Before you Start:

The first thing you will want to do is to look for references (photos, history, etc) about the model you are going to build. Next, read the instructions and give special attention to the assembly sequence. Decide about the color scheme, markings, details, time period and modifications needed to accomodate a special version of the model. Consider how will you display your model when finished. Make a list of the materials you will need: paint, cement, decal setting solution, thinner and tools.

	View the tutorial video: "Building your First Kit. From Start to Finish".
	FineScale Modeler: Modeling FAQ

Initial Assembly:

You will normally start your model by building the interior, concentrating on the interior details like the cockpit seat(s), control yoke(s), and instrument panels. Most experience modelers give special attention to the cockpit details by looking at photographs from the actual airplane and using a magnifying glass to add extensive detail to the instrument panels dials and other components in the cockpit.

Reference material

Fuselage Construction, Seaming and Sanding:

To cut the parts loose from the sprue make use of a hobby knife, it is not recommended to break the parts loose because they can eventually get damage. Large fuselage parts can be glued and temporarily kept together using clamps or rubber bands. Use sand paper to fix irregularities on the plastic joints.

If you want smooth finish try using wet sand paper. Look for sand paper with a high grit number (150 through 300 grit), the higher the grit the smoother the paper and the finer the finish results. When sanding you have to be careful not to damage the raised panel lines on the model. If you do, you can restore them by using a metal scale ruler and a sharp knive. An excelent tool for polishing, fixing irregularities and making adaptations to a model is the Hand-held miniature drill "Dremel" tool.

F-4 Phantom Cockpit

Priming and Painting:

After seaming and sanding the model you are ready to prepare it for painting. First you must apply a coat of primer to reveal any imperfections or gaps on the fuselage. After the problems are fixed, a second coat of primer should be applied to the model. The landing gears, propellers, windscreens, or other small components should be prepared and painted separate before installing them to the model.

If you are planning to add some weathering effects, you can start for example by adding a coat of silver paint to the front edges of the wings, and later using the final paint coat simulate paint wear.

After your model is painted, make sure not to apply a clear lacquer overcoat until you have finish applying the decals. A dull coat will prevent the decals from adhering correctly to the surface of your model.

The model can be painted using a brush or an airbrush. Best results come from using the airbrush, the finished surface looks smoother and with less imperfections.

If your painting scheme involves camouflage; you can start by outlining the camouflage pattern with a pencil on the surfaces of the model. Then you will proceed to use an airbrush to paint your model following the patterns.

You can also use tape in some painting schemes to separate areas of the fuselage or create patterns.

In painting the clear plastic components of the cockpit, it is recommended to use clear tape and cut the surplus tape with a knive and then apply the paint.

Most decals are water-activated, they are fragil and easy to damage, especially if you do not handle them carefully. It is recommended to use a decal ssetting solution to help the decal adhere to the surface of the model. Remember that most model surfaces are irregular and contain details. Decals are designed to be applied over smooth surfaces.

If you have used flat paint on your model, before applying the decals, you must spray your entire model with a coat of clear gloss. This coat will smooth out the surface of the model helping the decals adhere better.

Use a scissor to cut out the decal your are going to apply first. Dip the decal in water for about 15 to 25 seconds. This time will be in most cases enough to let the adhesive release from the backing paper. To make sure the decal is ready, try to slide it with the point of your finger from the backing paper, it should slide easily.

Apply the decal to your model using a small brush to help remove the excess water. Use a piece of tissue to help remove the water from the area around the decal. Clean the thin milky fluid residue around the decal using the piece of tissue.

Brush a light coat of decal setting (solvent) solution while the decal is still wet. Do not use to much solvent, it may desintegrate the decal.

After the model is dry, all the decals applied; verify that everything looks "perfect". Take a look at the reference photographs (its always a good idea to find a photograph of the airplane that you are building, try to stay as close as possible to every detail), instructions, check for any small parts that you may have overlooked, and check all the details.

Now is time to cover all the clear windows with masking tape and spry a coat of flat or glossy finish. Most of the time one coat will do it. If you feel like your model needs another coat, let the first one dry completely.