New to Scale Models

[Steve-the-Duck]

Ooh, just thought of a build advice. That I don't always follow
Whatever fiddly bits a kit has, aerials, undecarriage, that sort, don't necessarily stick them on when the instructions tell you to. Because, no matter how careful you are, they do get knocked off very easily if you're still handling the larger parts
Of course, if they fit inside other bits, do do as it says

And now, we'll look forward to your builds

[Madstacks83]

Thats a great tip Steve-the-Duck , will take on board :thumb2:

Well yesterday I started the nighthawk, I am still waiting for some modelling supplies to arrive so I thought why not get the pilot done, have to admit it was pretty difficult due to the small size but I did manage to pick out some features and I'm pretty satisfied with the result, spent about an hour on him so far, though I do want to give another thin coat of paint to his flight suit and try and tidy up his face a bit. I tried to paint an eye black but it wasn't happening so Will paint flesh tone and give it a wash with a darker wash.
I am lucky that I have tons of stuff left over from Warhammer painting, I only painted two models but bought quite a bit of gear - so I have a good selection on paint and brushes plus a magnifying head thing that really came in handy for this.

Oh I some how managed to spike my finger with a scalpel, I was being very respectful of it as well because I know how share they are, it has a pen cap lid and some how i missed it! Nothing a plaster wont fix though. Might watch some tutorials on how to safely use tools, I assume it mostly common sense but then I still managed to spike myself!

Oh yes, after researching airbrushes more (and seeing the cost) I will be going the old fashioned way of brush for the foreseeable. Lots of thin coats to try and get a smooth surface.

Here is the pilot so far, small adjustments to be made later, might try and add a hint of red and blue dot on his arm to try and represent a patch.

[Ian M]

Well I think you are well and truly introduced by now.
Have you considered becoming a supporter of the forum. The best tenner you will ever spend. Also you have a fair shot at getting it back in discount at the shop!

[Madstacks83]

Well I think you are well and truly introduced by now.
Have you considered becoming a supporter of the forum. The best tenner you will ever spend. Also you have a fair shot at getting it back in discount at the shop!

Its a fair deal I think :thumb2:

[Jim R]

Best £10 you'll spend on the hobby.
Pilot looks very good. You're having fun and drawn blood. You're one of us now. To move up to advanced level you need to super glue your fingers together and spill paint/glue/thinners onto your best trousers. Be assured it WILL happen:smiling3:
Keep up the good work.

[Jim R]

Just a thought Paul. This section is intended for modellers to introduce themselves on the forum. Perhaps it would be better to start a build thread for your F-117A Nighthawk in the "aeroplanes under construction" section. It would make it easy to find and follow. I'm sure a lot of us would be interested to see how you get on.

[Waspie]

Best £10 you'll spend on the hobby.
Pilot looks very good. You're having fun and drawn blood. You're one of us now. To move up to advanced level you need to super glue your fingers together and spill paint/glue/thinners onto your best trousers. Be assured it WILL happen:smiling3:
Keep up the good work.

By eck!! It looks like I am already an advanced modeller and I didn't know it. I had already super glued my digits and I spilt TET yonks ago!! (SWMBO still doesn't let me forget I ruined my best shorts!!!) And just the other week I managed to stab myself with a scalpel.

[Steve-the-Duck]

This will NOT be the last time you will stick a scalpel into your finger. Y'know, in some hobbies, like playing guitar, people build up calluses on their fingers...

Model making, not so much...

Oh, oh, just remembered something else. Some of the stuff we work with, if not exactly toxic, isn't pleasant. Do NOT drink the paint that you put your mug of tea next to...
Or wash your brushes in your tea...

Hmm. Maybe there should be a thread of (un)avoidable modelling mishaps...

Pilot looks a pretty good start to your build

[boatman]

WELL Chris have you actually stirred your brushes in your tea or drank any paint when not thinkin of what you are doin so far in in nr 60 odd yrs of modeling i havnt yet lol but yes you are right some of the stuff we work with is pretty toxic an horrible so its just think of what you are doin lol
chrisb

[Madstacks83]

Cheers for the warm welcome and advice everyone I will be making a new build log soon, see you all on the forums .

[A_J_Rimmer]

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.

Get one. It's a really nice kit that goes together really well. I built one last year and thoroughly enjoyed it - it's a cracking starter kit. Airfix are also working on a Typhoon in the same style.

Welcome to the forum, and to this fantastic hobby!

[Richard48]

Cheers for the warm welcome guys!

I will keep my expectations realistic , I fully appreciate the skill and time it takes to make these models to a high standard. Something to work towards though:smiling3:

I just checked and I have a set of sprue cutters and a mold line removal tool from when i tried some Warhammer painting, I also have a good selection of citadel acrylic paints but probably not many useful colours for aircraft.

Thanks for the suggestions so far - Clamps, tweezers, needle files, hobby drill, need to get those.

Ahh yes was thinking what scale, 1:72 or 1:48 - I think first model will be a 1:72.

We live in a one bed flat so am aware that I am limited by space, but have the ok for a couple of decent size shelves to display on.

Will look into airfix kits, I have to admit the revell kits are floating my boat more simply on designs, are they any good? I would like to try any of these - Eurofighter, F-15, F-16, F-35,Harrier,Tornado,SR-71

Revel seem to do more modern jets and airfix more historical stuff??

Welcome from me as well.Its a nice place to be and lots of advice and help always from the guys.
Richard

[Waspie]

Welcome from me as well.Its a nice place to be and lots of advice and help always from the guys.
Richard

I'll second that. :thumb2:

[Del640]

Welcome!

I returned to modelling during covid, never looked back.

What I will say is the lessons and tips I have gained from this forum are second to none.

My only tip, cotton buds. Dampened are great for laying down decals.

Oh, two tips...decal softener, great for encouraging the decal into recesses etc.

Del

[Bri62]

Welcome Paul a great bunch of people here enjoy mate