Returning to modelling since my childhood in the 1970s

[Ian M]

Hi Mike and Welcome!
Rule #1 build what you like how you like. lol
Its all been said but basic tool set. knife, mini files, sanding sticks, small scissors, tweezers. All of which can be found in the wife's sewing box.
As an alternative you could look in on the Scale model shop, link at the top of the page. If he does not have it, you probably dont need it.
He has very competitive prices and great service and fast delivery! What more could you ask.

[boatman]

AN a welcome from me also Mike im the sort of black sheep of the forum LOL as mostly im on one ship build only for nr three yrs now but now restarting the tiger build today if possible after a eye op just before xmas but i have an will build plastic model aircraft kits when ive finished my tiger build but this in my opinion is one of the best forums goin on the web as the guys an gals on here are the most polite an helpfull you will ever find hope you enjoy your time on here an as been said most of all enjoy your builds an have fun an hope to see some of your work on here an please could you fit on full size pics an not the thumbnail pics as im in a low megabtye area an my p/c wont bring up them small pics very well without cuttin some of the pic off cheers
AN ATB to you for the comin year
chris

[hirschberg]

Welcome Mike.
I think everything has been said. I started at about 10-11yrs, I am now 66. Even now I still mainly build out of the box.
Little bits of weathering and occasionally a bit of PE.
As others have said, build for yourself, some of my builds are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination,
But I am happy with them, for me that is the key, BUILD FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT.
Have fun.

Stuart

[wasdale32]

Hi Mike & welcome,

one useful source of cheap stuff like A2/A3 cutting mats, chalk pastels for weathering & cheap (nasty?) brushes & acrylic paint for groundwork etc is "The Works" - they also often have reduced books on military subjects that can be good for research. I'd spend your budget on the plastic rather than the specialist potions and powders while you're getting used to things....

Mark

[Valeron]

Hi Mike & welcome,

one useful source of cheap stuff like A2/A3 cutting mats, chalk pastels for weathering & cheap (nasty?) brushes & acrylic paint for groundwork etc is "The Works" - they also often have reduced books on military subjects that can be good for research. I'd spend your budget on the plastic rather than the specialist potions and powders while you're getting used to things....

Mark

Nice one. We have a Works in St Albans where I live. I'll pop in sometime and have a look

[spanner570]

Mark, don't forget our very own shop here on Scale Models. Loads of stuff at good prices....

Ron

[Valeron]

Thank you very much everyone for your warm welcome advice.

I've been reading more and I've ordered my first model. I've gone Tamiya as I always fancied doing one of these when I was a kid but never did. It's also a good price and seems and interesting one to build.

I'll also order paints as well after the model has arrived.

I'm planning to hand paint only and possibly using Vallejo acrylics. They seem to get a good review from what I've seen. I'll deal with weathering etc once I've got started.

What are peoples thoughts on Priming? I understand Priming in a Real world sense as I do all the decorating at home but have never primed a model. All the priming I have seen in magazines and online has been via an airbrush which I'm keeping away from for
now.

Another question if I may, I do have some Humbrol enamels for black. This model has a few black parts. Do people mix enamel and acrylics or should I purchase some acrylic black too?

Once the model arrives I'll start a blog.

Mike

[Valeron]

Mark, don't forget our very own shop here on Scale Models. Loads of stuff at good prices....

Ron

Good point. I must admit, I wasn't fully aware of that.

[Tim Marlow]

Nothing wrong with using acrylic and enamel on the same model, just make sure they are dry before the next coat. As to priming, I always do. Don’t invest in an airbrush yet though. A Tamiya grey rattle can will more than do what you need, just be aware it will pong a bit so do it in the garage. Use fine coats, don’t dwell over the model, and start and stop the spray off the model to eliminate the chance of big drops being splattered on as the spray stops.

[Mark1]

Nice one to start with, you don't necessarily need to primesome people do ,some don't but wash all the spruse in warm soapy water to remove any grease/oil from manufacturing , can't really comment on the enamels as I don't use em.

[adt70hk]

[ATTACH]443008[/ATTACH]

Thank you very much everyone for your warm welcome advice.

I've been reading more and I've ordered my first model. I've gone Tamiya as I always fancied doing one of these when I was a kid but never did. It's also a good price and seems and interesting one to build.

I'll also order paints as well after the model has arrived.

I'm planning to hand paint only and possibly using Vallejo acrylics. They seem to get a good review from what I've seen. I'll deal with weathering etc once I've got started.

What are peoples thoughts on Priming? I understand Priming in a Real world sense as I do all the decorating at home but have never primed a model. All the priming I have seen in magazines and online has been via an airbrush which I'm keeping away from for
now.

Another question if I may, I do have some Humbrol enamels for black. This model has a few black parts. Do people mix enamel and acrylics or should I purchase some acrylic black too?

Once the model arrives I'll start a blog.

Mike

Hi Mike

Great choice of kit. The vehicle - if not the kit - that truly got me back into modelling and my son into it for the first time.

Most people prime but some don't - it does help with paint adhesion especially for water based paints like Vallejo.

As you're starting out, a lot of people use paint rattle can primer.....Halfords grey is used a lot and works well as I can testify myself..... Just don't spray it indoors - it goes everywhere even when into a cardboard box and stinks. I do now have an airbrush myself but still occasionally use the rattle can, in which case I have a cardboard box in the shed that I spray into

As for mixing enamels and acrylics you can use them in the same model. Just make sure they dry properly first.

Hope that helps.

Andrew

[spanner570]

Good point. I must admit, I wasn't fully aware of that.

Glad to be of help.
I only brush paint. I use Vallejo 'Air' acrylics which are supposed to be used with an airbrush, but they are great for brush application straight from the bottle, but can be thinned if required. Vallejo 'Colour' are a thicker consistency and for brush use will require thinning. Don't be fooled into thinking you need 'Posh' thinners for acrylics, I use ordinary tap water. Suits me just fine.

Re- priming, some do, some don't. I used to, but have found it's not necessary, so I don't anymore!

Good luck...

Ron

[Bobby Conkers]

Another welcome from me. You're exactly where I was a few years ago (in terms of 'expertise') and this place has taught me everything I now know. Have a problem? Ask this lot. Fancy giving yourself a challenge? Ask this lot.

Three years ago I was a sausage-fingered out of the box builder. Now I read through instructions of a new model making notes on what improvements I can make. I'm weathering, lighting, modifying models now where I didn't even know what these things were before.

As said previously, don't compare to others' work, instead assess what you'd like to have done after completion, find out how you'd do that, and apply to your next. And above all, post your builds here with progress - everyone will give positive feedback (I've yet to see a negative response here), and give expert advice for you. I'm don't want to advertise my posts, but a good example is my 1/96 Spanish Galleon in the ships section. Throughout you'll see I've hit both problems and inspirations as I've gone along, asked advice, and received friendly and informative solutions and encouragement.

Higher than tools, paints and models, this forum should be your top resource, and for free! In three years' time, if you continue to enjoy it, you'll look back to yesterday and be amazed how far you've come. It's an education.

[Dave Ward]

Nice one. We have a Works in St Albans where I live. I'll pop in sometime and have a look

If you're in there - plastic palettes & mixing pots!
Dave

[adt70hk]

Can only get echo day about the works. Very useful indeed!!