Build Time Estimator — Kit Build Duration

A simple 1:72 kit might take 5-10 hours. A standard 1:48 kit takes 15-30 hours. A detailed 1:32 aircraft with aftermarket can take 60-100+ hours. Competition builds at any scale can take 100+ hours due to the attention to detail required.

Assembly is usually the single largest block — typically 50-60% of total time on a clean build — because every part has to be cleaned up, test-fitted and glued. Painting and finishing come next at roughly 20-30%, preparation (sanding, filling, seam work) around 10-15%, and weathering the remainder. Adding photo-etch or aftermarket parts can double the assembly time alone, and a complex multi-colour scheme can push painting toward parity with assembly.

Larger scales take longer because parts are bigger and there is more surface to paint and detail. However, they are often easier to handle. Smaller scales can be fiddly but have fewer parts. The sweet spot for build time is usually 1:48 or 1:72.

Yes. An experienced modeller typically works 30-50% faster than a beginner. However, experienced modellers often add more detail and spend more time on finishing, so their builds may not be shorter overall.