Before I start building anything on more complex transmission-style models, I do one simple thing first.
I sort the small mechanical parts.
Not everything—just the pieces that are easy to mix up and frustrating to figure out once they’re out of the packaging. That includes screws, bearings, steel shafts, and the small sleeves that go with them.
On this build, there are multiple screw lengths—5 mm, 7 mm, and 12 mm—and once they’re out of the bag, they all start looking very similar. It’s way too easy to grab the wrong one and not realize it until you’re a few steps ahead… or worse, have to backtrack.
Some kits try to help by splitting parts into different bags, which is nice in theory. But in practice, you still have to stop, check the accessory list, figure out which bag has the part you need, and then go find it.
That’s enough to break your flow.
So instead, before I even begin assembly, I take about 10–15 minutes and sort everything into small plastic containers with snap lids.
Each type of part gets its own space—screws, shafts, bearings, sleeves—and I label each one with the part number. Sometimes when there are only a few completely different parts I can put multiples in one box
If the instructions call it Y8, my container just says “8.” That way it doesn’t matter how the kit labels things—I just match the number and move on.
When the instructions say to use a specific part, I grab the container with that number and keep building. No comparing screw lengths, no digging through bags, no second-guessing.
It’s a small step upfront, but it makes the entire build smoother and a lot less frustrating.
And honestly, it’s kind of satisfying to see everything sorted and ready to go before you even start.
Do you sort your parts before you build, or do you figure it out as you go?
