Before we get into the actual building of this kit, I would like to take a further small deviation from the path. I would like to take a few moments to discuss my preparation phase, a phase I consider as important as the build itself, show you a few of the tools I will be using as well as my building environment.
Preparing for the build
As I mentioned above, I consider the preparation phase of a build as import as the build itself. During this time, I normally do a bit more research than I did during the preliminary research phase. I spend a bit more time reading and analysing the reviews and articles I had read earlier, and going through my mind what I am about to do.
One of the first things I do is scan and print (and often enlarge) the instructions provided with the kit. I then use these print-outs and make notes on them. Typically I will note ideas I may have, comments or tips I had read online, or 'danger areas' I need to look out for. When using PE I normally try find the instructions online and will save a copy locally and print them out. Here again I will make notes. What I also do, using a bright textliner pen (or highlighter), is highlight all the pieces on the copied kit instruction sheet which will be replaced or affected by PE. Essentially I create a connection for myself between the two documents.
Above you will see an example of the various instruction sheets with my notes and highlighted parts.
Having now familiarised myself with the instructions, and having a good idea of the flow of this project, the next part of my preparation phase is to check that I have everything I require to build the kit. Now granted I may not have everything at the time and may need to wait for it, so this may delay the build, but better to know up front what is required than to get halfway through and experience a delay. If I know what is required when, I can plan for it.
Part of my checking stage is to actually check the kit contents. Being familiar with the instructions helps, but one can normally tell from the sprues if a part is missing. Fortunately many modern kit manufacturers give you a silhouette type impression of the sprues at the back of the instruction sheets, so you could also use that to check if all the sprues and parts are present and accounted for. At this stage I normally photograph the sprues. This is more for my own record keeping than anything else.
Above are is the contents of the Tamiya M8 HMC kit: Sprue A; Sprue B; Sprue C; Upper and Lower Hulls; Rubber band tracks; and decals.
Above are the two Eduard photo-etch sets: M8 HMC Exterior Set; and M8 HMC Interior Set.
A Few Tools
Every modeller has a few preferred tools which they use. While the No. 11 modelling knife (or similar craft knife) and sandpaper at least are probably considered essential to any modelling project, here are a few of the tools I will be using during this build. I must stress though to beginners, by no means do I consider all these tools essential - these are merely a few of the tools I have collected over years and make my modelling a bit easier.
Clockwise from the top left: Pencil (I constantly take notes in a notebook and on the instructions); sanding stick with medium grit sandpaper (I also have a few other grades of sandpaper, the finer grades are mostly the ones I use); a small spring clamp (for holding parts while the glue dries); pin vice drill and drill bit (very useful if you need to insert pins in figure arms and legs); sprue cutters (the name says it all, but these are from Gamesworkshop and really comfortable to use - but you can get not branded sidecutters for much cheaper); chisel blade (used to chisel details away, cut through thicker resin, and cut PE from the frame); and No 11 hobby knife (used for near everything modelling related - but a craft knife works just as well).
The last few tools, L-R: Reverse-action tweezers (used for handing fine parts); vernier calipers (used to measure things like bolt heads and circumferences of rings and circles - and just because I like measuring things); long nose pliers (again for handling fine parts, but also for bending PE); and lastly but not least underneath is my cutting mat (prevents me from cutting through to my modelling table or board).
Above are two of the glues I will be using, as well as the filler putty. The general purpose glue for all the plastic I will be using is Tamiya's Extra Thin Cement, a liquid poly glue which is applied using a small brush. The Super Glue, or Cynoacrylite (CA) glue, will be used when I need a quick setting glue or need to glue parts of different materials together (like PE to plastic). This can be bought from any supermarket. The putty I use is Tamiya's Basic Type Putty in a squeeze tube. This will be used to fill small gaps and holes.
My Building Environment
Now you might be wondering why I am letting you look in on my building environment. The purpose of this is to demonstrate that you do not need a special room to build models in - yes, it certainly is nice, and I do wish I had my own room, but it is not a necessity. I currently live in a smallish apartment with my wife, and so space is somewhat limited. All my modelling takes place in our lounge. And it being our lounge means that my area need to be neat, and the ability for either one of us to move my stuff quickly, effortlessly and safely if we have guests. And with that in mind, I bought a Citadel work tray a few years ago (when we were in our first apartment).
This is my nook. The desktop was previously installed in corner, and during the day with the blinds raised has a great view of the local botanical gardens. My modelling tray fits on it easily, and I have space to either side while I work. You will note to the left of the table my instructions on a book stand (normally for recipe books) with the PE instructions underneath and the area of current focus visible. I have a short fluorescent desktop light for working at night. The notebook speaks for itself. The kit and toolbox and stored neatly on the floor in the corner. To my left is the TV, so that I can keep my wife company while she watches TV or plays her Nintendo Wii.
The last bit of my environment, although perhaps this could be seen as a tool, are the plastic tubs I use. These tubs originally held salad from the local supermarket, but now make great containers for holding model bits. When I build the various sub-assemblies, I keep the parts and built sub-assemblies in their own tub (so I may have a few different tubs) with a bit of masking tap containing the name of the sub-assembly across the lid.
Now that we have this background, we are ready to start the build.
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