Another newbie asking for advise....please

[Gern]

What they said! I would add a couple of things though.

Whatever you do, DON'T buy any of those Airfix kits you had as a kid! You'll find they're still using the same moulds for a lot of them, so you'll find the quality awful! From what I've seen, the new mould stuff can be pretty good though. The Scalemates website has lots of useful information on kit release dates, upgrades and mouldings.

If you want to find how good a kit is, model review sites can be really useful but some are sponsored by the manufacturers so may not be totally impartial. Others may load their builds with so many aftermarket parts that they're effectively building a different kit to the one you will find in the box! It's worth comparing different reviews to get a clearer picture.

The guys here will certainly be able to help with info about most kits, I should think between us all we've built or seen just about everything out there!

You mentioned standard sets of paint. They've got to be worth considering if you're going to do lots of similar builds - a set of panzer colours for a collection of WWII German armour say - but probably not if you're only building one kit from that era/nationality/type.

It's worth checking ebay for paints as modellers tend to change brands and will often put up for sale the old paints they no longer use. Some suppliers also offer discounts for multiple purchases. That's a cheaper way of starting a collection of colours. You can also get kits at bargain prices but you will need to check the feedback before buying. I suspect most of us have bought kits advertised as complete or new only to find parts missing or the kit has been started and poorly built.

[Stubod]

Hi all, and many thanks for the continuing useful advice...appreciated...

..and just added Scalemates to my favourites....brill website!

[Bortig the Viking]

Welcome

[Stubod]

..again thanks for the feedback...

...currently looking at the Tamiya tiger on Amazon...

...any recommendations regarding the best glue... ....?

[Tim Marlow]

Revell Contacta will get you started.

[Andy the Sheep]

Welcome, Stu.
Nothing to add: I fully agree with the main suggestion: graduality and enjoyability are the main passwords to your come back to the hobby.
Me too, I came back to plastics, glue and paints after 40 years and I'm still learning more and more in an evoluted modelling world.
Enjoy the hobby and this forum.
Andrea.

[Del640]

Welcome!

I've been back modelling now for about a year, learnt shed loads from the members here.

You're very much like me with WWII aircraft and tanks.
I prefer 1/48 scale aircraft and the tanks tend to be 1/35 usually I find.

The shop here is superb for choice and selection and getting items to you very quickly.

Only advice I can give is no question is a stupid question, ask away as the modelling standard on here is quite incredible and the guys are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Del

[Guest]

Welcome Stu!

Echoing everyone else. I got back in to this a couple of years ago from a similar position and can say for certain that whether you choose brushes or airbrush, lacquer or acrylic, there will be support for you from our amazing membership.

[Gern]

I mainly used to do 1/72 stuff, but concerned that unless it is a "larger" type model in this category I may not be able to see it with my failing eyesight! So I guess my preference would be for a "larger" 1/72 model or a "smaller" 1/35 which I guess would offer more detail.

That's a common misconception many folks - including me - can fall for. :upside:

Sure, the majority of parts on the larger scale kits are bigger, but you will find, especially with the better kits, that manufacturers will include tiny detail parts (things like hinges, handles, gunsights and even rivet and bolt heads) that are a similar size to the tiny parts on smaller scale kits - only there are usually many more of them! If you're not sure, try and find a parts count for the kit or pictures of the sprues. I'm sure I saw mention on here a few months ago of a 1/35 tank kit with over 1100 parts :astonished: (although I'm sure that included a full interior and individual track links).

You should also be aware of PE parts. Many of these can be really tiny and unbelievably delicate - they can be bent or blown off your desk for the carpet monster to eat just by giving them a sharp glance!

It seems that some manufacturers believe that a high parts count will improve sales - and they may be right. I personally don't see the point of breaking down easily moulded components into separate parts just to add to the parts count.

