Car Modelling : Foundation Skills Workshop

Who is this modelling skills workshop for?

Anyone interesting in building scale models of cars and vehicles – especially suitable for anyone new to, or inexperienced with, making and finishing car models. Also, anyone who is returning to the hobby and wants a refresher, especially given the vast range of modelling products and kits now available. Don’t forget, these skills and techniques are also applicable to many other areas of modelling!

What we will be covering?

Christian will be working on the 1:24 scale Tamiya Nissan Skyline R34 GT-RV Spec – 24210 during the day and of course you can bring and work on whatever vehicle model you like!

• Where do I start? – where to start, opening the box and how to get going so that you end up with a successful finished model
• Decisions, decisions, what’s your plan? – getting a clear plan for: body work, chassis and interior – a tried and tested step-by-step approach
• Instruction sheets and booklets – how to get the best out of these and what to follow and what not to follow!
• Materials and tools – for your project – crucial to a successful outcome of your project – plenty of tips and practical advice on this such as what you need and what are nice to have, but not always necessary
• Which are the best kits? A selection of kits will be available to look at and discuss and so do bring your own too and get advice about those
• Primers and paints – recommendations and advice on the different options available: acrylics, enamels and lacquers – advantages and disadvantages of each for different tasks
• Internal detailing – unique features of the interior of any car models. We’ll be covering interior work including: Flocking for carpets, dashboard detailing like buttons and dials etc
• Body shells – how to prepare, paint and finish your model’s body shell such as dealing with mould seam lines and ‘keying’ your body shell. The body shell is arguably the most important and definitely the most visible area of any vehicle model and you want to get it looking good as it’s a real focal point for any car model
• Tyres and wheels – key features, adding smaller details, painting and weathering that make all the difference
• Window trims – how to mask and paint
• Lights and lenses – options and how to tackle these important areas
• Weathering – is this necessary? Tips, hints and techniques for applying weathering to your car models and considering not adding any weathering at all
• Underside weathering – the underside of car models is often overlooked but it can make a real difference to add some quick and easy weathering to enhance this area of your model
• Small details make all the difference – choices for what you can add and how to include these features on your model
• Accessories – scratch build? Buy extras? Both? Lots of tips for how to include extra details; what’s available and where you can get it
• Decals – how and when to apply, or, not at all!
• Reference sources – some great tips for the most useful and cost-effective options available
• Where can I get the stuff I need? Plenty of help and advice on products and outlets to get what you need for all your car models
• Trouble-shooting – Help! plenty of opportunity to get practical help with any questions you have about any of the above and anything to do with your scale modelling hobby.