Know About Model Kits?

Now, what are model kits, in the first place? To know that, we have to first learn what scale models are. Scale models are generally physical representations of objects, made with metal or plastic, which try to maintain some form of accuracy in terms of the original object's shape. The original objects can be very real, like a building or a helicopter. Or it can be fictional, like a Gundam or the X-Wing fighter.

Model kits are scale models that you have to assemble yourself. 

At the very basic level, the entire concept is a bit similar to Lego. You get the necessary parts and you put them where they are supposed to fit, to get a pre-planned final shape.

But it's also a bit more complex than that. 

Most model kits are made of plastic. They come in various scales like 1:200, 1:160, 1:75 etc. These numbers signify the size of the models when compared to their real life counterparts. Usually, the model kit comes in flat plastic plates called sprues, where all the necessary parts are attached. Those parts have to be cut out from the sprue. Then they have to be reshaped as necessary, and painted if needed. Then the parts are assembled with glue. They are painted again if necessary and decals are needed. 

Does it sound like a lot of work to you? It's actually a lot more than that. 

Take painting for example. To paint the assembled model a certain way, you can either choose liquid paint or spray paint. To apply the paint, you first clean the model up so that there is no dust or any other accumulation. Then you add a base primer coat of clear material so that the pain will stick. Then the paint itself is added. Finally a shiny or matte layer coat is put on to lock the paint in. 

Every step of the model building process is complex and time consuming like that; and you can't do it with household tools. You need special knives, special glues, special paint and many other things to properly assemble a model. 

Master modellers spent a lot of time and money buying and making model kits. If you take the time to Google what some of these artists (the word is not used here lightly) have accomplished, you might be surprised. 

Now, why do people actually engage in this hobby? 

There is a certain pride in making something with your own hands. You also have the freedom to make the model exactly to your preferences. Maybe you want a red version of an anime giant robot. Maybe you want a miniature of a tank from a certain regiment in a certain army, with all the appropriate military markings. Some people build model kits to ease their pain of not being able to afford the 1:1 scale version (meaning the real thing). 

Whatever the reason, model kit building is a creative, fun, challenging, time consuming, and yes, expensive hobby. If the hobby sounds interesting to you, Mustafa Mart in Bashundhara city is a good place to look for kits. 
Now go build that fighter plane you've always liked!

Novo Manzoor is an athlete. He surfs the web all day. You can reach him at: novo_manzoor@yahoo.com