Newbie paint problem?

[Guest]

I had assumed getting an airbrush would make me a better modeller :smiling3: ..

..

Ha ha no. But the airbrush may make painting easier & perhaps, depending on your hand brushing, give a better finish.

Years ago there used to be, I am sure it was on this forum during my first stint, a model maker who only made Lancasters. All were hand painted.
From memory he use to sit in his armchair watching TV while painting. Superb finishes he achieved.

Laurie

[Tim Marlow]

Hi mate
Experience makes you a better modeller. The tools just make some tasks easier or give more reliable results ..... make sure you enjoy the hobby before splashing the cash....try a few different kits and genres and see which way you want to go first.

[Stubod]

..good advise. I have a Tamiya 1/35 Panzer waiting in the wings, but I also got a cheapie Airfix 1/72 version to practice on after my "Red Arrows", but I think I might chose another cheapie or two first and see how they go....always fancied a Lanc as I had one when I was a boy in short trousers, and my dad was ground crew on them during the war.....and at least they are mainly black which might help with my lack of painting ability!... ..

[Guest]

Agreed with Tim: you need the basic tools like a knife and cutters, and a few other basic ones like sandpaper and some small files make your life easier from the start, but really, everything beyond a modelling knife is not 100% necessary for modelling. As your skill develops, you’ll discover other tools you’ll have a use for, but it’s far better to base your tool choice on experience rather than expecting more tools to give you better results.

[Ian M]

if you want a red that real pops, use a yellow base coat.
My only comment about the cheap compressors is this. Buy the best that you can afford. Been there got the T-shirt. A cheap compressor at say £50 suddenly is not so cheap after you have tried three of them.
Many of the different makes are basically all same just a different colour.... Almost always are poorly made diaphragm type jobs. I have seen some with rubber o-rings on the piston. Great fun when they heat up and stop the piston until it cools down. Spend a bit more and buy a reputable brand.

[GerryW]

Agreed with Tim: you need the basic tools like a knife and cutters, and a few other basic ones like sandpaper and some small files make your life easier from the start, but really, everything beyond a modelling knife is not 100% necessary for modelling. As your skill develops, you’ll discover other tools you’ll have a use for, but it’s far better to base your tool choice on experience rather than expecting more tools to give you better results.

Very true, for small files I've a set of 'diamond' needle files, a little too coarse for plastics until they get some 'dust' into them (but then, I didn't originally buy them for modelling!) and to be quite honest, nearly all my 'modelling tools' are brought in from other hobbies I've got/had. I've yet to try my hand at airbrushing models (though I have got a 25l compressor, paint 'gun' & paint 'pen' sat outside in the garage) as I can usually get good results with a brush.