RESIN CAST MODEL CARS BUILDING TIPS "GONZO'S 1/25TH SCALE"
This article is for the novice to get ideas and tips for
building resin cast scale model cars. One of the
reasons these kits and bodies are so popular, is
there are many niche casters making resin cars that
were never made by the model kit industry. This
opens up a whole new area of car models, such as 4
drs, and cheaper model cars that the kit
manufacturers overlooked, also drag, and other
types of race cars.

You will also find the classics made by AMT, MPC,
Johan, and others recast in resin. This allows you to
build one without the cost of purchasing a rare
collector original issue kit. There are also trucks,
and phantom models. Phantom models are cars or
trucks that were actually never made as a real
vehicle.

Different companies make different types of kits.
The Modelhaus one of the bigger casters makes
complete kits. They have everything you need to
build a total car. Others offer trans kits. These are
partial kits that require a donor plastic kit that they
recommend to finish the build. You will usually use
the chassis, glass, engine, wheels, tires, and other
parts from the kit. I use these a lot, as I like to
detail engines and modify suspensions, etc. There
are some casters that just sell the body, and you
build from there.

Getting started. The first thing you need to do is
soak the parts in Westley's Bleche Wite. Odd
spelling, but that is what it is called. Soak at least 3
hours, or better yet, over night. This removes the
mold release agents from the plastic, oils that will
ruin the paint job. Rinse and dry parts.

A resin kit does not just go together, there is always
a good amount of sanding and fitting of parts. Take
your time and test fit everything. Remember resin is
more brittle than styrene plastic, so parts like vent
windows need to be done with some caution. On the
other hand, resin sands and shapes nicely. Some
castings are better than others. You may have small
pin holes and imperfections that will need some
putty. With some time you can create a very nice
model.

With a scribing tool you can make a 2 dr. into a 4dr.,
a hardtop into a sedan, open doors, hoods, etc. The
glue you use will be 2 part epoxy, and super glues.
Model glues such as the old airplane glue do not
work very well with resin. Some kits come with
vacuum formed glass for the windows. This is mylar
formed plastic that will be trimmed to fit in place.
Other times you may use mylar sheet plastic and cut
the pieces, such as for a station wagon. In a trans
kit you can sometimes use the kit glass. "Note"
always test fit the glass when using the donor kit
glass, as you will probably need to do some sanding
and fitting. You do not want to realize this after the
car is painted. Been there, done that.

Resin kits sometimes come with the bumpers,
wheels and other parts already chromed, some do
not. In this case you will need to send parts out to a
chrome plating service, or use Bare Metal Foil on
them, or Alclad chrome paint.

Painting resin. One a of the nice things about resin
plastic is, lacquer, nor any other paint will attack
the plastic. You can freely put it on without that
worry. You do not have to prime, but I recommend it
as the paint sticks better.

So there are a few answers, enough to get your feet
wet in the hobby of building resin cast scale model
cars. This will open a whole new outlet for you in
this rewarding hobby. As always do not hesitate to
ask me questions. My link is below.