[rtfoe]

Welcome aboard Stu,
Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. Do you like constructing and painting, collecting or composition? These 3 could decide the kind of level or amount of parts of a kit you're going to purchase just like a jigsaw puzzle with the same picture. You either want a thousand piece set and slowly piece it for a longer period of time or a hundred piece set to finish fast and get on to the next one or set your finished jigsaw into an appropriate frame for display. Either one should achieve a sense of enjoyment only you will feel.
Like you I used to make a hash out of the kits in my younger days and enjoyed it immensely. Now I try to retrace those kits and hopefully with the skills adopted through years and forums like this to make them a bit more presentable enjoying it even more. :smiling2:
You already know the constructing bit from the younger days, now try exercising with hiding joints and glue then move onto filling and sanding then the next priming to get the basics of a good build going before moving onto painting.
Hope you find a suitable kit along the way. The first one is always trial and error and experimental so don't go overboard with a state of the art kind of kit until you're ready... perhaps maybe you could, who knows.

Cheers,
Richard

[Bobby Conkers]

Welcome again.

You sound like you're in the same position as I was a little over a year ago.

I can't really help with which models to go for as I don't really do military. However, I can echo much of what has been written above.

The first model you do will be a disappointment in a year's time. That's simply because you will learn so much as you progress that it will be missing much of your new knowledge.

I've done five models since I've been on here. The first two look like they were done by someone else. In fact, on my Cutty Sark alone, it looks like two different modellers worked on it, simply because as I went along, I added new techniques I could have added earlier.

So, my advice is go simple early, and learn as you go. Choose a straightforward model, get the appropriate Revell acrylics, a basic set of brushes, tweezers, snips and glue, start a thread here and think about what you want at each stage. Then ask questions and you'll get, in my opinion, pro-level answers. Sometimes they'll be what you should have done, not what you should do. That new knowledge will enhance your next model.

If I'd started by wanting to do full weathering, wood effects, kit bashing and lighting when I started it would have been too much, and I might never have continued.

Most important thing is show your builds here as you're doing them. Advice is always kind, encouraging and motivating, not to mention interesting. This is not a 'normal' forum, you will not get negative criticism.

Pip Pip!

[Stubod]

Hi again,

...and thanks for the ongoing feedback...this is by far the most helpful (and prolific replies), forum I have ever been on!!

I have ordered a few basic tools as well. I seem to remember in my younger days it was all about getting the model bit, and maybe thinking about painting (badly) it when it was all finished!

I am amazed by some of the models I have seen on the website, and also on the various Youtube channels..."weathering" is definitely a skill I would like to learn at some point, but assume you need airbrushes for that, (and a far higher level of skill than I currently possess!)...

[Guest]

"weathering" is definitely a skill I would like to learn at some point, but assume you need airbrushes for that, (and a far higher level of skill than I currently possess!)...

Not necessarily. Have a look through Ron's (spanner 570) work. All the weathering you'll ever need and not a blow pipe in sight

Yes you can do different techniques with an airbrush, but different doesn't always mean better. Just get a feel for what you like on your models, and don't worry too much about what others do to theirs.

[Dave Ward]

Hi again,

...and thanks for the ongoing feedback...this is by far the most helpful (and prolific replies), forum I have ever been on!!

I have ordered a few basic tools as well. I seem to remember in my younger days it was all about getting the model bit, and maybe thinking about painting (badly) it when it was all finished!

I am amazed by some of the models I have seen on the website, and also on the various Youtube channels..."weathering" is definitely a skill I would like to learn at some point, but assume you need airbrushes for that, (and a far higher level of skill than I currently possess!)...

Stu,
an airbrush is a valuable tool, but it's not vital for producing weathering effects. Soft large brushes ( like a fan brush ) can produce the same finishes, but will take longer! Don't be tempted to buy expensive weathering products - they just aren't necessary. you can make your own! - much cheaper & you can tailor them to your own taste. After you've made one or two models - you can experiment on the early models, with various finishes ( I have a harlequin finished F-22! ). Asking questions on how other modellers do things is essential - you never stop learning!
Dave

[spanner570]

Stu.
As usual all good advise from the lads.

Regarding weathering, don't get yourself bogged down by all the various techniques you might see on 'tinternet. Confusion will be your companion!

Some are unbelievably long winded and expensive. You won't necessarily need all these fancy filters and washes either. I just use a brush and try and keep it all as simple and straight forward as I can.

But, at the end of the day it's your model and your choice how and what to apply to it.

If I were to list a top ten of model making 'Musts', Number one would undoubtedly be - Have Fun!

Ron