The goal of the article is to present a new modeler with information to help them understand basic modeling techniques and terms through a well-known classic: The AMT 1/650 Enterprise reissue. The reason for choosing this kit is that it is so well known and there are many builds and diaries on line for reference as well as opportunities to experiment with even more advanced techniques through accurizing with third party parts etc.
Let me start by saying that I am a novice. While I've built several models, that was over 20 years ago. Back then I was more concerned with speed than accuracy (I built my first refit Enterprise in a day... probably the reason why it fell apart the next day!). Why then write an article about model building? While there are several resources for new modelers on line, I felt that there aren't many that are written by a novice for a novice. Undertaking something new, even a hobby such as modeling, can be an intimidating task and knowing where to find information, and get help makes that experience so much easier and enjoyable.
This article will cover basic information that a novice modeler should consider when embarking on their first project. This won't be a step by step account of how to build the AMT Enterprise model kit from Round2 but instead I will cover information such as setting goals, what tools you need, basic techniques, and where to find information on line
The reason I chose Round2's reissue of the AMT TOS Enterprise kit is simply because of the wealth of available information you can find on the kit both in print and on line In the forty plus years since the kit was released there have been probably hundreds of articles and supporting materials that have been created to help the new and experienced modeler alike get the most out of this kit. In addition to the sites mentioned throughout the article, I recommend picking up a copy of Paul M. Newitt's “Starfleet Assembly Manual,” or “SFAM”, long considered the definitive build manual for the AMT Enterprise. I found it invaluable during the build of this great ship.
Every modeler should ask themselves, Where do I start? Before you begin, you should ask yourself, What are my goals for this model? If this is your first model (or maybe first in a long time) you may want to set a reasonable goal for yourself and your build. Use this as an opportunity to try new techniques and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Most mistakes can be undone and corrected with a little effort and preparation. So it's good to fail early and often. As you move on to future projects, always ask yourself what your goal will be as each new project will offer new opportunities and challenges. You may want to create the model with no seams (unless they are supposed to be there) or the perfectly weathered model. Each new build should offer an opportunity to add to your repertoire and improve each successful build.
The next question you should ask is 'do I have all the supplies I need?' This is the one area to pay the most attention to early. If I find anything frustrating about building a model is when you get all geared up for an evening with your build and you sit down to start, only to find you don't have... something. Be it a tool, glue, paint, or even a chair, it can ruin a good night of progress if you have to run out to find something that you don't have. It's even more frustrating when the thing you need can only be obtained on line or from a specialty store. So try to plan ahead as much as possible for all parts of your build. Make a list of the supplies and tools you'll need before hand and try to get everything you need up front. You can stagger your accumulation to some degree (paint for example, could be purchased later on) but you'll be surprised to see how quickly you progress as your build goes forward. If you are looking for a great list of tools and supplies, as well as opinions on what brands are best, go to the Construction forum at Starship Modeler. Within you'll find several 'sticky' posts on glue, paint, tools, sandpaper, even fillers. As a quick reference here is what I (eventually) acquired to help with my build:
Glue: I used Model Master liquid cement which comes in a diamond shaped hard container with a needle nose applicator. You might use other readily available brands but the applicator made it very easy to apply in small amounts. Based on several recommendations I also got a tube of good old Super Glue (also referred to as 'CA' in some forums and articles.) While the liquid cement will fit most needs, some parts might benefit from a little more adhesion. You can usually find this at hobby stores or some craft stores.
Filler: Several different types of seam or gap fillers are available. The popular one is either Squadron green or white putty. It works like Spackle. You might experiment with different types. I used MMD White putty and like it. It dries quickly and can easily be sanded. I have only found this on line and in hobby shops.
Sand Paper or Film: Various sandpaper that can be found at most hobby stores and on line Look for grits between 600 and 3200. I also grabbed Squadron tool's sanding sticks which also come in several grits from coarse to fine. The sticks resemble nail boards you might find at a cosmetic counter (a good substitute in a pinch.) Lastly, look for 'swizzle' sticks. Small pipe cleaners with sandpaper attached. The sticks and swizzle sticks make it easier to seam in tight areas and in some cases offer some stiffness to help get good flat surfaces. Hobby shops will have special grits and papers more suited to modeling. Hardware stores and craft stores will also have them (though they might be in very odd places.)
