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. |