A return to modelling after 38 years

[blacbul67]

Hi everyone. I built my last model (a 1/35 Tamiya SdKfz. 222 Leichter Panzerspähwagen) in 1984 and Beatties was pretty much my favourite shop at the time (well along with Selectadisc!). At 18 I went to Further Education, leaving home and stopped modelling at this time. I never lost interest always intending to return to it one day but inially rented accommodation (rooms in shared houses) meant it was not feasible. Then settling down there were always other priorities; deposits, mortgage, weddings, children. Well, I'm divorced but most of the other commitments remain. But becoming increasingly conscious of my failing eyesight I have decided to not wait for retirement, bitten the bullet and pre-ordered the new Airfix 1/24 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc coming in the summer as this range was my boyhood dream (Stuka probably top of the list) from when I first became aware of them in the mid-'70s
Now nearly 50 years later at the age of 54, I think it's time I finally do something I have reluctantly put off for so long. Even so, I think it will be a couple of years before I tackle it as I will start off with literally smaller projects as I re-build and improve my skills (I have never airbrushed) and most importantly buy all the equipment, tools etc. I will need. I have so far already gone up to £305 on my amazon basket; Iwata Eclipse CS airbrush, Fengda FD-196 Compressor, Fengda Airbrush Cleaning Kit, Mixing palettes and Airbrush quick release couplings!!

As I look at models to build I would like a general guideline as to just how new do toolings need to be before they suffer from unacceptable lack of detail?

[adt70hk]

Welcome aboard Robert.

Quite an Amazon basket there already.

I'm still a relative novice so I'm sure the experts on here can answer your query.

ATB.

Andrew

[Jim R]

Hi Robert
Welcome to the forum. I am sure you'll find a lot of friendly support, advice and banter.
Jim

[Tim Marlow]

Welcome to the forum Robert. Interesting introduction. I too built the Tamiya 222 as my return to military modelling ten years or so ago. It’s a good fun kit that builds up well.
As to your question, that really depends on your acceptable level of detail. I’ve seen excellent models built from kits of all ages, and some real dogs that are relatively new mouldings. Your best bet is to decide on a subject and then ask questions and find out what the “best” kit out there is.
Don’t over spend on tools at the start either, you won’t get best value for your money until you have some skills and experience. I would buy good quality basic kit and then expand the toolkit as your skills improve.
Most of all, have fun on the forum and ask questions!

[Mark1]

Welcome back to modelling, some of the more detailed kits usually means an abundance of tiny fiddly parts so depends on how far you want to go,if you buy a kit and want it to be more detailed then there are many aftermarket detail sets available.

[Dave Ward]

Robert,
age & level of detail don't necessarily follow each other, the best thing you can do is research - this is usually my starting point https://www.scalemates.com/kits/ you can find the date of a model, whether it is a rebox, or brand new - sometimes reviews and instruction sheets. Ask on the Forum - someone may have made the model you're interested in. Reviews - on other websites - look for build reviews - in box reviews are OK, but they don't show how well bits fit, or if the instructions are any good. Being of a cautious nature, I always do research, I don't jump & buy the latest release ( cost & you need to see what others think ). Don't ignore pre-owned ( second hand ), aside from ebay, there are other sites that specialise in these. Part of my enjoyment of a model is the actual run-up to opening the box ( especially if I got it a good price :tongue-out3: )..........................
Dave

[Ian M]

Welcome aboard Robert, may we call you Bob?
Things have changed a lot since Beatties! These days there are more Brands of kits than Airfix had in their complete range!
Might I suggest a visit to the forum owners web shop. (banner at the top of the page).
Great service and very good prices as well. Delivery is very quick.
As Others have said the age of a kit has little bearing on how good it is or the detail level.
I have built some Airfix kits that are pushing 50 years old and they have been good kits. I have built the newest of the new and they have been total dogs.
Google the "Kit name review" and something will turn up.

[blacbul67]

Thanks Andrew, Jim, Tim, David and Ian and you can feel free to call me Rob, Not entirely sure why I gave my full name to be honest!

[scottie3158]

Robert welcome aboard mate you have found the best and friendliest forum out there.

[JR]

Welcome Rob, to a happy bunch, with answers to any question that you may have .

[Airborne01]

Welcome mate, pull up a pew and have fun!
Steve

[The Smythe Meister]

... and it's a warm welcome from me too mate
The guys have pretty much covered it,so I can only add.... "Don't get caught up in over complexities in some kits, (to start with anyway ),as that can sometimes spiral out of control and take some of the fun out of the hobby."
I look forward to seeing you around the various bloggs.
Andy

[papa 695]

Hi and welcome to the forum

[Bobby Conkers]

Welcome Rob!