Below are some tips and tutorials for creating realistic looking scale model aircraft. Here you will find articles on airplane model kit building: from dry brushing and decal application to creating the radio antenna wires and painting the panel lines.

Click on any of the links below to read the airplane model kit tutorials. If you have any questions, comments or would like to add your own expertise to technique pages, you can contact me via e-mail and I will be happy to follow up. Don’t forget to visit my links page, where I have posted many other website resources on the art of creating authentic looking model aircraft.

TIP | It is recommended that you research the model aircraft before you begin any project. Look for references on the airplane model kit you are going to build. These include: documentation, photos, time period, colour scheme, markings, details, pilot and modifications required to accommodate a particular version of the aircraft plastic model. Also, make a list of the materials you will need: paint, glue, decal setting solution, thinner, tools, etc. Once you have begun building your scale model aircraft, read the instructions carefully and make sure you follow the sequence of the assembly. Initially, you would start your airplane model kit by constructing the interior. This includes the seat and seatbelts, the instrument panels, gages, dials, oxygen tanks, engine and other fine details that pertain to the interior of the model aircraft. This part of the process will have a great impact of the overall accuracy of the aircraft plastic model. Experienced modellers will choose to use after market parts for detailed areas and magnified original photos of the actual aircraft as a reference.

Some effects may be difficult to achieve at first, but keep in mind that if you manage to master these techniques, you will be fully capable of creating an authentic looking scale model aircraft. It may take some time and practice. Keep in mind that these airplane model kits are not toys. The completed airplane replica is actually too delicate to be handled. But managing to capture the feel of a legendary aircraft in miniature form is very rewarding. Please know that my enthusiasm for military airplane model kits does not reflect my opinions on war, politics and destruction.

---

All material within this site is protected under copyright. You must contact the Author(s) and/or Editor for permission to use any material on this site for any purpose.