First ever model

Just give yourself plenty of work space, gather a few basic tools and let the fun begin!

Seriously, just take your time and follow the instructions. Test fitting the pieces without glue will help. For a first time modeler, Testors model glue (orange and white tube) is a safe bet. Use a toothpick if needed to control the amount of glue as well as the point of application. 

Give everything time to dry before moving on. All it takes is the successful assembly of your first dozen or so pieces and you'll be on your way!

Lastly, post pictures here!!! 

My only addition to Grandpa's excellent advice is "don't settle". If something isn't right, tear it down and redo it. Sloppiness accumulates and leads to failure. This is harder advice to follow with a kit than it is when scratchbuilding, but it is essential. Even if you have to improvise a substitute, modify the design, or order a replacement part, don't tolerate errors, unless you can successfully disguise them as "features".  Mistakes WILL happen, but get yourself in a mindset where you fix each one immediately. If you have to ask yourself whether it is 'good enough', it isn't. IMO, that is really the only secret. Beyond that, just remember that there is no deadline.

+1 on "post pictures". 

if you want to change the color of anything, paint it and let it dry at least 24 hours before assembly.

get yourself a needle file set if you don't have one already.

if a project will take more than a day, i've found it a good idea to dedicate a space where things can be left undisturbed for the duration.

good luck...gary

 

Just give yourself plenty of work space,

Set up a good flat work space that you can leave alone and take a break from that will also let you get things aligned straight & square. 

No only follow the instructions, but read them a few times and locate all of the parts that are referred to in advance so that you can map out how and where everything goes together.

mwb posted:

Set up a good flat work space that you can leave alone and take a break from that will also let you get things aligned straight & square. 

Yes! Many of us work on a piece of window-glass. Absolutely flat and you can scrape off glue drippings with a razor blade.

Avanti posted:

mwb posted:

Set up a good flat work space that you can leave alone and take a break from that will also let you get things aligned straight & square. 

Yes! Many of us work on a piece of window-glass. Absolutely flat and you can scrape off glue drippings with a razor blade.

I have several 18" x 24" workstations of 1/4" glass in my shop.

Not only can you scrape off glue drippings and paint drops, but if by chance you glue your project to the glass, it's pretty easy to pop it loose w/o damage,

I really appreciate all the advice and tips.  This may get me shunned from this forum but after looking at all the pieces and the other items I would have to buy anyway in order to get this done I decided to exchange my kit for a ready built passenger station I saw at the local hobby shop.  It's about $25 more and think it's worth it to get something I know I'll like in  the end.  I don't have a great deal of time to dedicate to it right now and since I only have a temporary layout I don't think I'd get it done in time to enjoy it this year.  Thanks for the help though, I enjoy seeing the work all the talented modelers in this group post on the site.  I may pick up a smaller simpler (and cheaper)  kit at some point to try my hand at modeling and I'll re-read this post for your advice.  

This hobby like all other hobbies is really about what makes you happy. Do not set the bar so high that you feel you have to be at the level of skills that other people on here have. I have come to realize that some people are just true artist and I am not that talented so I try to do the best I can that makes me happy. If you do decide to do another kit start with something small and not so intricate such as a plasticville kit. I have inherited a few of these and decided to use them to practice airbrushing acrylic paints on them to spruce them up a bit. I also realize that most of the mistakes I have made can be fix as mentioned in the post above. The biggest tip for kit building is take your time its not a race, and have some fun.  

Thanks a lot, good advice all around.   I'll get to try everything in due time.    Happy new year!  

Lionel Grandpa posted:

Just give yourself plenty of work space, gather a few basic tools and let the fun begin!

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 Just as Lionel Grandpa suggested, think of it as fun! It should not become overwhelming. Take your time, pick a smaller structure (if you want) and enjoy yourself. The more experience you can gradually gain will make each project seem easier going forward.

Tom 

If you are still interested in building kits, start small.  Choose a simple wayside structure that is basically 4 walls and a roof.  I learned the basics on the small kits and progressed to larger, more challenging kits. I build Korber (resin), DPM (plastic), Bar Mills (wood), FOS (wood), Downtown Deco (hydrocal), Ameritown (plastic), LaserArt (wood), and Plastruct (plastic) kits. I am slowly progressing to scratch building.

During the NMRA South Mountain Division's mini-con in April 2014 and 2015.  I gave a free build-and-take clinic. These were laser-cut wood kits, the first was a barber shop a Learning Kit from Woodland Scenic and the the second was a company house from Carolina Craftsman Kits. Carolina Craftsman Kits will again be providing about 10 kits for the 2016 Mini Con to be held on April 16. Another member will be leading a similar clinic featuring a plastic kit. For more information, go to:   http://www.smdnmra.org/miniconvention.html. 

Reading the full instructions and identifying all the parts before starting assembly helps keep one out of trouble (I learned this from assembling parts out of order and not being able fit the sub-assembly into the building without breaking the walls!). Test fit pieces before applying glue. Use glue/adhesives sparingly.  And if using AC (Super Glue) have debonder on hand!!!