Global Scale Modeller

Second in a series of threads exploring modelling interests, tools and equipment while learning about each other


How do you build??

1. Strict sticking to the instruction sequence? Instructions be dammed? Full on scratch build?
2. Do you add or modify things or only assemble right out of box?
3. For multiple repeated items requiring assembly: will you make one item at a time or batch them?
4. Is there a ‘right way’ to build?

Don’t worry, we will keep secrets just between us

The easiest theme to put on my modelling over the years is...

10 minute modelling. I think through my plan for hours then execute in short bursts.

Not sure if this is what you are looking for??

That’s perfect
Looking for people to share and discuss,
that is all

My builds up to this point have been out of the box with a few modifications if the inspiration strikes. I've bought PE sets for all of my next builds and a resin stowage set for one of them. PE and I seem to be mortal enemies so I want to get better at working with it. I'd like to try painting figures as well. I think they're a good addition to a model when done right.

I generally follow the instruction order but not always. Building armor, there's definitely steps that can be saved for later in the assembly process.

I like trying new techniques with each of my builds. This can vary from how I do the weathering, chipping, scratches, rust etc. I've painted the exhausts differently on all of my builds so far. I guess I want to avoid all of my models looking exactly the same.

I like to assembly line multiple items.

There definitely isn't a "right" way to build. It's your model, do what you want with it. The whole world spider web net has made so much info about modeling techniques readily available. It's made a huge difference in my modeling. Thank you all for being part of that. You've absolutely pushed my modeling skills forward.

I look at the building plan of the kit, then at those of add on (resin, pe, etc..). I also look carefully at the pictures of the models. And then i begin the build with some inevitable scratch. And i prefer to batch repeated items, even if it's boring, to make the build faster. And the right way to build models is ... what the modeler decides to do!

Excellent responses from both you guys
Well said

I don't generally stick to the sequence indicated in the instructions. I take a look through a usually don't identify the spots that will cause me trouble. Then I start on what is usually a small sub assembly which could be half way through for example the turret on a tank. I feel like I'm making progress that way rather than starting on the wheels straight off.

I do both adding or replacing parts to kits I'm more fond of. The ones I don't care about as much is generally OB.

I've been caught out doing batches of assembles so I do them one assembly at a time now except for the painting.

Right way to build.....normally how someone else has done it or what ever works.

digger303 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:44 am I take a look through a usually don't identify the spots that will cause me trouble.

So true!

BigWall wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 3:23 am

digger303 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:44 am I take a look through a usually don't identify the spots that will cause me trouble.

So true!

I missed that subtlety

1. Strict sticking to the instruction sequence? Instructions be dammed? Full on scratch build?

Bit of "it depends"

For most builds, I will build 90% of what the instructions say, in the order it states. Places where I deviate are landing gear for aircraft if the geometry works out to mount them last. With tanks, I'll leave the extra stuff on the hull and turret off, paint them separately, then assemble.

Bandai kits I build nearly exclusively how the instruction put it. This may change when I build the 1/72 Millennium Falcon next year for the Summer Sci-Fi build. Heard it here first folks.

With my new infatuation for miniatures, I have a hard time nailing down how I do them. Some I assemble wholly and paint. Some I'll paint sub assemblies, then assemble. I'm still figuring them out.

2. Do you add or modify things or only assemble right out of box?

I'll occasionally use some detail up cockpits. For tanks I just about always buy a metal barrel for the kit if it's available. I've also bought some Tamiya odds and ends kits like fuel cans, etc. I seem to always add some extras from those kits now days.

I think in the future I'll get more into detail up kits. Big fan of adding extra stuff to tanks to make them look more alive; but, I think a lot of dudes go too far and it looks silly.

3. For multiple repeated items requiring assembly: will you make one item at a time or batch them?

Batch. I'll use a lot of labels so I don't lose track of what is what (think road wheels, tracks, sprockets and idlers.) Occasionally I will assemble one and use as a paint test bed, then batch the rest.

4. Is there a ‘right way’ to build?

Whatever works for you! It's silly to tell others how best to do their hobby.

For me, the right way is when it looks good to my eye and I don't lose interest in the build/hobby during the construction.

Hmmmm... I try to follow the instructions where possible on the basis that whoever wrote them knew more about the kit than me. That said - I do dry runs at every section primarily to test for fit and make sure I have actually understood the instructions. Its amazing how many times the sequence has to be altered.....

In the past I've built straight OOB but since being on this forum I have branched out tried my hand at a diorama, lighting kits, photo etch and so forth. Once I get straight here I can crack on with the Stingray submarine build where I get to venture into scratch building as there is no interior.

Where there are multiple items al the same I do tend to batch build and paint then if necessary modify to go along with the comments in point 2.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do anything (except EOD work.. ). Its however an individual feels comfortable. I read build threads on here and think at times "why do it that way? Is it better than how I've always done it?" and then when possible give it a try. If it suits me I'll carry on that way.

Well - thats my 2p's worth.....

