BEGINNER'S MODELLING

Before you do any painting, you'll need to do a bit of modeling, even if it's just gluing a model to its base. Follow our step-by-step guide and you'll soon be a confident modeller! Find out what equipment you need, how to assemble multi-part models, and how to stick your models to their bases.

Some of the these modeling projects are more difficult than others. We recommend you start by assembling some infantry models before trying a cavalry model or a war machine. The Orc boar chariot and the Space Marine Land Speeder are relatively complex, so don't try these until you're a bit more experienced.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?

You will need the following equipment for the modeling projects listed below:

CLIPPERS. These are great for removing plastic models from their sprue and snipping off small bits of metal flash. And they're a lot safer to use than a knife! 

GLUE. You will need two types of glue for modeling:

  • Superglue, which is used for gluing metal to metal, and metal to plastic
  • Plastic glue (also known as liquid polystyrene cement), which is used for gluing plastic to plastic

Glue can be dangerous. Please read these safety guidelines

MODELLING KNIFE. Modeling knives are used for removing tiny pieces of excess metal or "flash" from models prior to painting. Be very careful when you are using a modeling knife; the best kind to use is the type with a retractable blade that can be withdrawn when the knife is not in use. Clippers are often a safer option, and are perfectly serviceable for cleaning up metal models, and snipping plastic models from their sprues.

Be very careful when using knives, they can be dangerous. Please read these safety guidelines

All these items can be purchased from Games Workshop, where our trained staff will be happy to advise you.

Bases. All our models come supplied with plastic bases to stand on. More

Undercoating. When you have assembled your model, and glued it to its base, you will need to undercoat it before you start painting. More

PAINTING YOUR MODEL

Once you've stuck your model together and undercoated it, you'll want to paint it. Find out how in our Beginners' Painting guide.

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO MOVE ON....

Once you've stuck together and painted some models, and you're feeling a bit more confident, you could try some of the projects on the main area of the Hobby website.

Armies of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe
Black Templars
Dark Angels Orks
Catachans
Dark Eldar Space Marines
Chapter Approved
Eldar Tau
Chaos Space Marines Imperial Guard Tyranids
Daemonhunters Necrons Witch Hunters