Tips on Building Revell Model Airplane Kits

Can you remember the very first plastic model kit you built? Mine, a Revell '57 Chevy, began a lifelong hobby that I will never grow out of. Back then, Revell made some of the highest quality kits available. Judging by the 1/48 scale F-15 I purchased today they have only gotten better.

As with any hobby, spend some time (and money) preparing your workspace and materials. A nice set of tools and a dedicated area to work will enhance the joy of model building and ensure a higher quality airplane to display.

It's impossible to have too many tools and resource materials. Paintbrushes, hobby knives, clamps, tweezers, files, sandpapers, masking tape, magnifying lenses, and aircraft reference books/magazines will all come in handy. An airbrush and Dremel tool are good investments. Airbrushes are very handy but spray paints are available in enough colours and still do a nice job. There's no need to spend a fortune to build an awesome model. An elastic band or a clothes pin can do the same job as a fancy clamp. Just be sure to have what you need, especially if the model builder is a youngster that might get discouraged and lose interest.

Revell model airplane kits specify the skill level required. Don't discourage a beginner with a difficult model, or disappoint an experienced builder with a simple kit. Greater accuracy and details on any model aircraft can be accomplished by studying reference books and magazines.

Getting Started:

Read and follow the directions. Avoid irreversible mistakes by fully understanding the directions before touching anything. Revell kits include a list of paint colours to help you get started. Don't forget cements and thinners.

The injection moulding process leaves a light film of oil on the parts. Before removing any parts from the sprue they should be washed off in a bowl of soapy water. Snapping parts off usually damages them always use a nice sharp razor knife.

Painting: