FRANKLIN COUNTY 4-H MODEL BUILDING

Transcription

1 FRANKLIN COUNTY 4-H MODEL BUILDING Save this book, use it each year you are in the project.

2 4 H Model Building Model building can be fun and exciting. You can express your creative abilities, learn to follow instructions, and make models you re proud to display and to show your family and friends. Hobby shops and department stores offer a large variety of model kits. There are model kits for cars, airplanes, trucks, boats, engines, etc. Some are made from plastic, some from wood, and many other various materials. Some kits are inexpensive, have few parts, and are rather simple to build. Others are more expensive, have many parts, and require more skill and experience. Your choices are many. Here are a few guidelines to help you select the right model for your 4 H project. 1. How much model building experience do you have? If it is your first, you will want to start with something simple like a plastic car kit. If you have made a lot of models, you will want to select a more complicated model with many parts which require more complicated construction techniques; such as a model ship. 2. How old are you? The older you are, the more complicated model you will be able to build. Do not try to build something too hard for your age and experience. 3. Select a model you like and will enjoy building. 4. We hope you will enjoy building your model. Just be sure to pick a model you like, and one you can do a good job with, and do your best. If you follow the above guidelines, you can be proud of your exhibit. You don t have to build your model from a kit. In fact, models you make yourself from wood or various materials, offer a great opportunity to express your creativity and artistic abilities. Any kind of model is acceptable and encouraged if it is of interest and challenging to you. You may follow a design or make your own design. Use your imagination and initiative. Of course, you will probably need considerable model building experience before attempting to design and build a model from scratch, but go ahead if you feel more confident. You can personalize model kits to show your creativeness and artistic ability. You can do this by the way you paint them or decorate them. You will discover various ways to decorate and find different materials to use as you progress in your model making experience. 2

3 OBJECTIVES OF 4 H MODEL BUILDING PROJECT 1. To be able to choose a model suited to one s age and ability. 2. To be able to follow directions for building models. 3. To develop patience in model building. 4. To improve model building skills in the following areas: a. Gluing b. Painting c. Assembly SAFETY GUIDELINES 1. Use modeling glue in a well ventilated or open area. Vapor from the glue can be harmful if used in an enclosed or poorly ventilated place. 2. Handle sharp tools correctly. Precision tools used in modeling are razor sharp, consequently, they are very dangerous when used or handled improperly. 3. Use aerosol spray paint in an open place, but do not work around open flames with the aerosol paint supplies and/or the plastic component parts. The spray mist is flammable and spreads or travels easily. It is suggested that your model be spray painted in a three sided cardboard box to collect and retain spray drift. 4. When using aerosol spray paint, be careful not to inhale paint fumes. TOOLS, TIPS, AND TECHNIQUES TOOLS OF THE TRADE Hobby Knife Jewelers File (Round & Half Round) Filecard Toothbrush Tweezers Needlenose Pliers Clothes Pins (Pincher Type) C Clamp Paint Brushes 0, 00, 8 Toothpicks Black Electrical Tape Emery Board Extra Fine Sandpaper Steel Wool Rubber Bands Metal Ruler Dowel Rod Airbrush Spray Paint 3

4 IN THE BEGINNING The first thing you ll need is a work area. A flat table is necessary and it should be protected with paper or plastic. Be as neat as possible; remove any excess glue or paint, before it hardens from the table or tools. Read the instructions carefully, before you begin to assemble the model. There is a sequence to follow when putting the model together. Model parts are usually numbered, don t remove the parts from the spruce (figure 1) until you know where they fit. Read the instructions! The spruce can be a better holding tool than tweezers for some parts. You may even wish to paint some parts while they are still on the spruce. PREPARING THE PARTS After removing the parts from the spruce, use a hobby knife or file to remove excess plastic resulting from the spruce. A round jeweler s file can be used to smooth holes and slots. Also, test to see if the parts fit together; they should fit snuggly. Figure 1. Spruce GETTING IT ALL TOGETHER Plastic cement is used to bond the model pieces together and only a small amount is needed to join the pieces. Plastic cements are solvents that actually melt the plastic. When the solvents evaporate, it leaves the dissolved surfaces of the plastic joint fused together. Figure 2. Plastic Cement There are two types of plastic cement: a thick type that comes in a tube or a clear liquid that comes in a bottle. Use a toothpick as an applicator. It is difficult for beginners to apply cement directly from the tube. PAINTING This can transform your model into a replica of a real life object. If you have done the proper job with the putty and undercoating, painting is a must! Choosing the correct paint is a difficult task. Many paints have ingredients in them that can destroy a plastic surface. There are paints made for plastic surface, that will not harm the surface, but they are not often labeled. Ask the hobby shop owner for advice on what type of paint is safe for your model or learn from experience. There are two types of paint finishes: Glossy and Flat (matte). Glossy finishes are great for automobile, motorcycle, truck, and commercial aircraft models. Flat finishes are dull and can be used for military equipment, such as, aircrafts, tanks, trucks, and ships. Flat paints are very easy to apply, but decals do not stick to the surface of the model, as easily as, decals stick to a glossy surface. It is very important to remember that humidity will affect the paint finish, so avoid painting on rainy, damp days. 4

