Finishing a Model Built From a Kit

There can be a lot of enjoyment from building a box stock model. That is basically a model that is painted and assembled solely from the kit inventory with no alterations and using no other parts either from the aftermarket, another kit or by scratchbuilding.

Many modellers will continue this practice throughout their hobby. But for the adventurous, there is the challenge of building something unique. A model that is distinct from all others. One that reflects their own personality.

To help the novice modeller transition to the world of custom builds, here are some simple suggestions to let you redefine that basic box stock model.

Do you need a realistic looking shifter boot? You can make your own by cutting the end off a rubber fishing lure. Drill a hole through it, paint it black, and slip it over the shifter.

Are you having trouble detailing an instrument panel? Why not take a photo of the real car’s instrument panel? It is easy to enlarge or reduce it with your Photoshop software, print it out and glue the sized piece to the dash.

If you need chrome bezels and trim on your dash, first paint the entire dash silver. When that’s dry, paint the whole dash semigloss black. When the black is tacky, scrape it off the areas to be chrome. Be careful not to remove any chrome paint underneath by scraping too hard.

Go the extra step and add clear covers to an instrument panel by placing a drop of clear two-part ‘5-minute’ epoxy directly over the gauges. Use a round toothpick to deposit a blob into the gauge cavity.

To add more texture and depth to your model’s interior, dry brush the scrapings from a pastel pencil (that is slightly darker than the interior’s colour) into the recessed areas.

Seam binding tape can be used for scale seat belts. The buckles can be cut from thin sheet plastic, painted silver and glued on the ends of the belts.

Heat-shrink tubing, found at hardware stores, can be used for roll cage padding. Using a piece slightly larger than the cage’s diameter, slice it lengthwise and slip it over the roll cage. It will then return to its original shape. Use fine black thread soaked in super glue for the zip ties.

Make your own door lock buttons by drilling a hole in the proper location on the door panel. Cut a straight pin or insect mounting pin slightly longer than needed, dip the end in glue and mount it in the hole.