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Kitbashing is when you combine parts of different kits to make something entirely new. You can combine parts from model kits, miniatures, toys, or craft materials. Instead of building the model exactly out of the box, as per the instructions, you can change it, or other pieces, or mix and match parts.
For example, you would take the head of one model, the body of another, and a weapon from another. The finished product is therefore something unique that you can’t get elsewhere.
What Can You Make With Kitbashing?
You could make any of the following:
- Custom miniatures, models, terrain, or vehicles
- Head or weapon swaps on figures
- Fantasy characters or vehicles
Is Kitbashing Good For Beginners?
Kitbashing can be good for beginners if you start small. You could start with swapping around a weapon on a figure, rather than trying something very complex. In time, as you become more skilled, you can become more advanced and experimental in your approach.
What Materials Do You Need to Start Kitbashing?
You can use the following materials:
- Spare miniature parts
- Plastic model kits
- Toy parts
- Cardboard
- Foam board
- Beads
- Wire
- Bottle caps
- Plastic packaging
- Modelling putty
You can keep a special box aside, just for spare parts. This could include things such as leftover arms, heads, weapons, bases, wheels, signs, pipes, shields, or any other plastic part or shape.
What Tools Do You Need For Kitbashing?
You don’t need lots of tools to get started. Useful tools include the following:
- Hobby knife
- Scissors
- Plastic glue
- Super glue
- PVA glue
- Cutting mat
- Tweezers
- Small files/ sanding sticks
- Modelling putty
- Primer
- Acrylic paint
How Much Space Does Kitbashing Need?
Kitbashing doesn’t need a large workspace. Instead, beginners can start with a small desk, table, or hobby corner. You just need enough space to glue, cut, and test fit your parts together.
A cutting mat can be good idea because it protects the surface underneath from damage. A small box or container can also be a good investment for your spare parts. If you leave parts everywhere, kitbashing can become very expensive.
If you don’t have very much spare space, you can start with smaller projects, like miniatures, miniature bases, or simple parts of the terrain.
Is Kitbashing Expensive?
Whilst kitbashing can get expensive, it doesn’t have to be. You can use spare parts from models that you have previously bought, meaning that it’s possible to do this hobby at no extra cost to what you have already invested.
It may be tempting to buy extra kits and parts especially, but this is not ideal for beginners. You also do not need lots of specialist tools; you may just need a hobby knife, glue, a cutting mat, and a small box for spare parts.
Who Might Enjoy It?
Kitbashing may suit people who like:
- Customising things
- Reusing spare parts
- Solving small creative problems
- Making creative or unusual characters
- Experimenting rather than following instructions exactly
Is Kitbashing the Same as Model Making?
Whilst kitbashing and model making are similar, they are not the same thing. Model making refers to building a model, often following instructions and using the parts from a kit. Kitbashing is where you switch things around, combining parts from different sets and other spare parts to create something entirely new. Think of kitbashing as going ‘off-piste’ in the world of model building.
What is a Good First Kitbashing Project?
Beginners can start with simple projects, such as:
- Changing out a figure’s weapon
- Adding a bag, pouch or other tool or accessory
- Adding pipes or broken walls into terrain
- Making a rubble base
Final Thoughts
Kitbashing is a creative way to make models, miniatures, terrains, and dioramas more personalised. Instead of using a kit straight of the box, kitbashing allows you to mix and match parts to make something entirely new.
Whilst it can seem complex, beginners can start off simply and by swapping around a few items, such as heads or weapons.
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