Plastic Modeling Basics - How to get into model building 

Never did this as a kid. Too busy playing video games, which I still do. But started messing around a few years ago just before 40. The world needs activities like this to chill . The calm I get and need is great.

God bless you Jack Lynch. My happiest days as a boy were spent browsing for hours in my local hobby shop, finally pulling 50 cents from my pocket for the model I had decided on.

Grew up in 1950's. Loved Hobby Shops. Built lots of cars , planes and ships. When I was older got back to building. 76 now and enjoy the hobby. Thanks for the video.

When I was a boy I put together a model once a week for three years....then I turned 16 and got my driver's license...haven't put one together since...maybe I need to go get me one at 50 yrs old 😀

We need to bring Back the hobby shop, Saturday mornings with a coffee, and isles of plastic and other inspirational items.

This really takes me back to the mid-sixties to mid seventies when I built a lot of models from planes to cars, tanks, monster models, ships etc. great times. Taught me how to read schematics and instructions which really helped later on when I had to assemble things and the kid's Christmas and Birthday toys. Actually working on a 55' Chevy now. Nothing beats a hobby shop! Great vid!

The world is a better place,when a kid does something constructive especially when he or she strives to get better

My dad, rest his soul was seriously into model trains when I was growing up. One of my fondest memories was going to a true hobby store like this with him every Saturday for him to pick up his supplies, etc. seeing all those very cool planes hanging from the ceiling and models galore. Good times. Great video btw

2:25 "The best part of buying a model kit is opening the box to see exactly whatcha got, and hopefully it's what you expected." The last time I opened a model box (last week) I found exactly what I expected....a box full of model parts.

I'm over 60 now and am starting to relive childhood fun. I loved building models. Nothing fancy … just build em'! Hobby shops back then were like being in heaven. Internet? … what the hells' that! Shelves of stores crowded with models, slot cars, trains. Great models I built before age 15 were the Cutty Sark, Bonhomme Richard, Hood, Frankenstein, Gemini rocket with launch pad, George Washington "see-thru" nuclear sub. So much variety back then.

A good thing to see videos like this . When I was a kid it was a real challenge to find out what works and what does not work.

Great video. I used to build military airplane kits 30 odd years ago as a kid. I've just become interested in it again and today built my first one - a little 1/72 Spitfire. Really enjoyed it, brought a lot of memories back. Some good pointers here to get me going again, thanks

Wow! Your stock is impressive sir. With my illness I have got back into models after 55yrs. Art P. Los Angeles CA

Excellent video Jack! I was an avid model builder as a child up through my teen years, then got away from it the last 20 years, and now I am back into it. I forgot how much I love it! Only problem I have is there's no local hobby store near me in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I've been buying most of my models online. I wish I had a store like your AAA Hobby. Back in the 80s- early 90s we used to have National Hobby Center and Wings.

I see hobby shops in pics and videos and i just want to cry. The one and only store in my home town closed down over 25 years ago.

After a quarter century since my last plastic mode build, I'm just now decided to get back into model aircraft hobby builds. Thank you Sir for much needed refresher presentation.

Tku for the refresher course. It's been awhile for me. Big change in equipment for me since the 70s. 👍

I love putting models together when I was a my brother and I had so much fun. I think I want to get back into it.

Here's a little tip for enamel paints. Open the paint up and drop a BB or two in the bottle. If the pigment starts to settle,just shake it like a spray can to mix the paint. I do it with all my paint bottles.

Helpful video! Just picked up my first one, this video made me aware that I need enamel thinner and sanding sheets! Thanks for the tips, brother ✌

Thanks, I got my very first model as a bday present last week and yesterday visited the hobby store for glue, brushes and paing, hope to start soon, I'm excited!

really enjoying watching your introductions. thanks for sharing!

Great introduction to modeling. Brings back memories. So many kids today not into this hands on activity.

I got into car modeling in my early teens. A friend, PW and I entered almost identical '63 Ford Thunderbirds in a contest @ Veache's, the local variety/toy store. Sadly, Veache's closed about a year ago. In a small town of about 40K, it had one of the best selection of models I've ever seen. Well, as soon as I got a drivers license, my interest in car models waned. Later on marriage, job and kids left me even less time. Now retired, divorced and kids out of the house, I've got all the time (especially now with the Corona virus ravaging the country) but my hands and fingers just don't work as well as they did 50 years ago. I've substituted collecting die-cast models- mostly Indy Cars & Formula one. Still, it was a lot of fun to watch your video.

Some very good advice and comments - thank you You seem very passionate about the hobby

I'm watching this during the 2020 quarantine. I did my first model which was a ship, I enjoyed it so much I bought the most advanced model I could which is the Apollo 11 working rocket. It works and separates into several stages. That goes to show how simple modeling is, you learn how to make one model you can make almost any model!

Thank you for this in depth video! I bought a model and couldn't figure out what I needed or what to do. This video helped a lot with my first time!

I always loved the model box-top artworks of many artists depicting the representing subject model in action instead of the photographs of some box-tops.

