Being a good modeler involves taking some risks to achieve a desired outcome. It also involves learning through trial and error. For me scale modeling has never been what some would consider a “turn key” process, that would take away much of the fun that comes with learning the processes and techniques I want to master.

I get emails and read questions about doing this and that from scale modelers who want KNOWLEDGE and help. Many of those posing the questions are working on their current project, trying to take the next step which is unexplored territory for them and beyond their comfort zone or skill sets. Its not that this is a bad thing, but if the exercise or process doesn’t turn out well it can be a disaster. To prevent this potential disaster from affecting the project you so want to apply it to you need to PRACTICE it on something else first.

Dig through your stash to find or acquire a kit to be used as a TEST MULE. This can be an unbuilt kit or one that was previously built that isn’t up to “standard” of acceptability. Raid the neighbor kids collection if you have to! It can even be a kit that has been damaged or is missing pieces that is still in the box. This P-47 for example I picked up cheap from a vendor and it would make a great TEST MULE to try various techniques to repair the crack.

One could experiment with using a new solvent, putty or tool. You could use these in combination with using  new techniques. Such as using styrene gussets on the interior to reinforce the fuselage to close and seal the crack. Or even trying your hand at painting with a new airbrush, paints or painting methods.

You might even want to try to saw off the control surfaces to learn how to make them positionable! I have a few that have been used for such surgical attempts in order to learn what tool and methodology works best.

If you are one who is a one kit at a time modeler that is fine. A TEST MULE is not a model that is specifically ever going to get completed. It may get several different finishes, but that is its purpose…training and practice. If you mess it up that is OKAY! Better to mess up the MULE than that project you are working on.

Here’s one of my TEST MULES that I use for trying various camo schemes and techniques on…you can use an aircraft, car, armor or even a section of PVC pipe!

So Get Yourself A TEST MULE and GIT’R DONE While Learning Along The Way!!!