Scratch building is when you make a model "from scratch", just using raw materials and bits and pieces that you would generally throw away and things you would find around the house. A good example of suitable material is your breakfast cereal box...

Kit bashing is when you take two or more model kits to make something unique to you. This may include parts that you already have in your spares box as well. Another way of explaining it: kit bashing is the art of creating something else out of...

The main problem, which we have all been guilty of at one time or another is using too much glue. The secret is: "you don't need very much glue". When it comes to applying the glue to the model, try using a cocktail stick/tooth pick or a...

Even if officially classified as a hardwood, balsa wood is a very soft wood, so extreme care should be taken when handling and cutting. It comes in many thicknesses and can be bought in sheets or square lengths. When cutting sheets is it best to...

Ejector pins are used in the injection moulding process of the manufacturing of plastic kits and die cast kits. They apply force to eject the part from the mould: once it has been opened, the pins extend in to the mould and push the part out. They...

The principle is quite straightforward: as you are painting your figure or model there may be parts that you don't want to have to retouch if your brush should slip or take on a mind of its own. It is like masking tape but in liquid form. Simply...

This is really dependent on what it is you plan to glue. There are several different glues for different materials.  If you are planning on gluing a plastic kit, then the best glue to use is polystyrene cement. Some modellers use superglue or...

BEWARE RISK OF BURNS With most plastic, hot water is usually enough to bend it. If you are straightening weapon barrels that have gone a bit wayward then place them under the hot tap and let it run until the water is too hot to touch. This...

A G clamp is traditionally used in wood working for holding pieces of wood in place whilst being glued etc and come in many sizes. In the world of modelling you can get a sized down version, which you can use for clamping more or less anything...

A scalpel is used for precision work such as cutting around decals, where a good clean cut is required. Always try and make sure that you use the scalpel for tasks such as this and it will help to keep the blade sharp. Whereas a knife is used for...

That would very much depend on what it is you are trying to glue the balsa wood to, if you are gluing it to another piece of balsa wood, I would say either balsa cement or PVA glue. This would be the same for gluing it to cardboard, paper and...

You will be able to feel the blade dragging and resisting as you draw the knife over what it is you are trying to cut. With a new blade, there should not be any resistance at all. This is something that will become easier to assess with...