Basic information about various hobby and craft topics.

Showing posts with label Model Building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Model Building. Show all posts

Friday, May 17, 2013

Mr. Rodger's House HO Scale Model Train Buildings and Houses


Mr. Rodger's House HO Scale Model Train Buildings and Houses



Mr. Rodger's House HO Scale Model Train Buildings and Houses
Model Power has designed this pre-built house for use in your Ho Scale railroad layout and diorama settings. Mr. Rogers' House is perfect for your rural and small town settings.
FEATURES:
Pre-wired plastic styrene house.
Colors: dark blue, tan, gray, and white.
Includes 2 handpainted figures (man and woman dressed for work).
Mr. Rogers has decided that his two-story home is not big enough for his growing family so he is adding a room. He has completed the sub-floor and started the sides. The older portion of the home has dark blue siding, a gray shingled roof, white shutters and windows, plus a white front door. Mr. Rogers house has many windows.
INCLUDES:
One HO Scale Lighted House -Mr. Rogers (Assembled)
COMMENTS:
This house will complement any diorama setting Back To HO Scale Buildings and Structures

© 2013 Hobby Hobnob

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Model Paints For Hobby and Craft Uses

Model Paints For Hobby and Craft Uses There is a group of paints found in hobby and craft stores called model paints. Although these paints are manufactured specifically for plastic models, they are useful for many other craft, hobby, and home uses. Model paints are very high quality paints in which the pigments have been ground extremely fine. This process provides the scale thickness necessary for accurate and beautiful plastic models. Although the paints are manufactured specifically for styrene plastics - other enamel paints will 'melt' the plastic - hobby paints have many other uses. Since the paints are outdoor quality, they are useful for many craft projects which must be placed outdoors. Model paints are also ideal for ceramics and stone painting and they may be used on many other surfaces - wood, fabric, leather, and Styrofoam. Wax candles may also be painted with hobby paints. Fisherman who make their own lures may use the bright florescent colors to enhance their visibility in the water. Around the home, hobby paints are useful for appliance touch-up. Model paints are commonly available in solvent based enamel, in four types of finishes - gloss, flat, metallic, and Kandy. The paints produce a hard, durable surface. Clean-up and thinning are accomplished with solvent type thinners and cleaners. Gloss finishes are used for model car bodies, ceramics, appliance touch-up, and other surfaces needing a glossy finish. Flat finishes are used on military models and other craft projects needing a flat, dull finish. Metallic paints have finely ground aluminum flakes in them to give the paints a shiny, metallic sheen. Kandy colors are transparent colors which are used with a base coat. Many beautiful colors can be achieved by altering the base coat used under these colors. Model paints can be purchased in 1/4 oz. or 1/2 ounce bottles and may be applied with a brush or airbrush. Three ounce spray cans are also available for easy application on models or other craft projects. Paint pens can be used for lettering, striping, models, and other purposes. Hobby paints may be purchased singly, or in economical sets. Testors, one of the leading manufactures of hobby paints, has introduced a type of hobby paint called Acryl. This is a water based enamel, completely compatible with solvent enamels. Like the solvent based enamels, Acryl is lead free and non-toxic. As an added bonus, Acryl is odorless and is thinned and cleaned up with water. The paints may be hand brushed or air brushed, and can be used on fabric with the addition of a fabric medium. Finishes are similar to the solvent enamels - gloss, flat, metallic and clear. Clear finishes are similar to Kandy colors. They are transparent colors which are used with a base coat. Unique colors can be achieved with experimentation - vary the base coat and the final coat will be a color which can't be duplicated any other way. Model paints have many hobby and craft uses, are durable and versatle. Any hobbyist or crafter is sure to find many uses for these paints. Back to Building Plastic Model Kits

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Steps In Building A Plastic Model Kit

Model Building Hobby Knife

Building plastic models is a fascinating hobby in which you will find just about any model classification to suit your interests. There are many types of models from which to choose - cars, boats, airplanes, to mention just a few.

Whatever model you choose to build, the basic steps to successfully construct it are the same. Master the steps, and anyone can build really nice models.

The first step is - and get ready for this - Read The Instructions! Make sure you understand what's involved before you start building. Assemble the tools and supplies you will need to complete the model. Some items needed for successful assembly - paint, model glue, hobby knife, tweezers, toothpicks, sprue or fingernail clippers, building board, wax paper, paper towels, paintbrush, and paint thinner. Choose a work area out of the way of other activities. The model will require a little time to build, and you don't want it in the way of other activities. Alternatively, assemble on a building board which can be moved under a bed or other storage area between building sessions.

Open the parts bags, and carefully spread them out on a flat surface near your work area - do not cut any parts from sprues at this time! The sprue many times has identifying numbers on it to help you identify the part. Using the parts list included in the instructions, find and identify each part. If any are missing, call the manufacturer. Information you will need is the model number and part number. The model number can be found on the side of the box, and the part number is found on the plans. Most model manufacturers have 800 numbers listed in the plans to call for missing parts. The part will be shipped to you free, but may take a couple of weeks.

