New to Scale Models

[PaulinKendal]

Hi Paul, welcome from another Paul.

I recommend you get yourself a place, not a thing. You need somewhere to make your models, and the better that place is, the less it will get in the way of good model making.

You need to be able to see what you're doing clearly, so you need light! A table by a window is great, or a lamp (or even better lamps) with a daylight bulb works too.

To my mind, light should be your number one concern.

Enjoy!

[colin m]

Hello! Just though I would introduce myself - I am 41 years old and have not done a scale model in about thirty years! I fancy giving it a go!

This came about from being inspired from the Royal International Air Tattoo, I have been for the last 4 years and my interest in modern military planes is growing. I have fond memorys from when I was a young lad going to air shows with my dad and grandad - Middle wallop and Farnborough I believe back in the late 80s! the memories are very very hazy as I was about 8 years old (I DO remember the Vulcan Bomber Howling what seemed to be right above our heads though!) But it created an interest that was dormant until my late 30s.

Luckily My wife also enjoys Aircraft to and Is happy for us to get some display models! I first looked at diecast - But have seen the results from a master scale modeler are impossible to beat. But I can see myself enjoying spending hours doing my best to get the best results I can for something I am passionate about so here I am.

I have pretty much Zero experience modeling, I have painted 2 Warhammer (something else I remember as a kid) figures but since I don't play the game its not that appealing.

I have bought a basic modeling kit, some tamiya extra thin liquid cement and have a few brushes anyway. I also have some Tamiya masking tape. I do expect to get an airbrush but again new to that.

Can anyone suggest me some other useful bit I may need, putty ect?

Unsure what to build first But I am quite liking the Idea of the SR-71.

Returning after a big gap - many of us were exactly the same. As for tools, have a look at the thread below - loads of good advice there.

https://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/noob-recommend-me-some-essential-tools.42709/

So, what to build. You mentioned the SR71. Italeri do a fairly simple kit. I built it recently and found it goes together well.

[Valeron]

Welcome Paul.

I joined this forum as a newbie a few years ago

There is some great advice being offered above and feel free to ask any other questions during your builds.

Just enjoy it is my opponent and also follow other people's build blogs which is always interesting and a great learning experience.

Mike

[Madstacks83]

Thanks for the tips and advice everyone :thumb2: I will have a look at that Italeri SR-71 - I was a Revell kit but it was for a experienced modeler.

I am thinking for my first model maybe - Airfix Lockheed Martin F-35 B Lightning II Starter Set A55010 1:72 Scale.

[Madstacks83]

Also Meant to mention - I have a purelite with 5 brightness settings and a magnifying glass built in set on my computer desk - This will be my work station so its ready to go pretty much!

[Steve Ski]

Howdy, Paul. Welcome.

I'm a newbie here too, so jump right in, the water is warm. Your first build I recon would be that SR-71 you mentioned, because it has inspired you, so I say go for it. The list of tools the Gents have mentioned you'll need, and you'll figure out what else as you go along. Like I've said before, nobody was ever born with a brush in their hands, so learn as you go. Main thing, have fun, that's what this is all about.

Cheers, Ski.

[Waspie]

Welcome Paul. I've been here just over a year now, a newbie like yourself. After a considerable absence from the hobby I must add.
It's all been said - enjoyment is the main thing to aim for.
As for tools, I started with a seriously basic setup I bought off Amazon, clamps, cutters, smoothing boards etc. Every birthday, Xmas I upgrade to something better.
The thing I noticed most about returning was how much kits have evolved, detail and the additional after market bibs and bobs that are available. Depending of course just how accurate and 'real' you want to make em look.
Anyway, jump in, enjoy and hope to hear of your first returning build.
Doug

[Steve-the-Duck]

Welcome aboard

Essential items have been covered above, excepting possibly the optional extra of a simple face mask if you're sanding or spraying.
Oh and a good light source
Perhaps also a small but wide box when you're cutting small parts so they don't ping into oblivion. Or blu-tack

Oh yeah. Dry fitting parts, ie putting them together before gluing is a definite must to learn

Oh, also, start with an up-to-date, well-engineered, kit

[Guest]

I've been here just over a year now

I’m sure it feels much longer

[papa 695]

Hi and welcome to the forum Paul.

[Steve-the-Duck]

I’m sure it feels much longer

Yeah, especially with that Wasp build! :disappointed:

[Madstacks83]

Thanks guys :thumb2: I have purchased my first kits, I was all set to get a SR-71 Steve Ski, But when I started looking at various instruction manuals on scalemates I found it pretty overwhelming trying to make heads or tails of things!

So I have decided to go as simple as I can to start, I picked up the Airfix f-35 starter kit and the Revel F-117A Nighthawk.

At a mere 37 parts It looks about as simple as I can find without being a easyfit kit - The theme fits in nicely with the SR-71 Kit I will find and do once I have a bit more experience under my belt.

I just need to get some files and tweezers and I think I'm ready to start.

Note to self... Don't make the mistakes 10 year old me made of always sticking the cockpit cover on without painting the inside first:tears-of-joy:

[Waspie]

Yeah, especially with that Wasp build! :disappointed:

Ain't that the truth????

[Steve Ski]

Sounds good, Paul. Start out slow and build up to that SR71, it ain't goin nowheres, lol. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

[Ian M]

Welcome Paul. Look forward to seeing your work.