The beginning of a model typically starts in the builder's imagination. As you have an idea for a model, you start "putting it together" in your head. Perhaps it's an available kit. It might be an out of production kit from a collector service or a swap meet. It might be that the perfect kit has yet to be produced and you'll have to seek out an aftermarket resin kit or trans kit to realize your goal.
Whatever the concept, a) decide what you want to build; b) find the necessary kit or components; c) assemble the necessary tools; d) prepare the components properly; and e) assemble the components into your dream vehicle.
We suggest you purchase quality brushes. Good brushes will last years if you clean and maintain them properly. (After using, always point the tip and let the brush dry in a brush holder.) Get a variety of small bottles of paint in basic colors for detail work: silver, flat black, gloss black, red, yellow, blue, and white, and, of course, a large bottle of thinner. We recommend buying a quart of lacquer thinner, which will do a better job of cleaning your brushes than enamel thinners. And the lacquer thinner will be more affordable.
Quality adhesives are an important part of a successful build. Avoid the messy tube glue. If it's the "No Sniff" variety, it will not hold well! There are several excellent adhesives on the market. Stick to liquid adhesives such as Tenex or Plastruct, a good "super glue" like the Zap products and a good epoxy such as the Dev-Con two-part five-minute type. There are also support products, such as Zip Kicker, that speed the set-up time of super glues and make the hold instantaneous.
We suggest you load up on toothpicks (to detail small parts) and clothespins to hold parts too small for your fingers. Fashion a paint rag from an old T-shirt-and it's not a bad idea to appropriate a pair of pliers and some scissors from someone you live with. The building of a nice display model is not quite as easy as it might sound, but it is not rocket science, either. For the sake of clarity, we'll keep things simple and pretend your dream machine is currently available in a kit.
Things to check for include any warped or poorly molded parts. Next, check the instruction sheet and make sure all the parts are there. Inspect things like the "chrome" tree and check for any imperfections in the "chrome" finish. You probably won't find anything wrong these days, but occasionally there will be a run or a dull spot that will spoil your model if used in that form. If you find anything you think is wrong or missing, return the kit to the store and get a replacement. If they don't have one, contact the number provided on the kit box and the manufacturer will deal with your complaint.
Once all is in order, you are ready to start building your dream. If this is your first model, refer to the steps outlined in the instructions.
Removing the parts from the sprue (or tree) is not to be taken lightly. If you attack the tree like a Chimp peeling a banana you will end up with parts that are broken or that have big notches in them that will have to be filled with body putty to look right! DO NOT just arbitrarily yank and twist the parts off. You will ruin the majority of them and be left with junk. Use a small pair of side cutters or a razor knife to separate the parts. Be especially careful with very small or thin parts, as they tend to break easily. Take care cutting things like the steering wheel and shock absorbers off the tree.
It's a good idea to only remove those parts you are going to use in the particular step you are performing to avoid losing or damaging a part. Parts are generally numbered corresponding to the instruction sheet's illustrations. Some parts need to be painted before assembly and some after. Components such as the engine, which usually comes in a right and a left half, should be painted after assembled and the seams are filled and smoothed. Things like the body-if there are separate pieces such as the fenders, hood, or tailgate-need to be painted after they are assembled to ensure color consistency and a smooth, even coat. It is best to paint everything of one color at the same time. For example, let's say you are painting the smaller items in the engine compartment flat black. The starter, generator/fan-belt assembly, and radiator should all be painted at the same time. There are paint colors available that replicate various metals, and there are also "metallizer" paints that, when buffed after drying, will give the appearance of real metal.