Fascinating posts so far. Just shows how different approaches can still bring enjoyment to our wonderful hobby.

Why I buy what I buy

I buy based on subject and kit quality. I trust certain brands so will always consider their new releases and recent tools. I dont buy old kits with the intent on pimping them out - its not in my skill set. I love watching builds by the guys who do that but I know my limits

After market?

If it enhances the kit and the £ isnt stoopid I'll consider it. If its Emperors New Clothes then no way, it can kiss my ***

The instructions

I follow them subject to the order of the build making sense.

A tank build will often tell you to put the tracks on too early. I leave them till the end and usually after the kit has been painted.

The impact of Stokesy's painting plan

For anything other than a non-interior tank kit I assess the order of the build to take into account when something will need painting. On my recent Panzer IV I spent a substantial amount of time coming up with a plan for building the interior in a way that allowed me to paint it in a modular way and then slot the painted items into the hull. Whole sections of the instructions were bypassed then returned to because they didnt fit the plan. Conversely, when I built Tamiya's new 1/35 Panther I just smashed through the instructions and did what I was told. It was a Tamiya new tool kit so I trusted that if I just let it lead me by the nose I would end the build phase with a lovely looking big cat all ready to paint.

Weathering

I have distinct methods for weathering armor as opposed to aircraft. With armor my process has evolved massively since I came back to the hobby. I love being able to assess the weathering based on the setting. For example, dust versus mud versus snow - where was the kit I am building, what battle, what front? It all makes a massive difference to what gets slapped onto the vehicle. I'm always looking at new products and processes.

For aircraft my process is far less developed, mostly because I am still finding a way to come up with a good process for priming and painting the base colors. I've just started to build a helicopter and the plan for that is a light grey prime, white marbling, pre-shading then the base coat. Its a war build so I plan to give the paint a faded look by not laying it down too thickly. As for weathering, I will chip it (lightly) apply engine stains and a wash to bring out all the beautiful rivet work and panel details

Build threads

I love making a build thread, it adds to the build for me. It challenges me to come up with a coherent post that people will enjoy. Displaying my work challenges me to strive for quality as I know people will see it.

The forum

Love it and love the people. It and they add to the hobby so what's not to like?

Stokesy44

1. It depends on the build. Most of my kits I buy with some bashing in mind, but occasionally, I get a kit to build OOB. For those I build OOB, I usually follow the directions for sub-assemblies, but I've built a few kits where the assembly order did not make sense to me, so I come up with a procedure of my own. For the kits I bash, I follow the instructions as far as they're useful.

2. Mostly I modify. As I said above, I usually buy kits with an eye towards turning them into something else. Even on kits that I build OOB, I often remake or modify some of the parts if I don't like the supplied parts.

3. Build one completely to make sure there are no hidden problems, then batch the rest.

4. The "right" way to build is the way that suits the builder.

Some really great answers in here, was hoping we would get a good discussion like this
My two cents on this

1. I rarely follow instructions, will jump around and make subassemblies a lot. But, I do read through and try to figure things out first.
My ultimate goal is to be able to scratch build anything I want with styrene or brass or 3D resin printing OR in combination

2. I can never seem to leave well enough alone and always do something extra to a kit. It would be a personal nightmare to have to build something EXACTLY to instructions and box art.

3. I have to make 32 canons for a pirate ship, so am testing the batch building thing. I broke them down into groups of eight as I am worried about losing parts if I have too many loose at one time. Matthew had me do a motorcycle build batching parts by paint colour...it worked but the OCD organizing of loose bits was a bit nerve wracking.
4. The 'right' way to build is whatever darn way you want

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 5:38 pm Some really great answers in here, was hoping we would get a good discussion like this
My two cents on this

1. I rarely follow instructions, will jump around and make subassemblies a lot. But, I do read through and try to figure things out first.
My ultimate goal is to be able to scratch build anything I want with styrene or brass or 3D resin printing OR in combination

2. I can never seem to leave well enough alone and always do something extra to a kit. It would be a personal nightmare to have to build something EXACTLY to instructions and box art.

3. I have to make 32 canons for a pirate ship, so am testing the batch building thing. I broke them down into groups of eight as I am worried about losing parts if I have too many loose at one time. Matthew had me do a motorcycle build batching parts by paint colour...it worked but the OCD organizing of loose bits was a bit nerve wracking.
4. The 'right' way to build is whatever darn way you want

I'd like to add a 5th question....... How many remove mold lines and how anal do you get. Me I'm there trying to remove all of them I guess that's anal....

I spent over an hour typing a thorough and detailed response only to have it disappear when I pressed the submit button. I guess I evidently have no secrets when it comes to scale modeling.

DRUMS01 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:51 am I spent over an hour typing a thorough and detailed response only to have it disappear when I pressed the submit button. I guess I evidently have no secrets when it comes to scale modeling.

