Gate

The gate is the narrow bridge of plastic that connects a finished part to the sprue frame around it. It exists purely so the mould can fill and the part can stay attached while the plastic sets, and it has no purpose once the kit reaches your workbench. Gate size varies by kit and manufacturer, with some parts attached by a thin whisker of plastic and others by a much thicker connection that needs more care to remove.

Where the gate sits on a part matters for cleanup. Manufacturers try to place gates on flat, hidden, or low-detail edges so any small mark left behind is easy to sand away, but thicker gates on visible surfaces, like a curved canopy or a smooth cowling, need extra attention so the repair does not show under paint. Cutting a small stub first and shaving it down gradually gives a cleaner result than trying to cut flush against the part in one motion.

A frequent mistake is cutting directly against the part with regular scissors or a dull blade, which can crush the plastic or leave a visible dent even after sanding. On parts with gates in visible locations, a sharp hobby knife or fine file used after the initial cut usually gives a smoother, less noticeable finish than the cutter alone.