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I'm new to model making


GalaxyTheCat

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I'd say the essentials are; craft knife, cutting board, liquid cement (tamiya extra thin), tweezers, endless patience, sand paper or boards of various grades 400 - 1200., paint, thinner, brushes and finally an acceptance that you will make mistakes but enjoy it anyway.

Other stuff is nice to have but these are the bare minimum to build and paint a kit.

With regards prices, I'd avoid doing what I did and don't buy a cheap bundle of generic stuff from somewhere like hobbycraft. Everything in the bundle has been bought again because everything was cheap rubbish. Buy dirt cheap you'll end up paying twice.

Good luck

Jon

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18 minutes ago, MrProd said:

I'd say the essentials are; craft knife, cutting board, liquid cement (tamiya extra thin), tweezers, endless patience, sand paper or boards of various grades 400 - 1200., paint, thinner, brushes and finally an acceptance that you will make mistakes but enjoy it anyway.

Other stuff is nice to have but these are the bare minimum to build and paint a kit.

With regards prices, I'd avoid doing what I did and don't buy a cheap bundle of generic stuff from somewhere like hobbycraft. Everything in the bundle has been bought again because everything was cheap rubbish. Buy dirt cheap you'll end up paying twice.

Good luck

Jon

Thanks!

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to be honest - another kit.

 

A B-25 is going to be a relatively complicated kit. I think it would be well worth your while getting a more basic model (Aldi has some of the simpler Airfix kits at a good price). You will make mistakes. You will mess up the painting (or at least not get it as good as you like). Everyone does. The first couple of kits are a real learning experience. Save your b25 until you've got a better idea of what's involved and how to go about it

 

Cheers

 

Colin

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Hello Galaxy...:post1: I agree start with something a bit simpler. I use several glues myself, Tamiya's extra thin is good for most things but can leave a brittle joint. I use tube glue which is thicker slower setting but also more flexible if something happens. So I use it for interior joins mostly. I also use a tube C/A or super glue, gorilla makes a good one but pound/dollar stores carry cheap brands that work just as well. Super glue is good for bits that have limited surface space and need a strong bond. Paints only buy what you need for the first couple of kits & lots of black and white. Its good for lightening or darkening a color. This also allows you to use a color that's not an exact match, you can usually modulate to get close with black/white. As you begin to build more add only the colors you don't already have, your paint rack will grow quick enough. 
        I would add a couple of pieces of advice as Ive been building since 1979. First only ever build to make yourself happy. If you attempt to build to impress others, you may get discouraged or frustrated and walk away. When you're finished ask yourself if you can be happy with your work in a week or a month. If yes great if no why not ? Then improve what isn't right or good. Two do not ... I repeat please do not attempt to try every technique you have seen or heard of on your first build. You will definitely get frustrated and discouraged. Try one maybe two new techniques out on every new build. Your skill set will improve quite fast and you will be happier. Do not be afraid to show your work in a work in progress. People will stop by and offer tips or answer questions quite willingly. And don't hesitate to ask questions, the only silly question is the one never asked. 
 

Dennis

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Hi there and welcome aboard. You will find good company here 

 

Can I suggest that until you find your feet and get to know what kits are awkward to build or to avoid that you pick a subject you fancy doing and then just ask on here along the lines of as a newbie I fancy doing a Hurricane or Zero or a whatever and ask what kit is the most straightforward build and who makes it.   That should help you get an early help from doing kits that go together well. There are plenty out there to “challenge” you once you have a few builds under your belt !

 

Dennis has given some good advice there. Most of us started as kids and models got thrown together for the toy Air Force. That taught us basic build skills through trial and error. It’s later that we took modelling a bit more seriously but it still has to be fun too. 
 

Is it aircraft you want to do mostly and if so what types?  I am guessing WW2 from the B-25?

 

 

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2 hours ago, ckw said:

to be honest - another kit.

 

A B-25 is going to be a relatively complicated kit. I think it would be well worth your while getting a more basic model (Aldi has some of the simpler Airfix kits at a good price). You will make mistakes. You will mess up the painting (or at least not get it as good as you like). Everyone does. The first couple of kits are a real learning experience. Save your b25 until you've got a better idea of what's involved and how to go about it

 

Cheers

 

Colin

Would a marivox j22a/b be a better kit to start with?

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2 hours ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Hello Galaxy...:post1: I agree start with something a bit simpler. I use several glues myself, Tamiya's extra thin is good for most things but can leave a brittle joint. I use tube glue which is thicker slower setting but also more flexible if something happens. So I use it for interior joins mostly. I also use a tube C/A or super glue, gorilla makes a good one but pound/dollar stores carry cheap brands that work just as well. Super glue is good for bits that have limited surface space and need a strong bond. Paints only buy what you need for the first couple of kits & lots of black and white. Its good for lightening or darkening a color. This also allows you to use a color that's not an exact match, you can usually modulate to get close with black/white. As you begin to build more add only the colors you don't already have, your paint rack will grow quick enough. 
        I would add a couple of pieces of advice as Ive been building since 1979. First only ever build to make yourself happy. If you attempt to build to impress others, you may get discouraged or frustrated and walk away. When you're finished ask yourself if you can be happy with your work in a week or a month. If yes great if no why not ? Then improve what isn't right or good. Two do not ... I repeat please do not attempt to try every technique you have seen or heard of on your first build. You will definitely get frustrated and discouraged. Try one maybe two new techniques out on every new build. Your skill set will improve quite fast and you will be happier. Do not be afraid to show your work in a work in progress. People will stop by and offer tips or answer questions quite willingly. And don't hesitate to ask questions, the only silly question is the one never asked. 
 

