Helpful hints that can most likely be found in better forms elsewhere.
I suggest joining some (all) of the relevant Yahoo! Clubs. There are nice message boards giving a
chance to talk to and get help from other modelers and you get to look at all these pretty pictures
of completed models that they (and myself) have posted there.
Note: these are derived from and for 1:35 scale armour and figurines.
NEVER EVER DRINK AND MODEL Its just not worth it ;)
Files
I have read how (finger) nail files are good for modeling but where to get some from.
Any good modeler is going to have some sand paper ... well glue some to some ice block sticks. Super Glue (cyanoacrylate) works well.
This allows for variations. The stick can be shaped and the grit of the sandpaper is up to you.
I have found the resulting files to be more useful than my metal ones mainly because of the fineness of the grit (1000+).
The resulting files are also cheap...basically disposable but they do last a while.
Double sided sticky Tape
I often use this to check the fit of multiple parts. Especially the fit of arms of figurines...Important for a two handed grip on a weapon
Trying to hold a figure together without some kind of adhesive to check this fit is pretty much impossible.
I also use it to stick small components to a larger object (often an ice block stick) for the purpose of painting and drying.
Although I use pins to mount heads for painting. Those books and guides that suggest painting on the sprue are quite frankly wrong.
Flash (and other defections) are pretty much impossible to remove without cutting the part out.
And there is also the spot where the part was connected to the sprue. Better to cut the part out, clean it up, stick it to something big such as an ice block stick, paint it etc then glue it to the model.
This is very good for figurine arms.
The fit of the weapon (for figures)
I personally dislike the fit of the weapons in the models I have bought.
Generally the gun does not fit
Anyway here's what I do for 1:35 scale.
If trying to follow the instructions (otherwise adapt the below)
Look at the picture (box art). Look at how its sort of supposed to go.
Grab the torso. sticky tape the arms on...holding the gun sort of in the right pose ... does it look like its going to fit perfectly? No? Really?
1)Keep testing the fit
2)Note the sticky tape has some width (but not much)
First i check the instructions for chest (body) pouches ... yes the model company will not have taken account of these with respect to the fit of the arms and gun(s).
I glue these on first (painting as i go).
Recheck fit
Sand file etc the pouches to accommodate the arms, gun
repaint (yes i really am this inefficient)
I then try to mold the trigger hand to the gun with respect to how it must be held.
Recheck fit
I use my knife heated a little (NOT open flame one the model the finger(s) will die)
Cut the trigger, guard&trigger of the gun if you want it to be firing.
Bend finger to fit. If it matters to you... stretch some sprue and put the guard back.
If it breaks (stretches white) sometimes a LITTLE styrene glue (which is mainly solvent) will help
Bend the bottom fingers in a little (Generally always needed)
Recheck fit
Swear at me (and or a deity) if it all goes to hell
Got it fitting okay?
The other hand is often easier.
Use the same techniques (heat etc) and perhaps some filing to fit.
I sometimes cut & reglue this hand to fix fit problems.
Its all okay?
Here's my assembly suggestion (note its make or break)
Put on arms with double sided tape dab (styrene) glue into trigger hand (only). Fit gun.
Get some superglue on a wooden stick (pointy applicator).
Glue gun to trigger hand
Note: Super glue is easy to screw up.
This FILLS ANY GAPS and to my eye makes a better job than styrene glue.
Remove arm let dry.
Touch up paint job.
put all together...with the gun already attached to one arm assembly is a breeze.
Attention to detail
For figures (in no particular order)
Remove flash and seams that should not be present (always good to check before filing).
Paint (spray) a thin coat of paint to a) Highlight seams (edges)
b) Help with later light colours on dark plastic
Add straps - go on its not hard (Use PAPER soaked in super glue to set hard)
Cut & file molded straps off and replace with plastic /paper ones)
Attach pouches etc naturally....even if that means hanging off body on straps.
Super glue and paper is strong and inflexible.
Styrene glue and plastic often attaches well to the figure but is often hard to work with as it take longer to set and fine plastic can "melt" badly.
I actually use super glue to attach most pouches etc as it acts a gap filler and makes the resulting fit look better
Paint the eyes. Make the figure look at something (not cross-eyed etc). I use a fine paint brush
(000) which is not used for anything else. I have been known to use toothpicks but I like the brush
better.
Add things like coat draw strings (in super glue soaked cotton).