Project levels are an idea that we began to implement in August 2007 to make it easier for readers to identify projects that may be suitable for their level of experience and access to tools and materials. The five levels are as follows:
No special tools, materials or skills are required although we assume that you will have access to ordinary household and general craft/hobby items such as scissors, brushes, paint and glue. Any items that you don't have can probably be obtained from stationers, hardware stores, and the like without needing to access a specialise model shop.
Uses a relatively specialised model making technique (such as drybrushing) or tools and/or materials that will probably need to be acquired from a model shop. In many cases however it will be possible to use a household item instead e.g. a penknife instead of a craft knife, or coloured sawdust instead of flock, however the shop bought item may be preferable.
Uses tools and materials that will need to be acquired for the purpose such as Plastruct or a Pin Vice, and will probably involve the use of techniques which are more specific to the model making hobby. However the tools, materials and techniques will be considered to be a fairly standard part of any terrain makers tool kit and skill set.
Uses tools, techniques or materials that are considered to be a little over and above what may be expected of the average terrain maker. For example it may require the use of power tools or a knowledge of techniques that are only occasionally used in model making such as resin casting or soldering.
Will probably require the use multiple specialist tools and/or materials and/or uses techniques that will require practice in order to obtain the necessary skills to employ them effectively, some of which may only be of occasional use to the modelmaker.