Dennis

Thanks for all the advice! Would a marivox j22b be a better kit to start with? What other kits would you reccomend?

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1 hour ago, GalaxyTheCat said:

Would a marivox j22a/b be a better kit to start with?

Probably not, I think they are in the limited run category, so require some work and care in assembly.  

 

I note you are in the USA,  (and so you will not have the same items as easily available,  Aldi is a supermarket chain in the UK that often has Airfix starter kits  on sale before christmas )

 

Hobby Boss do a range of stater kits,  which are easy assembly, and are widely available in the US i believe. 

http://www.hobbyboss.com/index.php?g=home&m=product&a=index&id=159&l=en

 

there are several pages,  they are usually one piece wing and one piece fuselage, and basic interior,  so assemble easily and quickly.   Plenty of WW2 subjects, and they are cheap in the UK,  not sure about the US, a look at ebay US show about $ 5-7  +shipping for fighters 

@Corsairfoxfouruncle  is in the US and would be able to advise more,  if you are lucky you may have a hobby store. 

 

Have you never built any models?   Or a long time ago?    

For example this 25 tips f or modellers

 

 

But there are loads.    If you this is all new, then  there a various different techniques to try out and learn,  but various things transfer over,  say if you used to painting pictures, then being used to paint will be easier than if not.

 

but if painting is all new,  maybe have a look in thrift stores for old toys or if you are lucky models, to practice on.  Practicing on a something else is a good idea in general for trying out new techniques,  many folks here have 'paint mules' .old kits or one that have gone wrong for just this kind of purpose.   

 

HTH

 

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7 minutes ago, Troy Smith said:

Have you never built any models?   Or a long time ago?    

nope, the most ive done is make some cat figures out of clay. @Troy Smith

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1 minute ago, GalaxyTheCat said:

nope, the most ive done is make some cat figures out of clay.

Did you paint them?  (I'm thinking of air dry clay )   Don't mean to pry,  what age range are you in,  we get lots of middle age returnee modellers here, not many genuine beginners.   How come you have have decided you want to start building models, 

Anyway, then have watch of the videos i linked, and have a look at those Hobby Boss kits.  I have a couple, and part did one with my daughter,  they are a good starting models.  

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1 minute ago, Troy Smith said:

Did you paint them?  (I'm thinking of air dry clay )   Don't mean to pry,  what age range are you in,  we get lots of middle age returnee modellers here, not many genuine beginners.   How come you have have decided you want to start building models, 

Anyway, then have watch of the videos i linked, and have a look at those Hobby Boss kits.  I have a couple, and part did one with my daughter,  they are a good starting models.  

yes, i painted them with acrylic paint. my age range is 13-20. The reason i wanted to start building models is because I play war thunder, and i wanted to make models of some of my favorites, and i've seen some at the air force museum as well. I watched the tips video, and i'm about to look at the hobby boss kits.

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It’s a fun hobby, and very rewarding.   I would second the previous post on only building for YOU.  I have my first model, along with 99% of the models I ever built when I was younger, 11-17.   Some are so bad I don’t even display them.  Some are models I was very proud of when I finished, and then there are the ones where I tried something new and it didn’t really work out well.  
it’s all for fun.   
take your time, and ask questions when you are not sure.    

 

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7 hours ago, GalaxyTheCat said:

Thanks for all the advice! Would a marivox j22b be a better kit to start with? What other kits would you reccomend?

Do you have a HobbyLobby near you anywhere or possibly a real hobby shop ? HobbyLobby carry Airfix kits, usually 1/72 or 1/48. Mostly the P-40, P-51D, Spitfire Mk.I and some Revell/Monogram kits in 1/48 scale. If you're into ordering off the web Sprue Brothers is in Kansas city and reasonable price selection. You mention Air force Museum ? Are you near the Strategic Air Command Museum in Nebraska. Or are you referring to the one in Ohio ? Most museums carry a limited range of kits. 
 

https://store.spruebrothers.com/category_s/1824.htm

 

If your looking for easier kits the Tamiya are some of the best, unfortunately they cost it. Since you're looking for types used in WarThunder Hobby boss, Hasegawa, Trumpeter, Italeri, Eduard, Zvezda, and Revell are all decent quality and on par with each other. Most of the main types used in the game can be had from these companies. Some of the kits are easier some of them are trickier. Please feel free to D/M me if you have more questions. Just click on my screen name and look for the little letter icon or do this @Corsairfoxfouruncle either way it will get my attention. You can also post in the WW2 aviation section and ask questions about certain kits if they're good or not. 