Great video :) I've always been interested in building models, I love to work with my hands. So this is definitely helpful to get started.

into model building most of my life, 62 now, I've built almost everything from Rat Fink drag cars to B-17s . When i was a kid the car kits, AMT, revell etc were 2 dollars. Here in Charlotte there are no hobby shops that i know of. Great hobby!

Thanks For the Tips I been building for 30 years it's always good to learn more tips Thank You Love the Show 👍

Many thanks for the helpful video. Hoping to get back into model building after a short 50 year break!

OUTSTANDING! Great video and one great hobby shop AAA Rocks! This has got to be the best hobby shop I ever visited. Yes, I've been to many hobby shops coast to coast I'm 56 years old and was once a 'Revell Master Model Builder Club' member back in the '70's, and yes I still have that well earned jacket patch! A couple of years ago when I first walked into this place I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously. I am a hobbyist and all the hobbies I'm into they have under one roof. I hope to retire and work for such a place. Too bad it's in N.J. lol If you think it's too far to visit, you are wrong! Take a nice day trip or weekend trip and visit this shop. I guarantee you will spend at least an hour in this place and walk out with more than everything you wanted for your slot car track, model train layout, model case, and RC track ( to mention a few ). Just goooo! Godspeed, dt Thank you AAA and keep up the outstanding customer service :))

Its nice that you go nice not to fast and giving a great presentation

I remember when the department stores used to have many shelves of plastic models. Haven't seen one in so long I thought the hobby might have died out. I guess you have to go to hobby stores to find them now. Seems like it might be a good to get back into it as an old age hobby...

Love the video! Thank you so much for the effort in creating it.

I have been into model building forever, never had the time once I grew up, and now that I’m pretty much “retired” I am getting back into it... Currently building a Huey UH-1D gunship, and an A-10 Warthog next in line.😁 I am blessed, there’s a hobby store near me in Queens, and there’s a store on Lexington Ave. in NYC that’s been there forever that has awesome models on display in there window!

You’re very articulate and knowledgeable. I wish your hobby shop was in my area.

Great introductory video. Thanks!

I got into model making when I was 13 I started out with a 1:1200 scale uss Missouri now I am 14 and have the uss hamman,uss hornet and enterprise, prinz eugen, 1st class transport and a second class transport. I think it's a fun hobby.

Very nice tips for building a model. Thanks for sharing.

Building models is a great stress reducer. I built many car and truck models until I bought my 59 El Camino. I am still passionate about model cars and trucks today. Something to consider.

Hey I bought my paint from you guys online! I just received it and I’m searching around for basics on building tamiya kits & I keep coming across your videos. Thanks for all that you guys do! You guys have been a god send for me

Brookhurst Hobbies Garden Grove is still a “real Hobby Store” !

Oh my god! I would NEVER leave that store! Its my graceland!

Thank you for your knowledge it helps me do better.

When you are gluing a chrome part, be sure to scrape off the chrome where it comes in contact with the plastic otherwise the part with come off and it will not be a good glue bond.

Glad I found your channel. Not modelled in 22 years now I want to get back into it. Just forgot everything lol

Even today, I as a teen fell in love with building models❤

This really help me out because I got my first model today

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! TOTALLY AWESOME VIDEO AND EDUCATION!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!

You have an incredible Mega-Hobby Super-site! 😁

Great Channel! Thank you for your work

I haven't built a car in over 30 years! I have a collection of unopened models that I plan to start on for the new year. I will start with a Snap-Tite kit to get my mojo going again. I have my modeling room complete and ready to go! Thanks for making a very informative video and reminding us of how fulfilling our hobby is.

Brings back good memories of my model building days. Great video and I'm going to buy a few models to see if I still got it. Thanks

I love AAA! One of the best stores in the country. Endless cool stuff there. I think it’s Magnolia, NJ

Just got an unopened still in the shrink wrap AMT 1/25 1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula. Can’t wait to build it

Ive always wanted to build model kits since I was a kid but never got to because of the stigma thats says girls can't but when I found a 1949 Ford Tudor Coupe I couldn't help my self now this video has answered a lot of questions I had thank you i cant wait to start modelling

I bought a model of the Saturn v rocket. I’m 15 and it is my first model and I love it!

Close ups would improve the assembly tips in this video tremendously.

Sometimes, out of box... there can be a residue on the sprue moldings; so, I usually gently bathe/wash all of my sprue pieces with warm water and small amount of dawn dish-washing liquid and then let dry...the paint always ends up adhering better.

Amazing video and amazing channel and amazing job friend 😀😎👍

Very helpful. Thanks!

I have a Model Pontiac Transam from Smokey and the Bandit and this really helped as I need a better space for building models. My old space was a kitchen table 😂 and the nice thing about modeling is that you can start any where in the hobby where as action figures and Pokémon cards etc. You have to start as soon as possible or else you will be lost

Excellent video. I learnt alot

Now that's a hobby shop! I could spend an hour or three in there, a well stocked hobby shop is a bit of heaven!

