Dark Bench Works

Free downloads · For beginners

Reference library

New to modeling? Start here. Free build guides and standard operating procedures, written for anyone picking up the hobby.

When I started out, I'd have given anything for a clear build process — one that laid out the steps in order, flagged the mistakes before I made them, and passed along the small ideas that usually only come from years at the bench. I never found it, so I'm building it.

These guides are the SOPs I researched, tested, and use myself: best-practice methods, step-by-step build processes, and honest cautions written in plain language for people new to the hobby. Every one is a free download, and the library will keep growing as I add more.

Each guide is laid out in the style of a USAF Technical Order (T.O.) — the same format I worked from for 22 years on the flightline. That means numbered procedures you follow in sequence, plain-language WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE flags that call out trouble before you hit it, and a document control block with a revision number so you always know you're reading the current version.

Aircraft build SOPs

Great Wall Hobbies A-10A Thunderbolt II — 1/48 Full Build SOP

Complete step-by-step build for the GWH 1/48 A-10A (Kit L4826): kit inspection through paint, weathering, external stores, and display mounting, with Europe One color references and a full troubleshooting guide.

PDF · Free · T.O. Format · Intermediate–Advanced
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Academy A-10C Thunderbolt II — 1/48 Full Build SOP

Complete step-by-step build for the Academy 1/48 A-10C (Kit 12348): kit inspection through paint, weathering, and display, plus the Eduard Brassin ACES II resin ejection seat as Attachment 1.

PDF · Free · T.O. Format · Intermediate–Advanced
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Ground support equipment

Reskit MHU-83 D/E Late Lift Truck — 1/48 GSE Assembly SOP

Resin GSE build for the Reskit MHU-83 D/E munitions lift truck (Kits RSK48-0008 lower / RSK48-0009 upper): support removal, warp correction, sub-assembly build, priming, USAF/USAFE schemes, and loading-position configuration for flightline dioramas.

PDF · Free · T.O. Format · Resin · Intermediate–Advanced
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Reference & process

Paint System SOP — GSI Creos / Mr. Hobby

Bench reference for the Mr. Hobby paint system across any build: surface prep, priming, airbrushing lacquer and water-based paints, clears, decals, panel-line accent, and weathering — with mixing-ratio and cure-time quick cards and a full troubleshooting matrix.

PDF · Free · T.O. Format · Process Reference
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