Introduction

The basic rules which should be applied by all modellers are these. Take your time. You win no prizes for speed. Be clean and tidy. Use good quality tools. Always remove seam or mould lines. Do not use an excess of adhesive. Fill all gaps and crevices and always clean the model after it has been assembled to remove grease and harmful acids transferred from the fingers, etc., which may prove detrimental to subsequent painting.

Before beginning work on your model make sure you are sitting comfortably and there is plenty of light so that you can see exactly what you are doing. Your tools should be clean and sharp and ready for use. It is very important that tools used for metal figure work are always cleaned and sharpened after each session. Do not work on a white surface which is tiring for the eyes. A neutral grey or wood surface is best. Do not mix adhesives on the working surface. In the first place the residue will set hard spoiling the flat top and secondly particles of metal or wood can be picked up in the mixture and transfer to the model preventing a perfect joint. Use a tile, or better still, a scrap of clean card that can be disposed of afterwards. If the model has to be set aside with the adhesive still not set, overnight for instance, make sure it is resting in a position where the joined pieces cannot move. Other than paying attention to these suggestions you will have no difficulty in assembling our specially selected kits but do remember that the surface of the models is easily damaged and small projections may break off if you are heavy handed.

1. Gently scrape away mould lines with a sharp blade. Do not cut the line away, you may nick the surface. Avoid damaging adjacent detail.

2. The illustration shows the most usual areas that may need slight adjustment to ensure a good fit. White metal will bend if treated carefully. This is useful where hands have to fit weapons. Press the fingers into place with a wooden tool, rather than a metal one, to avoid bruising the soft casting.

3. It is important to mix the adhesives in the correct proportions and not to use excess that may squeeze out from the joint. It is difficult to remove after it has hardened.

4. Make sure the various elements of the model are held securely in place while the adhesive cures. If they become misplaced during the setting time it will be almost impossible to correct later without some damage to the model. Cotton thread, rubber bands and pads of Blue Tack or Plasticine are the most usual materials to use.

5. After the model has been assembled check for small crevices and areas where the pieces do not quite fit. Use Milliput two part epoxy putty, applied with a damp spatula, to fill spaces. If it is a tiny space to fill, a modicum of Plasticine will suit just as well, but this is not really suitable for large gaps.

6. Finally make sure the model is perfectly clean. wash with a mild detergent solution to remove grease before undercoating. It is also a sensible idea to seal the model with a primer of polyurethane varnish. This will effectively prevent any possibility of lead disease attacking the model at some future date. The undercoat should be applied after the polyurethane varnish has thoroughly dried. The model is then ready for painting.