To create a miniature replica, the model builder has to take the time and care to build a model to look real. The first step in building a model is to plan out the project; the kit manufacturer typically provides an instruction sheet (or guide), often including suggestions for ease of assembly along with colour references for markings and colour schemes. Understanding this guide will help in planning out the final model as well as determining the stages of assembly, painting and detailing.
Finding more information is required to build a precise replica. The kit instruction sheet/ guide may be only one place to go for information. If you need model building information, you may find that a general source such as a book or magazine may help. If you require exact details about your modelling project, then specialized research may be necessary. The best source of information is a first- hand collection of data such as seeing the original item in person to take notes, drawings or photographs. The next best sources are specialized research materials such as manuals, photographs, interviews and other second-hand sources. After these sources are reference sources such as books, magazines or other materials that cover the subject in a more general manner.
Model building can be a set of skills to be learned but with help and practice, it can also be fun to learn. If you find that you also can benefit from a group of friends getting together to talk and learn about modelling, consider a model club. Having a model club may be much more useful than any model kits information guide. You can share experiences, swap stories as well as parts and tools and find that you will gain much more from modelling!
General Sources:
Angle, Burt, ed., Hints and Tips for Plastic Modeling, IPMS USA, Kalmbach Publishing,
1980.
Best of the Basics from Fine Scale Modeler Magazine, The, Wakeusha, WI, Kalmbach
Publishing, 1992.
Hembree, Mark, ed., Scale Modeling Tips and Techniques, Wakeusha, WI, Kalmbach Publishing,
1992.
Jackson, Albert & Day, David, The ModelmakerUs Handboook, New York, Knopf, 1982.
Schleicher, Robert., ed., Building Plastic Models, Wakeusha, WI, Kalmbach Publishing,
1976.
Specialized Sources:
Fine Scale Modeler, Wakeusha, WI,Kalmbach Publishing.
RT, IPMS Canada, PO Box 626, Stn. B, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5P7
Squadron/Signal Publications, 1115 Crowley Dr., Carrolton, Texas, 75006
Model Organizations/Clubs:
IPMS USA c/o P.O. Box 6138, Warner Robins, GA 31095-6138
IPMS CANADA c/o P.O. Box 626, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5P7
There are also IPMS organizations worldwide, check with a local hobby shop for an address in your country.
These parent organizations can put you in touch with local IPMS chapters which are the most common model clubs. The following, for example is the model club to which I belong:
IPMS Winnipeg, c/o S. Hay, Secretary- Treasurer
598 Taunus Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2G 3Y1
phone: (204) 654-1700
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