New to Scale Modeling? Avoid These Five Beginner Mistakes! 

Any mistakes you think I missed? Let's hear them in the comments! 👇

You forgot step 3.5! DO NOT SPILL THE TAMIYA CEMENT!!

I'm 68 and can remember putting together many 2 dollar AMT car kits with a 20 cent tube of cement. Good days.

A piece of advice I wish I knew when I started was to identify, and control the “completion high.” Jumping from one complete kit right into another build may lead to burnout, or silly/avoidable mistakes. I know the mantra is “never stop building.” But it’s ok to take breaks between models. Recoup, refresh, get new ideas, practice techniques. Then hit the next project.

Also a tip I would like to share: do NOT cut off all the parts off a sprue. You will have a hard time remembering what number belonged to what part.

I think your best tip was the last one. I'll never forget the second model I built as a kid. I got super, super impatient because I just wanted to get it done. It did not look good at all. I ended up buying the same kit again years later to do it again...the right way.

Started building models when I was a kid in the 1960s. Back then the goal was get it done fast. Then go fly missions in the backyard before the sun went down when you could still smell the glue, and the decals were still wet. First one I painted was a little Revell Zero which ended up gold.

Started building models over 60 years ago but haven't built any in decades. I am amazed how far models have come over the years and the tools and accessories available. Although i no longer build, I enjoy watching videos like these. You do an excellent job communicating information. Always enjoy your stuff.....and your builds too.

Great beginner tips! I'd add 1.5: Wash the parts first. Manufacturer's spray silicone mold release agent onto the molds to help the plastic parts come away easily. Have you ever had a small part that the liquid plastic cement just won't stick, or do you find previously cemented parts sometimes fall off really easily? If you do that'll be silicone spray residue that prevents the cement melting the part. Try washing your parts in warm water and washing up liquid (not really hot water, the parts will warp)... no more glue that won't stick problems!😊 My other tip is to accept your limitations. There are some insanely good modellers on youTube... your first attempts could look pretty poor in comparison! That's to be expected, modelling is a skill that takes time to develop, so don't beat yourself up... just enjoy the process and let the quality improve over time. I'd also suggest keeping your first attempts no matter how bad they look to you, in less time than you'd think you'll be far more proficient at which point looking at your early efforts will make you see how much you've progressed... I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised!😊

Tip number 4.5: Tamiya Airbrush cleaner is the exact same as the Thin Cement. The only difference is, you get a huge bottle of cleaner for $6-$7 so you spend less money and get more plastic cement. 🎉 The ingredient breakdown is the exact same. I think it was like 50% ammonia, as apposed to Thin Cements 49% 😂 JuanHidalgo Minitures does an entire video breaking down why they’re both virtually the same. Called “Get you’re Tamiya thin cement cheaper”

Great video, and great advice. With more than 50 years of experience under my belt (and many awards), I hope you don't mind if I add a little. When you're cutting pieces off the sprue, be careful of flying parts. They can jump off and easily get lost in the, so called, 'carpet monster' - never to be seen again. With each of those tiny parts, take the time to clean up the sprue cut burs, and any mold seams. It's terrible to finish a seemingly perfect kit, only to discover that there's some unnatural blemish, in some odd location, caused by an imperfect clean-up job. Another challenge I still struggle with is determining when you're done. Either with the entire project, or with just one tiny phase. Although nothing is ever perfect, the more time you spend on even the tiniest step, the better your result will be. And don't be afraid to paint, repaint and touch-up repeatedly until you achieve the result you want.

I recently restarted my scale model building hobby after a decades long hiatus. One thing I’ve learned is to practice my weathering and painting techniques on some styrene plastic sheets or a cheap model BEFORE I apply them to my principal model.

Brilliant! I have built kits for over 50 years now. You touch on so many of the mistakes I made in those early days. SO true! And the suggested glue and coats to use, etc., are spot on! You got this! I hope everyone starting out will watch this video. I would have saved so much time, and so many kits if I had seen it so many years ago!