That is a horrible experience when that happens although sometimes when you press the back button it will come back and still there waiting to be submitted.

digger303 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:48 am I'd like to add a 5th question....... How many remove mold lines and how anal do you get. Me I'm there trying to remove all of them I guess that's anal....

I'm every anal about mold lines!

BigWall wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:10 am

digger303 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:48 am I'd like to add a 5th question....... How many remove mold lines and how anal do you get. Me I'm there trying to remove all of them I guess that's anal....

I'm every anal about mold lines!

Oh yes, I hate when I miss a mold line

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:45 am

BigWall wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:10 am

digger303 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:48 am I'd like to add a 5th question....... How many remove mold lines and how anal do you get. Me I'm there trying to remove all of them I guess that's anal....

I'm every anal about mold lines!

Oh yes, I hate when I miss a mold line

Sometimes I only spot them when I take pics for the forum. My pride takes over and I have to remove them, I cant have people realizing the truth!!!!

I like to thoroughly research a build before I even buy a kit. From that research I can decide what kit offers the best accuracy, quality and doesn't require aftermarket, PE etc. I then buy and either build or add to the stash for later, there is my biggest weakness the stash just keeps getting digger

I tend to study the instructions and like Digger try to identify areas that are likely to cause issues, need filling or other work and require painting before assembly. I also build in a way that allows easier painting/weathering, that could mean I build completely out of sequence with the instructions. I nearly always dry fit, that said I somethings get caught out, in that an assembly goes together really well. So assume multiple assemblies will fit only to discover they don't, recent Hayabusa rear/light/cowling

I'm not a fast builder, not helped by work/life balance but I get there.

Most importantly I build for myself not to please others

1. Strict sticking to the instruction sequence? Instructions be dammed? Full on scratch build? I will mostly stick to the instructions, but I do bounce around to build sub-assemblies to make painting easier.

2. Do you add or modify things or only assemble right out of box? I have added a few things in the past, but lately it has been OOB builds.

3. For multiple repeated items requiring assembly: will you make one item at a time or batch them? I build them in batches.

4. Is there a ‘right way’ to build? The "right way" is the way you are building "right now". I do not believe there is a right or wrong way to build.

Stokesy44 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:32 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:45 am

BigWall wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 1:10 am

I'm every anal about mold lines!

Oh yes, I hate when I miss a mold line

Sometimes I only spot them when I take pics for the forum. My pride takes over and I have to remove them, I cant have people realizing the truth!!!!

Ha ha! I've done the same thing

I still consider myself a newbie, come this December I've only been building models for 5 years, but here's my take on it.

1. Strict sticking to the instruction sequence? Instructions be dammed? Full on scratch build?

I tend to use the instructions for the part numbers and assembly of parts/sub assemblies, but don't necessarily build in the suggested stage order. At the start of a build I take a quick look through and cross reference with any aftermarket bits, but other than that I build in an order that is logical to me.

2. Do you add or modify things or only assemble right out of box?

Yes, where I think it's necessary or will enhance the model. I don't bother when it can't be seen, but will add bits to add interest or for aesthetics, not necessarily because it's accurate.

3. For multiple repeated items requiring assembly: will you make one item at a time or batch them?

I tend to build the first one so I know how it goes together and to figure out the build order and any tricky parts, then batch the rest. The caveat to this will be individual track links. With these I tend to do a run of 20 or so every time I sit at the bench. After a few sessions I have enough lengths to make an entire track, without the tedium of sitting for a few hours and doing it in one go.

4. Is there a ‘right way’ to build?

Nope, as long as you are having fun. My only self imposed rule is "know when to walk away from the bench", ie if you are getting frustrated, or tired or not having fun, take a break.

1. Strict sticking to the instruction sequence? Instructions be dammed? Full on scratch build?
It's very rare these days that I stick to the build sequence shown in the instructions and in a lot of cases I've started questioning whether the people who engineered the kit ever talked to the people who design the instructions or if anyone actually built the kit before shipping it over to manufacturing. Like just about everyone has said I'll study the instructions quite a bit before cutting styrene mostly to see which subassemblies make sense for painting etc. As for scratch building I generally do that if I've broken or dropped something and can't find it
2. Do you add or modify things or only assemble right out of box?
I like to build out of the box if I can these days, but will add stuff if I think it'll a) be visible and b) add to the visual appeal of the finished result. When I got back into the hobby I was blown away by the amount of AM available and went mad on a couple of kits with a ton of add-ons that frankly weren't needed
3. For multiple repeated items requiring assembly: will you make one item at a time or batch them?
Yep generally make the first one to make sure I understand how it goes together and then batch them in manageable numbers - also not afraid to tweak the assembly as I go and find process changes that make more sense with a little experience
4. Is there a ‘right way’ to build?
Yep - whatever works for you

And yep I'm also anal about removing mould lines and ejector pin marks if they're on visible surfaces. I won't bother if it's obvious that they won't be seen on the finished item unless they interfere with the fit

As for secrets... when I was young I wanted to be an airline pilot when I grew up, but my eyesight without glasses wasn't up to the required standard