How long does a typical plastic kit take to build?

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.

What takes the most time in a build?

Assembly and painting each take roughly 35-40% of total time. Preparation (sanding, filling, test-fitting) takes about 15-20%. Adding photo-etch or aftermarket parts can double the assembly time alone.

How does scale affect build time?

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.

Does experience speed up builds significantly?

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.

ModelCalcs

Build Time Estimator — Kit Build Duration

Estimate total build hours based on kit complexity, scale, and your detail level.

Parts Count

Total number of parts on the sprues

Scale

Select model scale or choose Custom to enter your own factor

Subject Type

Different subjects have different per-part complexity

Detail Level

Higher detail levels multiply assembly time significantly

Photo-Etch Set

PE sets add fine detail but significantly increase build time

Paint Scheme

More complex paint schemes require masking and multiple sessions

How We Calculate This

Calculates build time by multiplying parts count by per-part time estimates, adjusted for subject type, scale, detail level and paint complexity.

Formula

Assembly = Parts x Base mins x Scale x Detail x PE factor
Prep = Assembly time x 0.25
Painting = Assembly x 0.4 x Paint scheme factor
Total = Assembly + Prep + Painting + Weathering

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Parts Count Estimator

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Decal Calculator

Plan decal application with setting solution and softener quantities.

Rigging Calculator

Calculate rigging line lengths for biplanes, ships and other rigged models.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.