Skill levels – Model Kit Pro

The skill level five is the most difficult rating of model kits. It has more pieces than the other levels the same scale size which can make the pieces much smaller. Luckily these kits have very detailed instructions, and if followed closely you will build a very intricately detailed model. A skill level five is the hardest level model kit with usually at least 200 pieces and can have upwards of 1000. This level takes extensive gluing and painting with different choices of water slide decals. This kit includes very detailed instructions including suggested paint colors. Suggested age is 14 and older. Suggested Ages For Skill Level Five Model Kit Skill level five model kits are recommended for ages 14 and older because of the large amount of pieces in the kits. This level requires extensive use of modeling cement or glue, painting the parts many different colors, water slide decals and following detailed instructions very closely. Paints and glues give of strong smells and can be hazardous to ones health if not used properly. Wearing a respirator mask for painting with good ventilation is very important. Cement and glues also give off toxins so work in a well ventilated area. Model Kit DetailsSkill Level 1Skill Level 2Skill Level 3Skill Level 4Skill Level 5Recommended Age6 and up10 and up12 and up14 and up14 and upPainting RequiredNoYes and NoYesYesYesGlue RequiredNoYes and NoYesYesYesNumber of PartsApproximatelyUp to 50Up to 100100 to 125125 to 200200++Type Of DecalsPeel & StickWater SlideWater SlideWater SlideWater Slide How Many Parts Are In A Skill Level Five Model Kit? An example of a skill level 5 kit is this WWII convoy escort ship. It has 500 parts, and each one needs to be prepped and painted. For the experienced modeler, this is a fantastic project. Skill level five model kits contain at least 150 parts and may have up to 1000 parts depending on the type of model it is. Many ships and airplane kits fall into the skill level five category and can contain over 200 pieces. A lot of military jets are 1/35 or 1/72 scale with well over 200 pieces. Don't let the high number of pieces scare you from building this level of kit. This kit comes with very detailed instructions that you need to follow closely so you wont have any issues assembling it. I have built level five kits that have taken me over a month to build and enjoyed every minute of it. How Much Gluing Does A Skill Level Five Model Kits Require? All skill level five model kits will require gluing of all the parts together. For a car kit, the engine alone will require extensive gluing so I recommend Tamiya extra thin with a brush. There are different types of glue for certain parts such as windows and windshields that will make gluing easier. You will be doing a lot of gluing of different types of parts including chrome, clear plastic windshields, amber lenses and lots of plastic. Here is a table to help you understand what types of glues are the easiest to use and what they are used for. I hope this is helpful. Glue BrandProsConsBest Use ForRatingTamiya Extra Thin CementFine Tip BrushStrong odorAll Plastics#1Testors Plastic Model GlueInexpensiveTube can be messyAll Plastics#5Mr Cement SCures QuicklyThick Brush ApplicatorAll Plastics#2Revell Contacta ProfessionalNeedle ApplicatorGlue May Dry In ApplicatorAll Plastics#4Micro Krystal KlearDrys ClearMore ExpensiveClear WindshieldAnd Wood#3 Do Skill Level Five Model Kits Require Extensive Painting? All skill level five model kits require some or all of the parts to be painted. This includes very detailed painting of the engines and engine compartments. This will also include under carriage parts and interior parts. Some military kits will come in a gray color depicting their era but may need changed. A skill level five kit is a good time to really perfect your painting skills. There are so many fun ways you can paint your model, including brushing, rattle cans and airbrushing. As you one these skills you will begin to learn that all three ways are easy to learn with practice and patience. Type of PaintingProsConsSkill LevelApprox. CostsFine Point BrushInexpensiveNot Smooth, TediousEasyStarter Kit $25.00Spray CanInexpensiveOdors, ToxicMedium$4 to $8 Per CanAirbrushingExpensive for Good Equip.Odors, ToxicMedium to Hard$150 For a Starter KitPaint WashesMedium ExpensiveCan Have Toxic OdorsMedium to Hard$30 to $40 For a Wash Paint Kit Another beautiful level 5 kit. Spitfire MK Are Water Slide Decals Hard To Put On A Skill Level Five Model Kit? Water slide decals are not hard to install on a model when done correctly. After cutting out decal submerge in warm water 20 to 30 seconds. Brush on decal solutions where decal will go. With a tweezers place decal on model then slide away backing. Brush decal solution on top of decal. Placing the decals on your skill level five model is challenging as they are much larger and more detailed but look awesome when they are done correctly. Here are Seven steps to make the process easy. Cut out the decal you want to apply Place in warm water for 2o to 30 seconds Remove from water and place on paper towel Paint decal solution where decal will go Slide the decal off of the paper to where goes Position decal with a brush Paint over decal with decal solution Final Thoughts Go out and buy you a skill level five and give it a try. If you get frustrated you can always set it aside for some time while your skills catch up. I have had some pretty big mess ups over the years but I have always been able to fix them with a little patience and more glue. Take your time and have fun with it. Happy Modeling! Related Topics Do you have to prime a plastic model before you paint it? It’s not absolutely necessary, but most model enthusiasts prefer to prime their projects before painting them. Use a thin coat so you don’t obscure any details. The primer will slightly roughen the surface of the model, making it easier for paint to stick. Some Of My Favorite Level 5 Models: Fast & Furious 1970 Dodge Charger Rugged Kenworth Truck Classic Ford Bronco Gift Ideas: Add paint and glue to your model kit purchase Testors Paint assortment Value 2 pack of plastic glue