Started doing models in late 70's/ mostly stopped around '00-ish, & one great tip I learned (not a mistake as such) only a few years ago is to not cut fine pieces (antennas for example) right up against the sprue. The stresses caused by cutting may cause the part to break when being forced away from the anchor point (assuming the part is held @ 2 or more points). Cut a bit of the sprue off w/ the part, then trim it once the part is free. I wish I knew this when I was a teenager trying to repair broken tie rods (1/24 cars were my main passion) w/ a tube of good ol' Testors cement .

As a returning modeler after a 30-year hiatus, these are some great tips that I had to relearn all over again.. things are so more advanced now. Thanks for posting!

love your content mate! so easy to follow and down to earth, always aspiring to be like you! :D

My advice is to first set up a dedicated place where you can work on your models. Whether it be the kitchen table (not ideal) or a dedicated hobby desk(better) you need to have a place to keep your paints, supplies and tools. This will grow quickly when you're new, that's why the kitchen table won't work very well, in the long run. After you have a place to build ready to go, don't put a lot of money into the first few kits. Don't even worry about whether you get a good result or not on the first couple. I suggest buying a larger scale for the first few like 1/32 or 1/35. The pieces are going to generally be a little bit larger, less fiddly and less prone to breakage/losing them in the carpet, than if you go small scale like 1/72. Use your first kits as test beds to practice the basics of cutting parts from the sprue, cleaning them up, cement, puttying/gap filling, sanding, masking and canopy preparation, prep for decals, decals, paint and weathering. You need to understand how to work with enamels and how to work with acrylics. One is oil based, the other is water based. If at all possible, invest in a good airbrush and a good set of brushes. Learn how to use washes and pigments...I would also suggest building projects that are dissimilar...for example, build a tank, then build an airplane...you might find that you have a preference for one over the other. After a couple of beginner kits hopefully you have a basic idea of what you're doing now, so that 3rd kit or so, push yourself to a little bit more challenging kit....and my last word of advice, when you make a mistake, don't be discouraged, use it as an opportunity to come up with a solution. Maybe you can scratch build a part, or repaint, or whatever...there's very few mistakes in modeling that don't have a solution.

you are an exeptional teacher and nice guy for giving us modeling newbies great info!

i've been building models for decades and i always feel i can learn something from another builder. Your vid was awesome, thanks and dont stop sharing those "ideas". you keep it simple enough for the novice and yet give enough info for the veteran builder like myself. Thanks for putting it out there.

I love #5. It takes experience to know when that point is and when to stop for a break.

Great stuff. Regarding number 5, I had a metalwork teacher at school back in the late 70's who I remember giving virtually the same advice about not rushing things! I was into kit building back then but nearly 60 now and returning!

Your advise on the beginner kits is so true. I remember starting with Matchbox 1:72 scale aircraft kits back in the late 70's. They were even molded in two colours. I loved the Mig 21 and Corsair kits. Some 46 years later, you still can build a decent model from these kits with some scratch build and aftermarket parts (specially wheels). Thanks for posting the video.

Great tips, I've learned some of them the hard way, too. And yes, patience is bliss! It definitely pays off to take your time for each little step. An additional tip: Plan ahead well! Know all the steps you want to take for your model and plan them in the right order.

Definitely agree with no5 my biggest tip is if it's not going right put it away and come back to it another time, I have saved so much money and time doing this step by not wrecking a model

Another winner Hank. The rushing part is still my nemesis. I've always been an impatient so-and-so but I think the ICM 1/48 Do17-Z I've been working on since the year dot might have just taught me lesson. It hasn't taken this long (and it has been a seriously long time) because I've learned to slow down, it's because I have to keep putting things right, doh! Also ICM are really fussy and that belongs under the heading of building to your skill set while building up your skills as you pointed out. Keep reminding me Hank, I need it. All the best.

Great tips. I was in hobby lobby recently and a mom was going to buy her son a model kit. I actually covered a few of your points, especially about not using tube glues. I picked up a bottle of thin cement and told her the advantages. She was very thankful !

This video was very informative. I have been a scale modeler since I was a kid and have intermittently taken breaks. Most of the tips you mentioned are things I am fully aware of, but I wrote them down as I am starting an after-school program for kids to learn and experience scale modeling. I will share these tips/ tricks with them and also refer them to your channel, so I appreciate the info!

