Newbie with question

[Guest]

Hi everyone! An old newbie here. Many, many moons ago I was a good modeler. Life, living and paying bills got in the way. Now I want back!

Perhaps a little ambitious, but never one to duck a challenge, i want to have a crack at the USS Enterprise CVN-65, Tamiya or Trumpeter.

Which is best?

All my life, or since it came on the scene, I have wanted to have a crack at this. Although my heart has always been for aircraft, Carriers have also been a favorite as well.

Also, I know that you can get Airfix plans on the web prior to building, can you do that with Tamiya?

Looking forward to an interesting response to all this!

[Guest]

hi. firstly welcome to our Forum. Im sure you will find us all a friendly bunch who are always willing to help. I hope we can make your transition back into modeling as smooth and enjoyable as possible and that you enjoy the time you spend on the forum!

as for which kit is best im not sure. we do have someone making the tamiya kit so im sure they can comment on this!

as for plans well...i doubt airfix do that anymore!! and as for tamiya you will probably get nothing out of them. I once asked for the list of paints for a model i was getting so i could get all the paints and get them through the post the same day (to save delays an all) and it was like getting water from stone. the guy was very reluctant as apparently he used to get some guy asking him for all these plans and paint lists so he stopped giving them out.

[Guest]

Howdy Stanford,

Welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you here. Ok, I havent built the enterprise in yrs....many yrs...ok, many many yrs lol. I dont even remember who made the model back when I built it.

However, I can offer you a link to an "online build/commentary of the ship. Its two pages long with photos and can be found here: http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/misc/robertoe.htm (http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/m...bertocvn65.htm (< part 2).

Now if you are interested in other peoples comments on most any model, ship, plane, armor or other, you can find a page on most any model here:

http://modelingmadness.com/kitindex/kitindexmain.htm This is a verygood reference site for model builders. That last link is the main page to all the various models and model types. The models are listed in alphabetical order and give the manufacturers name, the modelers name , the scale and date (sometimes).

You simply go to the type models you wish to view, then select the proper letter of the alphabet and then click on the name of the model itself to view the review of the build.

Again, this is a really good and informative website, be sure to look around. Also be sure to let us know what you decide on. And we'd love to see photos of any models you have built.

I hope this has been of some help to you, have a good day,

Greg

[Guest]

To GEEDUBBYA - thanks for that, it is incredible! I am now wondering if my eyes are bigger than my stomach!

I have another question, does anyone know how the Tamiya Enterprise compares with Revells? Should I lower my sights and go for a less complex start to ease back in? Any other Aircraft Carrier worth considering?

To rjwood_uk - yes, the Airfix site is 'up', but 'down! You can't download the plans at the moment. I am not sure if this will change, especially if Hornby get a hold of them!

Thanks to you all for replying.

[Guest]

Dave I would always suggest that someone starts with a project that they are likely to see finished in a reasonable space of time to give confidence a boost. Starting off with a project that would take an experienced modeller many hundreds of hours could end up being demoralising.

I can remember this exact point being raised only a few months ago when someone was advised to "Go for it" with a big project which doesn't seem to be progressing anymore.

I would advise that you start with something small but keep the big one on the shelf to give you something to aim for!

[wonwinglo]

Good sound advice there Richard,ambitious projects can be a bit overwealming and require dedication and most important lots of valuable time,the latter is something we could all do with more of,start small and work up slowly to a lifelong project,once you do start then break it down into smaller projects ie each individual item or module is a model in itself,gradually things come together in the end if you do not burn out interest beforehand.

[Guest]

Richard is right. If you build something modest and get it on the water or shelf if it's a static, then think about what'd suit your current skills which have just been tested and assessed in the first build. Much better than doing a fizzer and trying to flog it on ebay:smile11: I hate ebay!

I started with a 1metre kit yacht and flew through it in 2 weeks. I've been going mad ever since with my building addiction. Subs are now my tonic. I'm on my third this year!

BTW Welcome too matey!

Jason

[Guest]

Richard.

the "big project" has only not been progressing any more as i have been waiting for this adaptor for my compressor so i can start spraying. I have been doing lots of little bits (mainly getting p/e parts painted and other small bit ready) but now i have my compressor all up and running i can start properly on it again.

dont worry i could never abandon her! i am going to start up on it again next week so you will se some prgress pictures comming up.

and then im sure you will say "yes but what about the f-16 richard?" the f-16, although i have now got it and have in mind EXACTLY what i am going to do with it, will not be started for quite a while. i got it as before i would finish a kit. then have nothing to do and probably have to wait untill the next pay day before i got a new one. having the f-16 and also the b-26 and f-4 off nigel meens i have a nice backlog to work through.

but the Musashi takes priority. i have nearly finished the f-16 cockpit which was just something to keep me going whilst i could do much on the Musashi. I know i was doing a build thread on the cockpit as well but as i am using enamels instead of acrylics all the little bit that eventually add up to something worth taking a picture and posting about are only just coming about!

any way sorry for rambeling on!

[Guest]

Thanks to every one for wise words. I think I have made my mind up, I will go small, see if my old skills are still there and then aim big later.

Doing a 200 piece is far more sensible that doing an 800 + piece. A bit like getting fit really, if you have not run for years, start slowly!

[Guest]

Did I mention any specifics?!!!!!!

I am currently three years into a ship build that is going to take at least another three but I felt the need for a couple of quick "fixes" along the way to keep moral up.

After a period of being away I would start with something that you can show off in a relatively short time that will do wonders for your confidence.

[Guest]

no you didnt Richard but i knew you ment me! :P and if you remember you didnt say no to doing the ship, you said no to doing the p/e set as i had never done p/e before.

yes it has some eeny weeny bits and is quite complitcated but i am quite capable of doing it and to be honest am getting great satisfaction out of doing the extra detail!

i think it is a good idea to have other little side projects whilst embarking on a big one. As you recently sugested to Johnny to put is victory up on the shelf for a while and get on with something else before he smashed it up.

how ever much you want to do a model, if it is going to take a long time you should plan a few breaks and get some small prjects ready for if you get bored of frustrated!

i did not know how long my musashi would take but i knew it would be a long time! i think i will do some more and depending on how much i get done and how much satisfaction i get out of it i may do a small prject in the middle (but the not the f-16 that is going to have 100% of my attention!)

[Guest]

OOOOOOhhhh Isuggsted to Rj to go for it !!!!!!!! and the same as my Tamiya Enterprise !!Its a long term project with GMM add ons and a complete up to date air wing (coutesy of Trumpeter) This to me is a long term ambition. I go to it and do a bit then leave it for a couple of months ! This model demands the best and im not going to spoil it by rushing or doing a haphazzard job because im fed up The point im trying to make is that everyone should stretch themselves everyone learns new techniques and ways to do things which can be applied to a long term project (so it gets better and the person gets more enjoyment from it) Whilst a Basicasly agree start small there are sometimes when a statement needs to be made (ie this is mine i built it over xxx years) you will probably find that bits have been redone and construction methods changed as we learn !!!! In the end you have a model that has grown with the builder!!! And that is I think is an amazing achievement!!!!!!

[wonwinglo]

Thats fair comment Nigel,you have some valid points there,and as you say a big learning curve in itself.

[Guest]

so there is nothing wrong with me taking brakes from the musashi?

[Guest]

Everybody should do what suits them best however if someone asks what they suggest as a start to get them back into modelling I would always recommend start small.

Whatever floats your boat as they say......