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Basically, I paint everything, and I glue almost everything too. In order to get the best results, it is important to plan ahead. Through fitting, which means putting all the parts together as a test, modelers identify problems with the kit so they can make arrangements and plans. I also use this time to dream of possible remodeling possibilities. What you see here are two typical unassembled plastic model pieces. Most of the new models do not require glue or paint these days, because they are molded in the correct color and they are snap-fit!!! Well, well... The two pieces have a nice fit if their seamline is small and easy to take care of. The fit is bad if the gap is wide at the seams. Snap fit in model kits is achieved using the plugs in the middle of the pieces. These plugs, however, are enemies of fitting (and glueing as well) because if you don't get rid of them, it is virtually impossible to separate the two pieces again without creating damage to the pieces. GET RID OF THEM! Okay, I do not always get rid of all of them now. In the fitting stage, it is good enough if I can make sure I would be able to separate the pieces later. Therefore, one way I like to use is to loosen the female side of the plug. They are tight when they are new! ;) Use a drill bit that's slightly larger than the plug (a 2mm works very well on many of the Bandai new releases), turn it a few times to broach the hole. Verify that the plug is loose enough for you to separate at a later time. A more direct way to due with the plug is to cut it. You can cut all of the male side, but I like to cut only half, or a bit more, at this time. If the plug is shorter, it is much easier to separate. However, this is not always a reliable method. When all the plugs have been handled, try to assemble the pieces. Identify problems with the piece, see how wide the gap is, think of ways to detail it up, plan the steps you would use to assemble the whole model, see which parts have to be glued first, blah blah blah... What if I cut all the plugs? What if I loosen them too much they can't be snapped together? Relax. there's something called... Super Glue. Super glue is strong, but they are brittle as well. We can use this property to help us glue the pieces together temporarily. The trick? Well the trick is to use only tiny drops of super glue here. Use two or three tiny drops on one side of the model and push the pieces together. It doesn't take too much effort to separate the pieces later. But, if you use too much super glue... Relax again. There is always something called... Super Glue Debonder. Done! This is a piece that's been put together with super glue... Seems like I really need some debonder this time... :P

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