Great video and great advice. Not a new modeler...I made all of these mistakes when I was younger (I too remember those Testers tubes of plastic cement...always made a mess!). A few years back I got into wargaming and relearning all these old skills triggered the desire to get back into scale models again, and I noticed #5 is one I still do. In my case it is because I am trying to shoehorn building into short time periods like 15 min before going to work, etc. I have had to learn to put the part down and stop if I do not finish in these short times and pick it up again later.

Great advice…have gotten back into building after a 25 yr break. Loving it and needed to hear these tips to reassure myself I was on the right path. Thanks from Aus

Modelling is definitely something that requires patience. I started building Pocher Alfa Romeo in 1/8th scale in the early 2000's, but stopped "temporarily" when my first son was born as I didn't have enough time. He turned 20 last year, and I have just started the process of finishing the model off this year. I've also got a 1/12th scale Airfix Bentley kit that my father got in 1974. It's still in the box waiting to be built. I'm hoping to get it completed this year before it's 50th birthday.

I just wanna say thank you for helping see what all I was doing wrong, I really wanna get into this stuff and do it the right way, glad I stopped by to watch this

Thanks for spending the time to put this video together. I’ve only just started getting into model building (leaning towards rc models) and I feel I am meditating when I do it. So awesome.

Another tip, when you’re out of Tamiya extra thin cement, buy their Airbrush cleaner instead. It’s basically the same stuff and it works fantastic, just found that out.

A big thank you, from someone who has committed ALL of those mistakes.

Having watched model evolve over the last 50 years, I would say this guy is spot on. I use everything and more from what he is discussing. Have fun, dont worry about mistakes as we all make mistakes.

What a useful and easy-to-follow set of pointers. They're all great advice, and I'm glad you included step 5. It's always a bit disappointing those times when I realise I forgot to enjoy the process.

Excellent video. Thank you for posting this. I've been out of model building for a bit over 30 years, but am now getting back into it - so in many ways, I am "new" to this hobby. Your advice is worth its weight in gold.

Great advice. As a newb and therefore someone with no prior air brush experience whatsoever, the simplicity of the paint scheme was by far the biggest factor in my choice of first kit. For me this meant avoiding anything with any kind of camouflage. After much research I settled on the popular and inexpensive Tamiya 1/35 Panzer II. Build is almost complete and pretty much trouble free. Painting is to begin soon. I think it is important that the first few kits not only help to build skills but also help to build confidence and enthusiasm.

Never ever clear coated any models as a kid growing up, never had those decal issues. Good tip though. -I think the go slow and enjoy is the part I like the most. I primarily am building scaled out RC vehicles now, but the same applies! Great video, subbed for more!😊

Man, this is the energy I need in my life. Thanks.

I'm a beginner, i bought a Revell kit like 5 days ago and i still inform myself about what i need to build it right, what i need to avoid doing etc etc. And yes, basically modelling is all about the process, i Saw a lot of vidéo about making a maquette hère and there and vert often people put a lot of effort in some things that will never be seen in the final production. But it's precisely this that make modélism good, work on a full model, know that every bit of that little thing was made by you

Tip#5 is great... I find after a break I'm refreshed and find my mistakes or get an idea to make my build better.

I have been modeling since 1975....EVERYTHING is so much easier now! Everything you pointed out is spot on. My biggest pet-peeve about myself is....I start A new kit and somewhere along the line.....I GET BORED with it! And of course...I buy and start A NEW ONE! Excellent video and you have A new subscriber...Thanks!

Good video. Nice introduction to modeling for beginners. Long time builders often forget some of these basics

Very good tips. Especially tip five. Definitely most excellent advice.

I've been building models off and on for over 40 years now.. Just a few years ago, got back into it.. I'm not a professional by any means.. especially when it comes to painting.. I joined a couple modeling groups on fb and have learned a lot.. But watching your video has helped me out in a few things I was doing wrong in regards to decals.. Thank you for this and look forward to watching more videos so that one day, maybe I can consider myself something more than a beginner... Well done sir...

