Planning a build

[Geoffers]

I’ve been thinking about my approach to a build.

Up until now when starting something new I just open the box and dive right in.

I follow the instructions to a degree but this approach invariably leads me to missing or forgetting something I should do during the build 🙄.

So I’m thinking that it would be better to be more methodical, actually plan out the build before I start. Perhaps make a few notes about it, what steps to take, type of weathering etc.

Does anyone else do this and if so do you find it helpful 🤔

Thanks,
Geoff.

[Steven000]

I always go through all the instructions before building, this gives you an idea about the different options, difficult steps, what parts needs to be painted before gluing, what to expect etc...

Adding notes is a good idea, as a kid I used to mark out the (part) numbers that I completed with a yellow marker, this helps not forgetting any steps.

cheers

[PaulTRose]

I often use a marker to cross out parts on the instructions when ive fitted them.......and circle any that get attached at very end

[Jim R]

I do plan, but bear in mind I tend to be a bit over tidy and over organised generally. I know it drives the wife mad sometimes.
First thing is check the spues, are they all there with all parts. Then, like Steven, I go through the instructions noting any potential issues. During the build I do as Paul does. I also make notes as I go along. Things like parts that need painting before fitting, colours used so I can touch up if necessary, anything really that I need to remember but might forget.
How you plan/organise your builds is up to you. There are modellers who produce award winning models in apparent chaos. I think it depends on what sort of person you are.

[PaulTRose]

Thats another thing i do
im not one of those that have all my paints on show in neat racks.....just a couple of storage boxes with them tipped in lol
so i go through the distructions....work out what paint i need....go thro the boxes to find what i want....or what ineed to buy!.....all go in a littlebox andkept together

also at the end of a build i have a mega tidy up......everything goes back where it belongs.....start next build with a clear deck

[Jim R]

Same here.

[pjgtech]

I was pretty much a dive in and lets get going type of builder at first, but I'm slowly getting better organised now.
I do check the sprues, to check if anything is missing, etc.
I do have a gander at the instructions, to see what option there are, and look for what sub assemblies I can do before painting, etc.
I do sort out what paints I will need.
I don't really think about weathering until the end.
But everyone is different, what works for one, might not work for another.
🙂

[scottie3158]

I normally read through the instruction's a few times and plan my build order. I also mark any parts I wish to replace with etch or scratch.

[Jim R]

The other thing you might want to consider is to have a look at some actual reference photos of your chosen subject. Now interpreting photos, often B&W, rather fuzzy and usually from an unhelpful angle is a skill. I find it difficult but there are modellers who are very good at it. People like Scottie for example. One caveat though is beware of restored/museum examples. Can be very clear photos in colour but accuracy of the photos depends on how accurate the restoration work was.
This is just a thought. Many great models are built straight out of the box without worrying about the details. So long as the end product looks like it is supposed to and is roughly the right colour. However there are modellers who put great store by and really enjoy researching their chosen subject. Beware though - research can be a deep rabbit hole

[PaulTRose]

Beware though - research can be a deep rabbit hole

lol......ive even got a folder on my phone as well as laptop called 'research' for useful pics....at the minute its full of afrika korps vehicles.....german uniforms.....mazda mx5's...german tank camo patterns and me109/fw190 🤣

I actually find the reseach bit very enjoyable especially when its a subject i know bugger all about

[boatman]

well for me when building a kit ive never read the instructions as i just check the spruses to see if any parts are missin an then just look at the instruck pics showin what parts go where an then get stuck in but i do plan on what needs to be done when fitting the led's an wheather i will have to burr out a wirein channel in the part an the check with a dry fit an if not fit then out comes the dremel to make the parts fit

[Richard48]

I usually read a review from either Terry Ashleys site or do a google search for reviews.Especially with Dragon kits as we all know what they are like and trap the unwary.I usually get the wheels etc done first and tend to meander around randomly in my usual haphazard way.Method in the madness or madness in the method I get there eventually

[Geoffers]

Thank you gentlemen, good replies and some food for thought 🤔

I think I will try and keep notes as one of the problems I have is finding time to actually get some building done.
This means I tend to forget some of the things I either have or haven’t done 😳

Thanks,

Geoff.

[Steven000]

... one of the problems I have is finding time to actually get some building done.
This means I tend to forget some of the things I either have or haven’t done ...

What I also do is make 'ToDo' lists (on my phone in a text document), each build has it's own list, and that helps me a lot when I don't have much bench-time, when I come back I take a look at the list for that build first before I continue, and I delete the things that are done for easy reading...

Something like ;
-Prepare cockpit parts
-Glue cockpit parts
-Add PE cockpit parts
-Primer : black
-Basecolor : Dark grey
-Weather : cockpit
-Prepare fuselage parts
-Glue cockpit in fuselage
- ...

(I don't start entire lists, just about 5 steps, I add more during the build.)

[Tim Marlow]

My approach is pretty much the same as most of the guys say. I differ a little in some ways though, and try to do most of my thinking (such as it is) up front.

I read through the instructions before I start to get a handle on the build and cross out any options I won’t be using so I don’t have to think about which one I’m using during construction and possibly get them mixed up.

I treat the instructions as a build log, marking everything on them as I go. I find it very useful to have everything I’ve thought about for the build in one place and not have separate notes to find/lose. Such things as “add after paint” and “do this bit first” get written on them when appropriate .

I also cross out each part as it’s added, and cross through entire sections when I complete them. This keeps the progress I’ve made clear each time I sit down.

I also mark PE bits as “use” or “don’t use” on the instructions, again, so it saves time later.

I find working like this keeps the build ordered in my head and actually speeds up construction quite a lot. The planning and note taking also helps if I don’t sit at the build for a few days. I tend to work in short bursts of an hour or so at a time, so having the thought process I’ve gone through clear and obvious on the instructions stops confusion.

[Airborne01]

Much the same as Tim with the addition of painting (and distressing) where I think it's appropriate and/or necessary.
Steve