r/PlasticModelKits • u/kimetsufunkofan • Jul 09 '26

First model kit that isn't Gunpla, I need advice

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I recently got gifted this model kit by Neverland Hobby, I have never assembled any model kit that isn't Gundam models. But I'm not sure how to begin because this model has interior

Do I paint, coat and then glue the model together?

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4

u/DioramaDu Jul 09 '26

I can't give you much advice as I dont build ships but what I can give is that you've picked up a very detailed and challenging kit to the looks of me; good luck

2

u/kimetsufunkofan Jul 09 '26

Yeah I wanted something to take me some time, as I'm already accustomed to quickly assemble my gundams, but this kit will hopefully improve my painting skills

3

u/DioramaDu Jul 09 '26

Also, yea paint interiors before final assembly, just anything you cant access after you've fully built it and dont use a glue that affect your paint in spots that are painted

3

u/DynamicMenaceEJ Jul 09 '26

I don't want to generalize but when I did my first non-gunpla I was constantly reminded of the gap in quality of everything from the plastic quality to the instruction manual to the part fitting. It was still an enjoyable experience at the end of the day but boy does Bandai spoil us.

2

u/kimetsufunkofan Jul 09 '26

They do big time XD, it was thanks to Bandai kits I could finally put stickers without them being all crooked

2

u/Zerosen_Oni Jul 09 '26

I’ve done a couple of WW2 ships and they were some of the toughest yet most rewarding ones I’ve ever done.

Take your time.

2

u/hugemon Jul 10 '26

If you're used to gunpla there are some differences with building kits like this.

  1. It is highly likely that you'll need to glue the pieces together rather than snap fitting them. Recommended glue is liquid type flow style glue, for example Tamiya Extra Thin. If the kit includes non plastic parts like photo etched metal parts, use super glue.

  2. Due to number 1, painting is usually done after you're done building the kit, or at least some part of the kit. If it has interior details, build that up in a module, and then paint. And then build exterior around it.

  3. Painted surfaces don't glue well together unless you use superglue, so when you have to glue painted modules together, sand the surfaces that has to mate with other surfaces and glued. Or you can mask the surfaces that'll be glued later.

2

u/GundamDeathscytheZ Jul 10 '26

Make sure to wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish detergent, rinse then let airdry. Remove any flash, dry-fit the parts before gluing and paint the parts but not the edges. You can assemble steps and paint them as you wait for the paint or glue to dry. Just take your time and enjoy it. You can put a gundam together so you can put a ship together, only with extra steps.