Fanhome supplies everything needed to build this studio-scale Millennium Falcon model, but I have put together a list of items that I found that improve the experience. These are just suggestions, there is no need to do it exactly this way.
Work Space
This model is going to take a long time to build, so having a good work space to assemble it is important. I created a dedicated location with a small table and laid down a self-healing 24×36″ craft mat by Arteza:
Arteza 24″x36″ Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
This has a nice light grey background (on the reverse side from the image seen above) with a 1/2″ grid, imperial rulers, and is big enough to cover the entire model.
Super Glue
This partwork build requires a lot of super gluing parts together. Super glue or CA (CyanoAcrylate) glue is quite common, but I have had really good experiences using these Loctite liquid and gel applicators:
Loctite Super Glue Control Gel and Ultra Liquid
Screwdriver Set
The build provides a few basic tools along with the issues. However, I found that these tools could be better so instead I started using this precision screwdriver/tool set by ORIA:
ORIA 86 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set
This set has many other useful tools such as different sharp-point tweezers, razor knife, magnetizing block, pry tools, etc.
Another screwdriver set I picked up is fantastic, but it does not contain any of the other tools. This is the iFixit Manta Driver Kit:
Then, I finally got my hands on a set of amazing Wera Kraftform Phillip-head screwdrivers. These things are nearly indestructible:
Wera 2050 PH/4 Kraftform Micro Phillips Precision Screwdriver Set
Organizer
This model is assembled using a bunch of tiny screws. The six different types of screws are color-coded and varying lengths, but I recommend checking out my SCREWS page to determine the differences. I ended up assigning my own single-letter designations and used an organizer to keep them identified and separated. And, since extra screws are included in every issue, you will need someplace to store them all.
I bought this cheap 7-day Pill Organizer from Amazon but any similar product would work fine. I will mark my letter designation onto each compartment to keep everything tidy.
Lubricating Oil
I still recommend pre-threading all of the metal holes with the correct screw before attaching things into place. This simply involves driving the intended screw into each hole and removing it before actually fastening anything together. The screws are made of harder metal than the die-cast parts so they should create threads in the metal. This will make the actual connection straighter and easier to use.
However, a complete game-changer for installing metal screws is to pick up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil and add a tiny bit to the tip of each metal screw (or into the hole). Using this oil, the metal screws go in much easier and will rarely bind, break, or strip.
Custom Modifications (Mods)
If you plan on modifying your ship, you may want to look into some of the many mods available to us before you start building.
See my MODS page for details.
The Community
There are a lot of other Fanhome stuido-scale Millennium Falcon model builders online where you can learn more about the kit, build tips and tricks, videos, ask questions, and join discussions. Don’t be a stranger, we are friendly!
Facebook Groups
There are also Facebook groups dedicated to the build. There is a ton of information and help to be found. Some of the groups I visit are:
Build the Millennium Falcon by Fanhome – Partwork Central
Next Up
Issue 01 – Hull Plating/Frames, Cockpit Base/Bulkhead, Cockpit Instrument Panel, Laser Cannon Barrels/Mounting Plates/Yoke