- 1). Open the bags which contain the plastic trees, or "sprues" to which the parts of the model are connected. Lay the sprues out and, using the instructions, verify that all of the parts are there. Don't remove any of the parts yet.
- 2). Submerge the parts on their sprues in a mild solution of dish detergent to remove the layer of lubricant that model manufacturers use to ease the removal of parts from their molds. After a minute or so, rinse them off by submerging the sprues in water, then let them dry on a layer of paper towels.
- 3). Paint the small parts (less than 1/4-inch in size) on the sprues. Use the paint colors suggested in the instructions and the image on the box. Allow the paint to dry.
- 4). Start constructing the sub-assemblies that will go together to make the model as directed by the instructions. Cut the parts loose from the sprues and remove any excess plastic ("flash") from the parts with the hobby knife. Trim small parts of their flash and touch up their paint before gluing them in place. Dry fit sub-assemblies together before gluing them and use minimal glue so that it does not squelch out of the seams and ruin the finish. Paint the sub-assemblies before putting them together and allow the paint to fully dry before final assembly.
- 5). Combine the sub-assemblies as directed in the instructions to complete the model.
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