You hit the nail on the head with that number 5. That is my failure from anywhere to rushing to get the job done to not letting the paint fully dry for a day or even 2 and never used a clear coat. But sometimes when I'm working on something I end up seeing something from another video and I'm thinking well shoot I want that in my model like for instance I am building a Cylon Cruiser from the old tv show and I got the smaller version which got maybe 20 parts to it BUT I saw someone put a lighting system in the model and figured what a neat thing to learn so as I stopped did what I could till I got all the parts I need to make it happen cause you got to think on all that you may need plus how is the stand gonna support the vehicle plus house the electrical parts so you can turn it on. On top of that the weapons it came with are not as round as they should so the guy used these soft metal rods to cut and form the guns sticking out and since they are holes in the metal I can get some fibar wire and put it thru and get that nice light and the guns can show off that famous blue beams. Also working on a nice snap-together model of my father's bike. I had to stop it to find the perfect chrome paint to spray on for my piece. Also I do have another model of the bike which is much better with all the wiring that belongs on the bike but broke the handlebars so this model isn't that good but I plan on running the tubing to show off those wirings. So taking that break can be a blessing and a curse as well. Like I was building this Arms Frame Girl model and I had a hard time coming up with the hair and how I wanted it. It took me a few years and I got the hair done not as pretty as I wanted it but I was just happy to get her done but when I went around to locate all the parts to her I ended up losing her shoes. So I'm stuck once again and realize from now on I got plastic cases to house all the parts in then so I don't lose the parts.

I really enjoyed this video and liked it! 🎉

Thanks for this! I’m in the middle of my very first kit, and this video is very useful!

Your advice on taking one's time is great advice. Modeling is most definitely not for instant gratification crowd.

Very helpful. By the way, I am not a beginner but enjoyed your advices a lot especially the last part! Thank you so much.

Just started to scale modelling. Finding your vids 👍

Good call on the pre and post lacquering as well as pausing your build the moment you feel fatigued 👍🏻

I have been building models since 1960, and tip number 5 is likely the best tip any beginner can take to heart. Even today, as I build, I still have to discipline myself once all the sub assemblies begin to come together. There is the desire to see the results of my labor, but remember, the enjoyment is in journey, not just the destination. I have finished models that have been completed for over half a century. They are a treasure, yes, but as a reminder of the journey.

Very helpful. I ordered the sprue snippers. Thanks!!!

Excellent video. Thanks! Especially #1.

Thank you so much for the tips! 🙏

Thank you for your work. I just started getting into the hobby. Been building The Airfix BF109 kit you recommended. Lots of fun learning. I bought four kits to gain experience. Finishing the first two. Keep up the good work.

I'm just picking up modelling after a break of like 40+ years and this video was so helpful. I've jusr ordered the cutters, varnish,glue you recommended and my 1st kit (the jeep kit!). Thank you.

with the old tube glue i quickly learned to squeeze it on to another surface then use a cocktail stick to apply it to the model

I had minimal expectations for this video, but I found it very useful. This guy knows his stuff!

Not a beginner but always learning something new good job with providing tip and tricks 👍🏽👍🏽.

Good video. I am not really a beginner but tip number five resonates with me. Thank you.

I have been building plastic kits for over 60 years. I remember vividly a birthday gift from my father at 17 which was an airfix Lancaster bomber in black plastic with 'pre-sanitised' (flaming engine, coming in to land after a night bombing mission) box artwork. It was on the sideboard and it stirred my imagination in ways that I retain to this day. I still have the model (amongst hundreds of others now) and although I probably made all the beginner mistakes you mention, it still looks pretty good today and the decals are still stuck fast. It reminds me of my father every time I look up (my model aircraft are suspended from the ceiling). I thought it would be a great idea to get another of the same models to build for my 67th birthday and got my wife to 'surprise' me on my birthday with the very same kit from ebay. Ironically I sourced it from ebay in Germany! There it was, flaming engines and all and 50 years on, my imagination was sparked in the very same way. I have not yet commenced the build as I have had plenty of others to go at and it will be interesting to compare the two when I have done it.

