Helpful Tips on Model Cars

Tools and Organization

• For model cars that must be assembled, there is nothing more important than having the proper tools and organization box. The three most important tools are a sharp hobby knife, super glue and tweezers. These supplies will be used throughout the building process. Another handy tip is to buy an organization box with at least nine compartments. Model cars have many numbered and lettered pieces, along with nuts and bolts for certain models. The organization box will keep the parts separate and easy to find.

Two-Tone Paint

• Most model cars have a one-color body, but some older vehicles have two-tone colors. One trick to painting a perfect two-tone body is to use masking tape. Cover the main area of the body, which will be colored later. Paint the non-taped area with the desired color, and allow the paint to dry. Remove the masking tape from the main body area, and place the tape on the painted body portion. Paint the main body color, and allow that part to dry. Once the tape is removed, the body will have a clean, two-tone paint job.

Model Body Fill

• For model cars that need a quick fix for certain joints or body work, using super glue and baking soda creates a filler that can be sanded down and painted over. Just dab a small amount of glue to an area that needs to be filled, and sprinkle baking soda over the glue. The mixture will eventually harden. Sand the homemade filler to the desired level.

Displaying a Model

• Whether the model car was just built or was purchased at a store, it should be displayed in a dust-free place. Dust is a model car's worst enemy because it clings to just about every part of the model. Display cases can be purchased in stores, but they often are expensive. You can buy a cheap bookcase or shelves at a thrift shop or garage sale. Plastic can be purchased at a frame or hardware shop. In a few minutes, the plastic can be placed over the bookcase with screws and hinges, allowing the models to be protected from dust. If model cars already are displayed and need to be cleaned, spray them with pressurized air. The high-pressure stream of air coming from the can should remove most of the dust. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean difficult areas. The microfibers tend to trap the dust better than a conventional rag.