| No matter where you have gotten it from, be it a | | | | stuck to the parts. This is called flashing and is a |
| holiday gift or an impulse buy, a model tank can be | | | | by-product of the manufacturing technique. You can |
| extremely fun to assemble. If you have decided to try | | | | safely remove this after making sure that it is not |
| assembling models as a hobby just remember that | | | | actually a vital part of your model. Set aside the bits of |
| you are choosing to join in on a pastime that is | | | | sprue and flashing as you go. These can come in |
| enjoyed world wide. Model building is an excellent | | | | handy later on if you have to do any repair work to |
| stress reliever and can be a great way to pass the | | | | this model or any others. |
| time as well. One thing that will help you on your way | | | | Once you have all the parts you are about to |
| is by knowing how to correctly assemble your model. | | | | assemble loose you can then do a dry fit. A dry fit |
| One of the first things you should always do is to | | | | means that you will place the parts together without |
| gather your tools. It is best if you keep them together | | | | gluing them to make sure that they will fit properly. |
| in one spot to make this part easier. | | | | After you know that they will fit together correctly you |
| There are not too many tools needed for building | | | | can then apply cement and connect the parts. This is |
| models. Of course you need a model, model cement, | | | | where the toothpicks come in handy. By applying the |
| rubbing alcohol and some toothpicks. You should also | | | | cement with the toothpicks you can easily control the |
| try to gather a drop cloth of some sort as well as | | | | amount that you apply. You will not have to worry |
| some small hobby clamps. These clamps are excellent | | | | about a large amount leaking onto your parts and |
| for hold small parts together so that the cement can | | | | causing major problems. |
| dry properly without allowing them to slip apart. The | | | | Remember to apply your cement sparingly and allow |
| alcohol is handy for cleaning up any extra cement that | | | | proper drying time before moving on to the next step. |
| happens to drip in unwanted spots or to get rid of | | | | If you do have hobby clamps then they may be used |
| excess cement. If you do have a drop cloth then it can | | | | to help keep proper contact between the cemented |
| help to cut down on the accidental spills and drips. | | | | surfaces until they are dry. If you do not have any then |
| Take your instructions from the box and determine | | | | you might make your own using paper clamps or even |
| which parts are to be assembled first. You will then | | | | paper clips. Most of all you should try to enjoy yourself. |
| need to carefully cut these parts from the sprue which | | | | Model building can be fun and informative. You will be |
| is the plastic frame that all the parts come attached to. | | | | able to enjoy your model tanks for years to come. |
| There are times that you may find extra bits of plastic | | | | |