Building plastic models of military vehicles such as tanks, airplanes, and ships is a rewarding and creative hobby that requires patience and attention to detail. If you’re new to this world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety of kits, tools, and techniques involved in building realistic models. This guide will give you a brief overview of the six key stages of plastic model building, each of which will be explored in detail in follow-up articles.

Whether you’re interested in WWII tanks, modern fighter jets, or naval destroyers, these stages apply universally to most military models.

Stage 1: Picking Up the Right Model Kit Stage

The most vital and the first step is choosing the right plastic model kit. As a beginner, you should focus on kits which are aimed for your skill level. Since military models come in different scales, levels of complexity, and types such as snap-together kits and glue kits, it is of prime importance to pick one that is within your capability and area of interest.

  • Skill Level:  Should be looking at kits labeled as “Beginner” or “Skill Level 1” as this will guarantee that they do not have a difficult structure.
  • Model Type: If it keeps you more interested would you like to move to tank models first, or an airplane or a ship model.
  • Complete Kits: Some starter kits include not only the model but also the glue, paints and brushes which makes it easier to begin without the concern of buying anything else.
Example of beginner plastic model kits of military tanks, airplanes, and ships.
Example of beginner plastic model kit of Leopard tank by Revell

For a more detailed reading on how to select the most appropriate model for your very first project off the plastic model kits, read our entire article on model kits for beginners.

Stage 2: Acquiring Basic Tools and Everyday Materials

Once a kit is decided, the person is required to collect a set of tools which are necessary for assembly. In crafting models, tools that cut properly make the whole process easier and make it less tedious.

  • Sprue Cutters: Used while separating the parts from the sprue with care.
  • Hobby Knife: Used to cut off the extra plastic pieces and any minor faults on the structure.
  • Tweezers: Used in gripping small minute pieces.
  • Sanding Sticks: Used to smoothen edges and seams between 2 parts.
  • Plastic Cement: Used to join different parts securely.
Essential tools for model building, including sprue cutters, hobby knife, tweezers, and many more.
Essential tools for model building, including sprue cutters, hobby knife, tweezers, and many more.

We’ve compiled a full list of the tools you’ll need in our article on essential model building tools.

Stage 3: Readiness of the Components

There is an order that must be followed in any assembling process. And it all begins with readiness of the components. Sectioning of components from the sprue, trimming and dry fitting are included in this process.

  • Cutting Carefully: To remove components without damaging them, sprue cutters must be used.
  • Sanding: Lightly sanding the edges to achieve desired parameters.
  • Test Fitting: Attempt to glue components together to understand where and how they must be joined.
Cutting model parts from sprues.
Cutting model parts from sprues.

These few refinements eventually eliminate the chances of larger conflicts. We also have put together a comprehensive article that looks over part preparation in detail should you wish to know more information.

Stage 4: Assembling the Model

Now that your components are readied, it is time to get their job done. What would work best is if the assembler had a calm and collected mind, since this would ensure a job with no flaws. The entirety of assembling a model may take several steps, depending on its detail.

Applying glue in controlled amounts is essential as applying it excessively may ruin the entire model. And remember to only apply enough glue for a secure hold.

Refrain from trying it all at once, putting together everything at once only causes you to make a bigger mess. Instead, take a larger component and integrate smaller parts into it.

Use supports whenever larger elements require gluing, rubber bands or even masking tape can be of assistance to help hold them in place.

Assembling a plastic model requires a glue or a cement.
Assembling a plastic model requires a glue or a cement.

Get more information on how to properly join parts together in models in our article devoted to assembly techniques.

Stage 5: Painting the Model

The stage that follows will make or break your model as it involves painting the model. This is the stage that brings out the true realism and detail in a military model as paintings do wonders. You must proceed with this step with great caution as different parts of the model will require different techniques.

  • Base Coat: A uniform surface area can be achieved by applying a primer.
  • Layering Colors: In order to avoid leaving brush marks, thin layers of paint can be used while adding up additional colors.
  • Detail Work: For more believable detailing, paint smaller components and add effects such as rust, dirt etc.
Painting a military model tank with a base coat using an airbrush
Painting a Tiger I tank model with a base coat using an airbrush

Whether you’re using brushes or airbrushes, painting can be an art in itself. Our diverse painting guide goes into further detail on the wide variety of techniques that are available.

Stage 6: Adding the Decals

Most models will require texture and detailing that should ideally add insignias, a camouflage and an identification number, all these together are known as a decal. Once the details have been added, more finishing touches can be added to increase the uniqueness of the model.

So, in order to ease the application of the decals, soak them into water for a little. This would loosen the decals which mean that it would be easier to slide them into their desired positions. However, make sure to place them carefully and secure them using tweezers and cover them up with a brush afterwards.

Seal the model in order to protect the model after placing the decals, a final layer of polished varnish can be used for a better appearance of the model.

Applying decals and finishing touches to a plastic model of airplane.
Applying decals and finishing touches to a plastic model of airplane.

Once your decals are applied, consider adding weathering effects for extra realism. Check out our article on decals and final touches for more detailed instructions.

Conclusion: Commence with your Modeling!

To embark on such tangible transformations, you need to start somewhere. Having got a quick overview of the six stages of building a plastic model, you are ready to start your own project! Now this article reviews, step by step, the process of building models; each step includes a number of skills and techniques which will be elaborated on in the subsequent articles:

Each of these articles will guide you through the process step-by-step, helping you build your first military model with confidence. Stay tuned for more detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations in each upcoming part of the series.

Happy modeling!