Scale Modelling Now

Scale Modelling Techniques

Scale Modelling Construction Techniques and Tips

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Welcome to the “Construction Techniques Bank” section of Scale Modelling Now — your comprehensive gateway to mastering the building side of the hobby.
Whether you’re tackling your first plastic kit, evolving into scratch-building, or aiming for professional-level accuracy with figures, dioramas or armour, this is the place where you’ll find the instruction, method and insight you need.

Within this curated collection you’ll explore everything from basic assembly workflows and part preparation, through sub-assemblies and complex builds, to advanced techniques like scratch-building and detailed structural modelling. We’re here to shed light on what makes for solid construction, what tools and materials support the process, and how to avoid common build mistakes.

Each technique is written by experienced modellers who’ve spent hours at the workbench — they bring real-world experience, project-based evidence and hands-on advice. Whether you’re looking to improve join alignment, manage seams, strengthen assemblies, build custom parts or craft your own display base, you’ll find methods that can elevate your work.

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Also take a look at our Here Now reviews of scale modelling Tools and Materials

A Beginners Tutorial – How to Build a 1:35 AFV Kit: Tamiya 1:35 Steyr 1500

Adding detail and super detailing (see also Photo Etch below)

Adding improved parts

Canopies and clear parts

Casting your own parts

Clamping and fixing parts

Cutting Tools, other useful tools and getting underway

Drills and Drilling

Filler

Glues and gluing

IDF Model Projects

Kit Instructions

Light and sound projects and resources

Here are links to full builds in SMN that feature light and sound kits:

See also these pages:

Magnets

Planning

Plans

Photo Etch (PE)

Reference material

Repairing mistakes, reinstating and creating surface detail

Resin

Resurrecting old kits

Rigging

Riveting

Rubber-vinyl tyres

Safety

Sanding and Polishing

Scratchbuilding

Selecting a Kit

Soldering

Storing parts during construction

Trouble-shooting

Water

Waterline Models

Other

Top Gun Special! Building Maverick’s F-14A Tomcat 1:48

Read Dave Coward’s review of how to make a well weathered F-14A and in particular one from the movie ‘Top Gun’.