Awhile back I started using a "Touch-N-Flo" cement applicator and it is now one of my FAVORITE tools. (The Deluxe Materials company makes a similar item they call a "pin flow applicator".) This is basically a small glass pipette with an extremely small stainless steel tube at the end. You just touch it to the joint and cement wicks into the joint and voila. And once you load it with cement, you can make many, many joints without having to keep going back to a cement jar and dipping into it like you have to do with a brush. It does require a little finesse to make sure you keep it clean an avoid clogging the tip with softened plastic. These are fine for any of the liquid cements like Tamiya, really any of the "styrene cements", Tenax 7R types of plastic welding cements (like Micro-Mark's "Same Stuff") and such.

I looove scalemates. I have been on it for years and as you, I look at every kit when it comes out. The timeline function is king. There you can see if a "New release" is garbage from the 1960s in a new package. love it

Hey Hank - what a great video and thanks for sharing - we’re guilty of point 5

Nice video and great advice. The only thing I might argue around is mistake Nr 1. Choosing the right model. If you really, really want to build a big Spitfire, go for it. Yes, you might fail (likely), but your motivation is super high! Then you might buy a second big Spitfire and build it better. Of course, one can check out easier or more difficult big Spitfires to build, but still. Some folks work like this, and just might become great builders because of this. For others, they will not build anything more. I am not saying it is right, but it is a variant that works for some folks.

Thank you for the advise! I have made some of these mistakes also and I am actually looking for some models to build! On my last 2 models that I built recently, I did not apply a clear coat but I plan on using some on future models. I enjoy model building, and yes, you do need to go slow and take your time. On my first 3 models, I did not take my time at all unfortunately. I wanted to get back into it after about 2 to 3 years. My parents told me to take my time and maybe take a break every once in a while. I actually had to take some small breaks because of the fumes from the glue I was using. It was not a tube of Testors but some glue I picked up at a hardware store. It was something similar to the Tamiya but it was much like a normal glue and it was the worst. My brother also wanted to get some cheap 4-pack of glue and it was supposed to bond in SECONDS. I almost fused my fingers together with that crap so I feel like I should try out a Tamiya glue instead of crappy glues from the hardware store. Thanks again for the advice! I will be sure to use it well!

Thanks for your help! Don’t rush enjoy! That’s my key take away

Interesting stuff! i built many models as a kid in the 80s. I’ve gone back and forth over getting back into models, but I’m sure now it’s gonna happen. Just getting my bearings again, and I actually have money. Thank you.

Great vlog!

I was addicted to plastic models as a kid, I made all the mistakes you mentioned, but still had a great time. But I must admit, the results were often less than stellar...lol

Great tips! I've been building models for 12+ years and this still helped me. I've never used that particular cement (will try it now) and I've never cleared before decals but that makes alot of sense. Also not rushing is a big thing. I often try to rush the final assembly and it has resulted in some terrible mistakes in the end. Thanks for the wise words

Thanks for all your amazing videos! I am 66 y/o, retired and just getting into modeling in a serious way. Yes, I built many models as a kid with that messy cement and painted with a brush. All OK but now I am ready to make models that look great. I have the Sherman and panther kits you suggested and I am now purchasing supplies and tools to build them. I also purchased two tamiya panzer ii light tank kits (they were $15 each) to use as practice/experimental kits to hone my skills and try out different painting/weathering techniques, so if I really mess up I am not out a lot of money and time on a kit. Not in a hurry, I want to make the right purchases for the long term. I am really into WWII panzers. Thanks again, love to see more airbrush techniques, especially cleaning when switching colors during a painting session. Modeling rocks!

Great tips...last tip is the most helpful.

Absolutely loved, Wish I would've done more research for starting to build model cars. I've always wanted a 1970 El Camino, but now I think I'm gonna try to improve on techniques with different cars before I take on my dream car. Thank you so much for all the helpful advice!!

your advice on #5 is priceless. I may however go a little overboard with it, as i have 2 different kit in various stages that have been going for 3 years now. I only work on them when i have the proper time.

Great tips. The best one is don’t rush.

great advice from a pro,...thanx

Nice vid. Great for beginners 👍

Wow! I almost missed step 5 cause I'm always rushing to finish up what I started. Thanks for the video and recommendations!

