A diorama is three-dimensional scene creating a moment in time, this could be a historical event or a fictional one, the choices are endless. Most dioramas are created to go on to a wooden base, the size of which is up to the model maker. I...

A pin vice is a small hand held twist drill with a number of uses. Mainly used for drilling small holes, it can hold very small drill bits ideal for wood and plastics, with the ability to remove the chuck head to allow different collets to be...

Cyanoacrylate is best known as super glue. The best way to remove it is with acetone or an acetone-based product such as nail varnish remover, this will soften the super glue. In the eventuality of getting super glue on your skin follow...

If you are using an aerosol spray paint you should always use one. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions/advice on the back of can. Even if you are spraying out side you should wear a respirator. I would also wear one for applying grass...

Cyanoacrylate is better known as super glue or crazy glue to our American cousins. It first came in to being in the 1960’s during the Vietnam war by the Americans for sealing open wounds on the battlefield. As most of you will know it takes...

Milliput is a two-part epoxy putty. There are two different colour rolls in a box when these are mixed together it causes a chemical reaction and when left for two of three hours goes rock-hard. You can use it for a number of modelling projects,...

I use both, separately and together. Static grass comes in various sizes from 0.5mm to 12mm while scatter is flatter. For covering large areas at the back of a layout, scatter will look good and produce a realistic look. By adding static grass...

There are many products on the market for filling holes: There are plastic putties straight out of the tube, there are two-part putties that you mix together by squeezing between your fingers until they change to one uniform colour and even...

It is not essential to have a cutting mat, but it is a good idea. It saves getting in trouble with your significant other for cutting into the kitchen table. Cutting mats are self-healing which means that when you cut in to them it doesn't leave...

The short answer is carefully. The best way is with a sprue and plastic cutter but always be mindful of exactly where you are cutting as it is all too easy to cut in to the model components if you are not familiar with the parts that make up the...

Most modellers have an extensive tool kit, a tool for every eventuality. But when first starting a scalpel or a decent craft knife will suffice. And a selection of different size paint brushes. Paint brushes go from the larger size 7 down to...

As an Airfix kit is made of plastic, the best glue to use is a polystyrene cement, although some experienced modellers will use superglue. Be aware that polystyrene cement actually melts the plastic to create a bond as it is a solvent and not...