I used to build model ships and aircraft when I was a kid. I would mow grass so I could earn money to buy a model. The most expensive was usually around $3.00. My sons all learn and built models. Haven't put a model together in years, but thinking I might start now that I'm retired. Great hobby!!!

capillary action! Nicely done!

seems like there is alot to learn for someone starting on this hobby

Old modeler here. Sanding is ladies Emory boards. They come in different grits. Can be cut to fit the job.

Good overview. One thing I'd like to suggest is to set up another camera with a close-up view of your hands and work surface. You can later add those close-ups in at strategic points in the production.

Model building requires skills that can only be perfected by trial and error. I like building armor vehicles from Tamiya. Since I place mine in action dioramas. A lot of pre-planning is a must. One kit could take months to finish and stage. If you want highly detailed models, use gated kits because the other couldn't be as detailed due to mold design limitations. 40+ years as a hands-on injection molder gives me some insight into the processing of parts. Start with simple kits and work your way up to avoid frustration or discouragement. Have fun. Good luck!

This was fantastic - very informative and at a pace I could understand. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, its really appreciated!

Great video . loads of detail's.

Megahobby is 1 of the best online model sites with excellent service, selection, prices and discounts.

Really classy vid. Thanks

Great video! Be safe and God bless!

Great video sir!

Thanks Mr. Jack

Good tutorial!

Revell has those glue pots with a metal tube... Very handy when you try to reach harder to reach spots.. (Revell Contacta Liquid Glue with Professional Needle Applicator)

Cool video!

Ive been buidling alot of lego models and recently bought 3 maisto assembly line cars and built them. I need to check out a store like this one. I love building stuff

Hey Jack, first time viewer of your channel...liked and subscribed. I too haven't put a model together in forty years...but am looking forward to it. I enjoyed your video...good stuff. One thing that I did notice is that on the videos I've seen so far, you've not included a hot-link to the MegaHobby site at the top of the Comment section...under "show more". Thanks and keep the videos coming!

I've learned that washing plastic model parts in a lukewarm water with dish soap works to remove the "mold release agent" and makes paint stick much better.

thank you very much , very helpful

Its a great thing you deliver to europe! :D

Amazing store. I d love to visit

man it's a shame all the great hobby stores are closed its been so long since i have been in one I really miss them

I've always wondered why opening a box is so satisfying

I had not built a model car since the late ‘80s. They were around $5.00 back then. I got back into the hobby a few months ago and picked up a ‘67 Mustang by Revell. $27.00. 😳😳😳

Thank you!

Didn’t know what happened to you Jack. Just tripped over your channel and subscribed 👍

By the way kids, this is an example of something called a hobby. It was this thing that people did that was fun, relaxing, and good for the brain like a form of meditation. Video games and youtube are not hobbies. Those are called diversions. Hope this helps.

I saw some model kits for various coca cola cars, one that i really liked was a 1977 Ford pinto with the coca cola logo on it, Ive always loved the idea of realistic cars on smaller scales, I wish I was big enough of a car fan cause I have this weird fantasy of buying a toy car and painting it and adding stuff to make it realistic, I dont know why I have this obsession, im not a huge car person but i love the Idea of model cars, Ive always liked lego sets because you are given a set rule and you have to follow it to make something, and its simple and silly, and I long for a world where my job is esembling intricate little models, I love the Idea and I watched this to see the models.

Thanks for sharing. I liked and subbed to your channel 👍

I have built that same Hurricane from Pegasus, and some others of their kits. Their plastic is slicker than other company's styrene. and sometimes doesn't work with certain paints, especially acrylics. I found spray priming was necesary for good paint adhesion. Another step to add to basic model building. Before I do large scale painting on a kit, I check paint compatibility.

Now you should do one about how to remove seam lines with model cement and/or putty and some sandpaper. It makes your models look a lot better.

I’m 31 years old. A couple weeks ago I was sitting in my garage (I’m a go to work, relax at home, go to bed, wake up and repeat kinda guy) and I thought it was a good idea to finally burn the shoebox in my closet that held a lot of “memories” compiled over 13 years... I took a video of it and the next day a friend of mine commented on a wooden chest he saw in my garage. I forgot all about it - my dads wood carving tools. That’s when the gears started turning. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to get into models and miniatures and building small stuff. So I went to Hobby Lobby, picked up a model car kit, browsed around and started making a shopping list..... Here I am, today, over the moon that I found this hobby. :) About to finish my first model - 1969 Camaro. Starting my second soon! :D

I just cleaned out my great uncles house. His son was always spoiled, I found about 60 models. Mostly nasar from the 9th but there was 7 models from the 70s like Gangbusters Lincoln roadster by MPC, Laurel and Hardy 27t AMT, 28 Ford truck MPC, Lindberg Auburn speedster and more. Then I remembered every time I visited as a kid I was usually given a model. They were always new but opened, all but a few weren't open. I guess his favorite part was looking inside then throwing on a shelf. no parts are missing.