When producing a scale model do you have to scratchbuild a model in order to create beautiful scale realism? Because if you buy some kits e.g. Kyosho warbird, you do not get a 100% correct warbird, and obviously you need to be accurate before turning it into a scale model. How would i know it is correct for a face lift? (To be turned from an ordinary warbird and change into a replica scale model.

Please help with good information as i want to begin in scale modeling. Thank you very much for your help.

The absolute best way to build scale is to build from plans. Search for scale documentation from one of the many suppliers that advertise in the model magazines. Some of the kit built models can be modified if you don't mind the extra work. You should always have scale documentation to confirm the changes you make. The Top Flite FW 190 D9 is a good aircraft to start with if you like WWII fighters.

If you like building from plans that offer a lot of scale info on the plans for construction, look closely at Brian Taylor plans that Bob Holman sells. He even laser cuts a lot of the parts as well as supplies cowls, canopies and spinners. Another place to look at some good WWII birds is www.skyshark.com These kits are light and easy to build and can be scaled or highly detaled. Check them out ! Can't hurt ![&:]

It depends on how much scale that you want. Do you want a fun scale or museum qualitity or somewhare in between. I have been building scale for over 20 years and that is the starting place that I have used with great success. Another question you should ask, is it contest bound? Back in the mid 80's I scratch build a 1/3 scale J-3 Cub from Bob Neletz plans. It took 3 years to complete, and thats another thing to consider in what time frame to want it completed, and it was detailed down to the skuff marks on the heel plates in the cockpit, actual Liscense/ Regestration documentation from a real Cub was used, which I flew, scaled down. It received many placks and best of shows. The most important award was from the major owner and deigner of the Jet World, in saying it was precision scale quality.
Another thing to consider is your own building skills, work shop, tools, etc. Having build several Ziroli planes from his plans, I can telll you from experiance they are great and they fly, not only fly, but fly very realistic and great. You can from His website buy the plans and accessories from him and there are several kit cutting suppliers that supply top qualitity wood kits.
One of probable the next most important thing to consider is documentation. Bob's Documentation, listed in many magazines, is the best. You can also go to a search engine and find thousands of places to get usfull full size pictures and articals to use for documentation.
Good luck on your project. I have started a Ziroli 87" PT-17 Stearman, and will hopefully have the same scale apointements as the full size. The greatest compliment you can get, and is / was rewarding for all the effort, is for someone to come up to your model and say, "Wow, that looks like the real plane." Happy landings

As already stated, it depends what you're after.

My experience has told me, when building for competition, it's easier to build from scratch than from a kit. The thing is, that every aircraft is unique in many ways (and has her own personality). Do your research first and decide on a particular instance of an aircraft (not just a type) and go from there. Document first, then build. It's far easier to plan than to retrofit. You may be surprised how many modifications are made after the original drawings were done.