Very good tips, especialy the last one. Taking your time is the most important thing for a successful model.😃

The adventure is all about the studying of instructions, parts clean up, dry testing fitting of parts, careful assembly, glue seam removal, painting, decalling and other finishing to the model. I personally love the weathering process to give a model that sense of being used and sometimes neglected. Oil stains, grime, paint chips, heat stress lines, salt marks you name it it can be weathered onto a model.

Thanks for theses tips, specially for the clear/matt coats issue i always thinked that these we're optional but with the explanation that You have i SEE that this must be applied for a better finish,/ job.

very good video! helped me alot :)

The new cement is AMAZING totally blew my mind after starting out with the tube

Good job. You're the first 'How To' video to mention #5. Dont rush! You're not kidding with that one. Slow down, let it dry over night. If you feel like you're moving too fast STOP! Build the next section or start on another model! I build models for a living, 28 years full time. I'm always working on two models at a time. Occassionally I will check out a 'How To video just incase I might learn something new, we never stop learning. You gave good advice. Thank you.

Thank you so much sir for your time and knowledge

50 years modelling for me & your spot on - yes there are others but this is a great start. For me 1/32nd WW2 Aircraft 5 scratch builds with the last 2 ( 100% including making the decals) built together t took 9 years.

great video!! thank you

I build hard plastic miniatures for war games; while I'll acknowledge that the Tamiya plastic cement is spectacular, I've found that Testors 3507AT Liquid Cement is pretty good too. It's got a fantastic pinpoint applicator, and a one bottle of the stuff has lasted me many years.

At 61 yrs of age l tried modelling again. Bad eye sight,shaky hands the list goes on. I used to love doing 1/28 scales in WWll vintage war planes. What a rewarding experience. Good video. Nothing to add.

#5 is very important. After ripping through my first kits, I now put emphasis on building the best result I can. Letting a gloss coat dry for 2 days can be annoying, but it's worth it. Adding additional detail may be a time consuming challenge, but it's worth it in the end. Look at better builders here and copy what they do. And with the cost of all things on the rise, doubling the time for assembling a kit cuts costs for kits per period in half. You build one kit in the same time you would otherwise maybe build two, you have to buy and pay for. The materials like glue and paint aren't such a cost factor for one or two models. Very helpful tip, thanks.

Great tips and to leapfrog on getting the most bang for your shipping buck. What i did was to go to my stash and jot down all the paint colors that I didn’t have and did a mass order along with a few model kits. I even got some of the larger Tamyia paint jars for about 50 cents more. I bought a few “more advanced” kits that i placed to the back of my stash hoping i can hone in some experience so i am ready for it later. Hopefully.

great advice ! thank you

Fantastic tips .. One learns by making msitakes.

Great video and very good points, especially with mistake #5. I totally agree with this more than anything. Applying clear coats, varnish is a must..."the golden rule to modeling". I haven't used AK Gauzy, and from your experience will try it on my next project. This was a great reminder video on the last 2 points. Awesome job!!

Not just a video for beginners, but a good reminder for even a veteran model builder.

Excellent video. Important stuff to know for beginners. Pitfalls like these can discourage new hobbyists. If I make a few comments, I believe you left out a couple of things. Sprue cutters are absolutely NOT the only things to use when removing parts. In some cases, the gate can be extremely close to a part. And if the part is particularly small, damage can occur from trying to actually place the tool between the part and the sprue. As well as the cutting process causing the damage. In some cases a very fine razor saw is best. An X-Acto (hobby knife) with a sharp blade can also be used. Tamiya glue is excellent. But I wouldn't call it the "industry standard". For the same price of the Tamiya, you can buy a quart of MEK (methyl ethyl keytone) which is just as good, if not better. In regards to painting, not all brands of paint, and clear coats/ varnishes can be used together. In modeling, there are few things worse than laying down paint, especially a challenging paint scheme, just to have the clear coat lift or craze your paint job. I suggest testing your paint and clear coat combinations on scrap styrene ahead of time. Thanks for reading, and for producing an excellent video.