement, not glue.
Yep, you're right, it is called Cement. It's funny when we tell a new customer that they need cement for their model when they're buying one for the first time. They're like, "what?? Cement?!?..I'm not trying to build a sidewalk here...." And then we go through and explain the difference. In a video intended for beginners, which I'm pretty sure you're not, It's just easier to say glue. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
iNSTRUCTIONS ARE SOMEONE ELSES OPINION!
Lol
Until you can't finish your model correctly because you skipped some steps.
It's a joke!
4 common mistakes EVERYONE makes ? Pretty damn broad assumption….. 👎
I suppose it should've been titled 4 common mistakes that most people make. Those mistakes are the most common that we've come across in our years of selling models. Of course everyone is different and has their own building journey. Thanks for watching, and for your comment!
mistake number 0 - watching such crappy wideos like this
And your point is ... ??
Care to explain why the video is "crap"?
I can see he did a bit of exaggeration, but it was for demonstration purposes.
@@TexJester-no8th He thinks he knows everything and that anyone who doesn't is just stupid. That's a him problem, not a world problem.
Hahah what is this shit.
For mistake number 1. read the all instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I had to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.
For mistake number 1. read the instruction completely before the start of anything else. Sometimes a tiny hint is hidden somewhere. When I build a modelkit of Airwolf when I was a child, I has to learn this on the hard way - poor Airwolf.