Matchstick Modelling

Matchstick modelling is made much easier if you have the right tools. The following Tools are the most useful to keep in your modelling kit: A small flat paintbrush, pair of pointed pliers, a modeller's knife set, small square, two small G-clamps, a set of small files, scissors, pencils, side cutters, straight edge, ruler, and matchstick cutter. It may also a good idea to get one of the small hobby drills, they will make your life so much easier. The best Gluesto use are wood working alaphatic resins, as these can be sanded when dry. When cladding a pre-cut card former, glue the card, not the matchsticks. Use a small paintbrush to spread enough glue for about 10 minutes of cladding time. Keep the paintbrush damp when not in use to avoid it drying out. On flat sections place the section under a heavy flat object and allow 4-5 hours drying time. Always make as many sections as possible before starting to assemble, this will give you a better insight into the involvement of the model and can avoid complications at a later stage. When sanding the sections use a coarse sandpaper across the grain first then finish with a fine sandpaper with the grain. The more time spent on sanding the smoother the end product will be but remember that these are only matches. For more in -depth information on the hobby, it may be worth investing in "The art of matchstick modelling" book. It is very important in matchstick modelling to have a lot of patience, some models can take 3 months or more to complete - there are no fast results.