If you’re a nostalgia lover looking for a hobby, the chances are you’ve considered building model kits, and why not? There is something undeniably satisfying about purchasing a new model kit, whether you’re a collector or plan to build something spectacular. You can immerse yourself in building or displaying your pieces of the past.  If you’re new to building model kits, you have many options for materials, types and model kit difficulty levels. Understanding the basics will get you started on a positive note, so you can enjoy the nostalgia and adventure of displaying your own model. What ..read more

If you enjoy racing your slot car around the track, you'll want it to move smoothly and fast. In this guide, we'll take you through the basics of HO slot car tuning to help your car reach its optimal performance. From the tire tuning to smoothing the gears and oiling the motor, these slot car tuning tips will improve your car's grip and all-around mechanical performance.  Initial Inspection Before you get started, get your supplies together. You'll need basic tools like sandpaper, a screwdriver, a nail file, glue, tape and oil to tune your slot car. From there, the first step to tuning sl ..read more

Many hobby enthusiasts, model painters and crafters enjoy using an airbrush for helpful painting, decoration and finishing techniques. An airbrush is a standard hobby tool, but it can be challenging to maintain and clean. Explore how to disassemble, clean and reassemble an airbrush accurately. Airbrush Parts Overview Understanding the parts of an airbrush can help you disassemble and reassemble the tool and learn how to clean it properly. From the part controlling the paint flow to the trigger, inner spring and fluid cup, many components help you create exciting pieces or decorate model cars ..read more

Airbrushing vs. brushing miniatures by hand — which one is the best technique? The reality is that both techniques have their advantages and can play a role in your model painting. Many model collectors and painters only choose to use paint brushes because of the control and precision they offer. While airbrushing takes a little longer to master, it does speed up the painting process and gives a seamless finish to projects.  If you're painting your first model, there are some essential guidelines to know before you start. Let's look at the advantages of hand brushing and airbru ..read more

Whether you want to touch up a faded model you've had for years or need to complete a new paint job altogether, removing paint is an essential step in the process, as you need to start on a blank canvas. If you paint over the existing coats, you won't create the same beautiful effect as you would starting fresh. To complete this process, you must find the right supplies to avoid damaging your model. Additionally, you must dedicate the proper amount of time and resources to the process to obtain a fresh start before repainting. Why Should You Remove Model Paint? You won't always need to strip ..read more

Slot cars are a classic, exciting hobby for anyone to get into. With an endless array of designs, tracks and builds, slot cars are the perfect pastime. Ever since the creation of slot cars in the early 1900s, enthusiasts have enjoyed modifying, crafting and displaying their collections for others to see. Let's explore slot car racing and learn more about the basics of slot cars.  What Is Slot Car Racing? Slot car racing is a competitive racing hobby. Miniature powered vehicles race each other on tracks with slots or grooves that guide the cars along their paths. Users control the cars wi ..read more

Whether you are rediscovering a childhood passion or you're new to slot car racing, you might wonder what the different sizes mean and which one will work best for you. Read on for slot car scales explained! What Are the Different Scale Sizes for Slot Cars? Slot cars are designed so that one unit of length, such as an inch, on the model equals a certain amount of units on the actual vehicle. So for 1:64 scale sizes, one inch portrays 64 inches on a car.  There are several slot car scale sizes, each offering different advantages. Determining which size will work best for you depends on you ..read more

How to Clean and Preserve Your Diecast Models Many people love collecting diecast model cars. Full of nostalgia and memories, these models offer people the chance to go back in time by simply looking at a replica. Some go to great lengths to put together an impressive collection, and when guests come over, the collection is a point of pride. Diecast cars can also be a great investment. As time passes, models are likely to become more valuable. With all of these benefits, you'll want to make sure you take proper care of your diecast models. You should keep your collection in excellent conditio ..read more

Model car building is one of the most popular hobbies in America. Since the 1920s, people have been creating replicas of their favorite cars, trucks and other vehicles. One of the most important tasks when working on a model car is getting the trim right. In the past, model car builders used products like chrome pens to paint the trim.  However, using chrome pens to paint the trim can be messy — an easier solution is to use metal foil for your model car’s trim. Below, we will discuss how to use metal foil on a model car so that you can get your car’s trim perfect.  Metal Foil vs. Ch ..read more

Table of Contents What is Model Wood Graining? Model Wood Graining Supplies How Do You Paint Wood Grain on Models? Prep Background Color Apply Texture Finish with Gloss Model Painting Tips & Troubleshooting A wood-grain look is a hallmark of many classic cars, which often featured genuine or simulated wood on the interior or exterior paneling. Learning to paint a faux wood-grain pattern can be the touch you need to bring your vintage model replicas to life. We've put together a comprehensive resource to guide you along your journey. Learn what supplies you will need to pai ..read more