5 BRUSH PAINTING There are two uses for brush painting: small, detail parts or a large, entire surface of the model s body. Purchase good brushes that are soft and the hairs will not come out of easily. For small detailed work, use a 000 to 0 numbered brush and for a large area, use a number 8 flat edge brush. When painting with a brush, flow paint on with a long smooth stroke in the same direction. Work fast and avoid using too many strokes. Let the paint dry for a few days, before adding any decals. SPRAY PAINTING This can be done inexpensively and produce a super finish. Be sure to spray in a well ventilated area and a cardboard box can be used as a spray booth. Shake the spray can vigorously up and down, before the paint is applied. Never start or stop spraying on the model. Move your entire arm in a slow and steady movement over the section you are painting. AIR BRUSHING The principles of spray painting can be applied to the air brush. The big advantage in air brushing is that you can adjust the amount of paint and the surface area. If you plan to get seriously involved in model building, purchasing an air brush is a good idea. Remember, paint should be mixed extremely well and thinner than paint that is applied by a brush. THOSE LITTLE EXTRAS For a model that calls for a multi color scheme, you must learn the art of masking. The best tape to use is black electrical tape; it leaves a sharp, crisp, and clean edge. The lightest color should be applied first to the model. Let the paint completely dry (for at least 24 hours.) Apply tape and make sure the tape is clean and crisp. Spray paint and immediately remove the tape after applying the second color. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. Repeat the same process if more than 2 colors are used. Camouflaging is effectively done with spray paint or an air brush. You can use black electrical tape to mark off areas or a paper mask (stencil). To make a paper mask pattern, use a piece of medium weight and cut out pattern with a hobby knife. 5

6 REQUIREMENTS FOR 4 H MODEL BUILDING PROJECT AND EXHIBIT 1. Model building divisions are beginner (grades 3 5), intermediate (grades 6 8), or advanced (Grades 9 12) division of Model Building. 2. Read and study the information contained in the 4 H Model Building manual. Use the information as a guide for building your model. 3. Select and construct a model to exhibit in the 4 H fair (i.e. Farm, buildings, car, truck, plane, boat, etc.) 4. Models must NOT be displayed with water or live animals. 5. Models must be displayed on a suitable base. Attach the exhibit tag to the base. 6. Exhibitors may attach an explanation card if desired (3x5 or 5x8) to describe the intent of the model or special details (ex. movable parts, special mounting features, unique customizing, etc.). 7. The 4 Her is expected to complete a more difficult project each year. 8. Snap together kits are acceptable for first year Beginner division ONLY. 9. Intermediate exhibitors should paint some parts of the model. 10. Advanced exhibitors should paint all parts of the kit model (except windows, chrome, and tires). 11. You are encouraged to be creative. Do more in styling, painting, etc., than the kit calls for. JUDGING: A. Workmanship: Models will be judged on the quality and the neatness and how well the model represents the real life object. Workmanship includes: Gluing, assembly, putty, sanding, and painting. B. The model must be appropriate for your age. C. Creativity: Did you add more than what the kit called for? D. The record sheet is to be completed and turned in with your record book. POINT SCALE: Workmanship 40 points Appropriate for age 10 points Creativity 40 points Record Sheet 10 points 6

7 FRANKLIN COUNTY 4 H MODEL BUILDING RECORD SHEET YEAR: Name: Grade: Division: 4 H Club Name:_ Years in 4 H Years in Models 4 H Member s Signature Date Leader s Signature Complete the following information and answer the questions about your model. 1. Type of Model 2. Estimated number of hours spent on model 3. Money spent on model: Cost of Model Cost of Supplies Total Cost 4. What method did you use to apply paint? 5. List three new things you have learned this year in constructing your model: a. b. c. 6. The areas of model building that I need improvement in are: Date 7. What models do you plan to build in the future? 8. What new techniques do you hope to learn? 9. How do you think Model Building can be used in adult life? 10. What professions can Model Building be applied to? 7