New to Scale Modeling? Avoid These Five Beginner Mistakes!

Thinking about building a scale model? In today's video, we'll look at five common mistakes made by new scale modelers & my suggestions for how to avoid them!

You can check out some of my other Beginner Scale Modeling Tutorials right here ⬇️

Products mentioned in this video:

Some of my Recommendations for Best Model kits for Beginners!

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[SpruesNBrews]

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

[ArmorStudioNYC]

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.

[zacharynix]

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

[johanmolendijk]

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.

[alexandergermanis]

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.

[codycoyote]

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 your builds too.

[doczoff]

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!😊

[rrl]

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.

[LesWalker]

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!

[tomterific]

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.

[alvinmarcus]

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

[Why_does_this_exist_YouTube]

Mistake 6: Don’t eat the model glue, although it taste good, don’t do it

[modelrestorations]

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!

[sericono]

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.

[tladrt]

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 !

[rockyrobertguster]

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.

[JamezGrimm]

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”

[thepub]

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!

[AngusMackay-knlj]

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.

[TheFreeBass]

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 .