All About Trimming & Assembling The Components Of A Ship Model Kit
No doubt building sailing ship model kits needs a lot of time and patience, but it is a fun hobby that can be taken up by almost every individual. In the end, you’ll get a cool model to show off. However, for precision, trimming and assembling every component plays a crucial role.
Get the components for the 1st part that you’re going to assemble
Check the instructions and get the 1st box with the initial part. Note down the numbers on the diagram and then get the components on the frame with the identical numbers. Remember that the model kit may include several frames.
Use craft blade or clippers to cut the components off
Snip the necessary components using clippers by holding the frame in the hand. On the other hand, set the frame down on a cutting mat, and cut them off using a hobby blade. Avoid cutting right next to the component, or you may finish up getting a crack in the component. Avoid breaking the components off either. Simply cut off the components for the part that you’re making and avoid cutting other components off just yet.
Use a file or craft blade to smooth the spurs down
Little stubs might be left behind while cutting the components of sailing ship model kits. Use a scrape or file to sand them off at a 90-degree angle. Be slow and careful. Remember, the sanding will eliminate the paint from the components (if painted) and you’ll need to use a small brush for touch up. However, use a small file to get rid of seams, or you can simply use a craft blade to scrape them off.
Dry fit the components and make adjustments if required
Grab the 1st two components that are supposed to be glued collectively and put them jointly. If they fit, glue them. If they don’t fit, trim down the obstacle using a craft blade or a file. Remember, they don’t always flawlessly fit together, especially the ones of a cheap quality model. So, do not be concerned regarding minor openings. Putty can be used to fill them later on.
Applying model glue to the components
As per professional hobbyists, plastic model cement is a superior alternative. It acts as a solvent to melt and weld the plastic jointly. Ensure the glue/solvent is applied to the areas that are touching. A thin layer of glue must be used because the excess of it will seep out between the components. Small gaps can be filled using additional cement or glue, however, avoid the bigger gaps yet.
Press the components for thirty seconds
30 seconds must be adequate for the majority of components to bond. If the glue needs you to grip them jointly for longer than that, using rubber bands, wooden cloth pins or masking tape would be better to use.
Finally, let every component dry totally. The amount of time taken to dry the glue basically depends on the quality of sailing ship model kits. Usually, it requires around fifteen to thirty minutes for drying completely, however, the curing time is normally in hours.