Now, carefully wash the model in warm water in which a small amount of dish soap has been dissolved. This is to remove the mold release manufacturers use to pop the model parts from the mold during the manufacturing process. If it's not removed, paint and glue may not adhere properly to the model. Rinse and allow the parts to air dry or dry with a hair dryer set on LOW if you want to begin work immediately.

If you are going to paint the model, now is the time to decide which parts to paint before assembly, and which parts should be assembled first, and then painted. Study the instructions to help with this step. A good rule of thumb is - small parts are usually best painted on the sprue, and larger parts and body parts are best painted after assembly. Most models are easier to build if they are built and painted in steps. Motors and other small assemblies should be assembled and painted, then installed in the model frame. The model body is assembled, painted and the smaller parts added. Think of the completed model as a series of small models which must be painted and assembled first. These smaller models are then used to construct the larger, finished model.

Once the plastic model is completed, the decals are applied. Cut them singly from the sheet and apply where the instructions depict. A drop of water placed on the model before the decal is placed will make it easier to move the decal into final position.

It's important to use the proper materials when painting and gluing the model. Model paints are formulated for plastic models. The pigments in these paints are also ground extremely fine, to give them scale thickness. Other paints will cause the model to be out of scale, or worse, possibly 'melt' the plastic because the solvents in it are not compatible with the plastic.

Model cements are best to use, because they will melt the plastic together, creating a stronger bond. Model cements are available in an odor free, non-toxic formula for younger children.

Tools are just as important in model building as they are in any other endeavor. Use a hobby knife, fingernail clipper, or sprue cutter to cut parts from sprue - don't just tear them off. A neat cut will be achieved with one of these tools. Test all parts before assembly - trim flash and shave parts carefully as needed to ensure a perfect fit. Spread glue on parts with a paintbrush, or toothpick for an even coat. Use glue sparingly to cut down on sanding after assembly and before painting.

Now it's time to display the completed model! Car models may be displayed in clear acrylic model cases. These protect the model from dust and inquisitive fingers. The cases stack for easy storage. Airplane models may be hung from the ceiling in realistic dives, or placed on the display stands which come with many of them. Boat models frequently are too big for display cases, but usually come with their own display stands. All plastic models may be displayed in a diorama. This is a scene constructed specifically for the model, to place it in a realistic setting. Back to Building Plastic Model Kits

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Building Plastic Model Kits - Hobby For Many Interest

Model building is one of the most popular hobbies, and it's easy to see why. A lot of satisfaction is derived from building and displaying plastic models. Most hobbyists specialize and form collections of the types of models that interest them. If you love automobiles, you will find a model for just about any kind of car you enjoy. Aviation enthusiasts can own the plane, or planes, of their dreams. Military buffs can choose from a large selection of military figures, boats, and armor.

Automobile models are by far the most popular model to build. Many people enjoy building a model of their first car. If you have a favorite car, and can't afford the real thing - why not build a plastic model of it? Some hobbyists enjoy building certain classes of the cars that interest them . Sports cars, classic cars, antique cars, race cars, trucks, muscle cars - the list of cars available as models is endless. The model kits are highly detailed, and many can be built two or three different ways.

Military veterans and aficionados may enjoy building and collecting military aircraft. These hobbyists will find virtually every type and class of military airplane ever made. All major conflicts in which aircraft played a role are represented - World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Desert Storm. Plastic Models of commercial and small aircraft may also be built.

Ships of the high seas can also be modeled. Most model boat kits are military ships, exceptions being made for the Titanic and some other odds and ends. Modern aircraft carriers, World War II battleships and carriers are the most prevalent model kits offered. Maritime classics like the USS Constitution and the Bounty are also fun to build.

Superhero and classic movie models are now becoming popular, with figures like the Hulk, Spiderman, and Storm. Polar Lights is bringing back some of the classic kits from the 60's by Aurora. These plastic model kits feature scenes from old television shows and movies like Addams Family Living Room, The Bride Of Frankenstein, and The Wolfman. These kits are neat, and collectable.

It's easy and fun to get started building plastic models. Kits can be found in varying levels to match the proficiency of the model builder. Snap kits, or skill level one, are ideal starter kits for kids or adults. Little or no glue is needed and there are not a lot of parts to deal with. These models don't need to be painted, but they can be, if desired. Cars and airplanes can both be found as snap kits. Most of the car kits have rolling wheels, which means the car can be played with when completed.

Skill Level Two and Three kits have increasingly more details and parts. These kits necessarily require more gluing and painting. With patience, and acquired skill, anyone can build museum quality models for display.

Revell/Monogram and AMT Ertl in recent years have begun to offer Deluxe Kits. These kits are wonderful birthday and Christmas gifts, because they contain all the paint and glue needed for assembly. A paint brush is also included in the kit.

There are many more kinds of plastic models that can be covered in this column. Model building as a hobby is useful and educational, as many models can add a sense of realism to history lessons. Space and science fiction models may spur an interest in astronomy and space science.

Steps In Building A Plastic Model Kit Model Paints For Hobby and Craft Uses Back to Hobby List