Knives, Razors, and Pliers: A good razor knife will be very useful to trim flashing and cut through packaging. An Xacto knife ( looks like a pen or screwdriver with a sharpened point and edge) is also good for more delicate cuts in smaller places. A good pair of pliers is also useful for cutting parts off of sprues among other things. You can usually find them in a hardware or craft store
Files: Files are useful if you have to trim off a lot of plastic on parts. It's also good to help reshape a part that isn't fitting well. I found a nice set of 'jewelers' files at my local warehouse hardware store. You can find them in hobby shops and some craft stores as well.
Tweezers and Picks: A good set of tweezers will help to hold decals for placement without using your fingers. A nice pick (similar to a dental pick) can help apply putty to small seams and scrape off excess. You can find these in some craft stores but the best source is on line. Squadron tools has a nice assortment. You might also already have some (tweezers are common, but maybe you have a nut pick that would work?)
Paint and Brushes: I used acrylic paints from Tamiya on my model because they clean up with water (as will all acrylics.) Testors and Model Master (actually the same company) also have great assortments of colors and paint types including acrylic, enamel, and lacquer. I used spray paint for the most part and brush on paint for smaller details. I also recommend getting a good primer. Primer comes in handy all through building. You'll find some brands in craft stores (some come in kits) but mostly in hobby stores or on line. Get a set of brushes that are designed for the type of paint you will use.
Mr. Surfacer: This is a special primer that actually is part seam filler part smoother. it can be painted or sprayed on and will fill small gaps and make a surface smooth again (I had sanded the surface of my saucer a great deal but one coat of this and it looked smooth as anything. You will only find this on line or in a hobby shop.
Decal set: This helps the decal adhere to the model and look more painted on.
Other items you might get: Cutting mats, clamps, a small vice, some cloth rags and sponges, toothpicks, a magnifying glass, and small plastic cups (for paint.) More advanced modelers will also look for Dremel tools and air brushes but I am not at that level yet myself. You'll find other items I am sure but try to gather as much as you can find (and your budget allows) before starting. You'll be glad you did.
Now that you have your tools and your kit, the next step is to find the time and the place. Time is the most difficult commodity to find, especially if you are like me and have job, spouse, kids, and other interests to share your non-sleeping hours. Finding the right time to build your model may be tough, but don't let that put you off. You will find that building a model has a lot of downtime too. You'll need to let glue dry (2-4 hours at least) paint dry, putty dry, etc. If you plan your build you might be able to do other parts of it in parallel, but you'll always run up against some down time so pace yourself. The worst experience I had modeling was my very first model. It was an AMT Refit of the Enterprise from 1988. I built the whole model in an afternoon, paint and all. I then came back the next morning to see if the paint had dried only to find the whole kit had fallen apart and was basically un-repairable. Take your time. As you get better at building plastic models you'll be able to speed up a little each time but always make sure you leave time for things to dry, otherwise you may get less than optimal results a best, or a total disaster at worst.
A separate table or work area is optimal as you'll want to be able to leave your model while it dries. If it's in a workshop or another room that is good to. That way it won't be disturbed while you are not working on it. You may also want to have a window near by as some of the glue and paints have quite an odor and it's not a good idea to be in a small enclosed space with them. If you have to share your modeling space, get a good sized box to put the drying pieces in and then put that away somewhere safe.
The first thing to remember is: Don't Panic. Most mistakes can be corrected. Paint can be reapplied, decals can be removed and reset, parts can even be pulled apart and reseated (assuming the mistake was found quickly.) There are many resources you can use to help you with a problem. The most useful resource I found are the forums at Starship Modeler (www.starshipmodeler.net). Especially useful is the Star Trek Forum (You will need to register). You'll find that most problems you might run into have been experienced by others and a quick search of the forums will turn up an answer. If you can't find an answer, ask the question in a new post. You'll be surprised how many responses you get and how many of them include the words I had the same problem... here's what you do...
There are also a great number of articles on line at www.starshipmodeler.com as well as Cult TV Man's Hobby Shop. These sites both have build diaries, workbench articles, general tips and techniques as well as forums for even more questions and conversation. They also have forums dedicated to Sci-Fi and even Star Trek modeling if that is what interests you. Finally, one site I find extremely useful is Swanny's Models. The author, Matt Swan, primarily builds aircraft, but has painstakingly documented many of his builds and puts up all kinds of tutorials and tips on building. His pages on seam filling and Mr. Surfacer are great references. They can be found in the Tool and Tips section of his website.
