Techniques · Plan and sort
Your first plastic kit, from box to built
A beginner path through a first plastic kit: choosing one, the few tools you need, and what to do at each of the build stages, with links to the detailed guides.
Choose the kit
Common bench advice: start small and simple: a single-seat aircraft or small vehicle with a modest part count. Airfix marks each kit with a skill level from 1 to 4, and its box also shows the number of pieces and the finished size, so you can compare before you buy.
Scale is a matter of taste. 1:72 is compact and common for aircraft; 1:35 is the usual armour scale and gives more room for painting. See the scales guide for how to work out the finished size.
The basic kit of tools
Sprue cutters, a hobby knife with spare blades, a fine sanding stick, and a plastic cement such as a thin, flowing one with a brush in the cap. Add primer and a few paints when you reach the finish stage. That is enough for a first build.
Stage by stage
Plan and sort: read the instructions all the way through and dry-fit the main parts before any glue.
Prep: clip parts with the two-cut method and scrape off mould lines with the back of the blade.
Build: hold parts together and run thin cement into the seam. Fill any gap with a little putty and sand it flush once dry.
Finish: prime in thin coats, paint in thin coats, then gloss before decals so they do not silver.
Weather and detail (optional): a panel line wash adds depth with very little risk.
Base and display: keep it out of direct sun and dust (common bench practice).
How long it takes
There is no honest single figure: it depends on the kit, how much painting you do, and drying times between coats. Plan for several short sessions rather than one long one, because glue, putty, primer and varnish all need time to set before the next step.
Common first-kit mistakes
Common bench mistakes: too much glue. Thin cement needs only a touch on the seam.
Painting before fixing gaps; primer makes every gap obvious.
Skipping the gloss coat under decals.