 

Dennis

Edited by Corsairfoxfouruncle
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Those Hobby Boss Easy Assembly kits mentioned by @Troy Smith are indeed an excellent recommendation. You can focus more on how you assemble and finish a model than the complexity of the kit. There are other such kits from other brands, but Hobby Boss are the newest.

 

Here are two online model stores that I recommend that carry these kits, but they're available from many other places, too.

Scale Hobbyist

Sprue Brothers

Check out a local hobby shop if one is nearby, they should be able to help quite a lot.

 

Again, have fun and learn new skills!

 

And, Welcome Aboard! :clap2:

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12 minutes ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Do you have a HobbyLobby near you anywhere or possibly a real hobby shop ? HobbyLobby carry Airfix kits, usually 1/72 or 1/48. Mostly the P-40, P-51D, Spitfire Mk.I and some Revell/Monogram kits in 1/48 scale. If you're into ordering off the web Sprue Brothers is in Kansas city and reasonable price selection. You mention Air force Museum ? Are you near the Strategic Air Command Museum in Nebraska. Or are you referring to the one in Ohio ? Most museums carry a limited range of kits. 
 

https://store.spruebrothers.com/category_s/1824.htm

 

If your looking for easier kits the Tamiya are some of the best, unfortunately they cost it. Since you're looking for types used in WarThunder Hobby boss, Hasegawa, Trumpeter, Italeri, Eduard, Zvezda, and Revell are all decent quality and on par with each other. Most of the main types used in the game can be had from these companies. Some of the kits are easier some of them are trickier. Please feel free to D/M me if you have more questions. Either click on my screen name and look for the little letter icon or do this @Corsairfoxfouruncle to get my attention. You can also post in the WW2 aviation section and ask questions about certain kits if they're good or not. 

 

Dennis

the arizona commemerative air force museum is the one im referring to.

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13 minutes ago, dnl42 said:

Those Hobby Boss Easy Assembly kits mentioned by @Troy Smith are indeed an excellent recommendation. You can focus more on how you assemble and finish a model than the complexity of the kit. There are other such kits from other brands, but Hobby Boss are the newest.

 

Here are two online model stores that I recommend that carry these kits, but they're available from many other places, too.

Scale Hobbyist

Sprue Brothers

Check out a local hobby shop if one is nearby, they should be able to help quite a lot.

 

Again, have fun and learn new skills!

 

And, Welcome Aboard! :clap2:

Thanks! I'm looking at the shops now :)

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1 hour ago, GalaxyTheCat said:

and i'm about to look at the hobby boss kits.

There's a build of a Hobby Boss P-38 here, it's a more complex model than the P40 I part did, but as you can see, still simpler than many kits. 

 

The build uses liquid cement,  looks like Tamiya extra thin, though the builder misses a useful aspect of this type of glue, capillary action, so you can put a part in place. and fix it with a little drop of glue that will flow into the joint.  It also melts the plastic,  so make sure the bottle is somewhere it won't get knocked over, ideally fixed down,   as that's a good way to wreck a model....  guess how i know :banghead:

 

The HB range has most of the main WW2 fighter types,  so you can probably find one you like from War Thunder.   You might want to pick oine with a simple paint scheme, as both easier, and less paint to buy.

 

Not sure what kind of acrylics you have from the clay cats, might be useable on the model as well, even just for small bits, like black and yellow for prop blades.  

Or sometimes you can get a single main color, and use a can of spray paint. 

Bear in mind about praticing on something that doesn't matter first

 

On a specialist model site it's easy to lose sight of basic techniques,  or for them to be so 'obvious' that they are not discussed,  but they underpin everything.  

 

Study the assembly sequence, test fit parts and adjust if they don't fit,  think about painting order. be aware that sometime instructions will tell you to fit parts that are easy to break off at an early stage, like undercarriage legs and propellers, where it might be possible to fit them later, after doing the main painting and decalling.  be patient,  let parts set,  let paint dry. 

 

HTH

 

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11 hours ago, Troy Smith said:

There's a build of a Hobby Boss P-38 here, it's a more complex model than the P40 I part did, but as you can see, still simpler than many kits. 

 

The build uses liquid cement,  looks like Tamiya extra thin, though the builder misses a useful aspect of this type of glue, capillary action, so you can put a part in place. and fix it with a little drop of glue that will flow into the joint.  It also melts the plastic,  so make sure the bottle is somewhere it won't get knocked over, ideally fixed down,   as that's a good way to wreck a model....  guess how i know :banghead:

 

The HB range has most of the main WW2 fighter types,  so you can probably find one you like from War Thunder.   You might want to pick oine with a simple paint scheme, as both easier, and less paint to buy.

 

Not sure what kind of acrylics you have from the clay cats, might be useable on the model as well, even just for small bits, like black and yellow for prop blades.  

Or sometimes you can get a single main color, and use a can of spray paint. 

Bear in mind about praticing on something that doesn't matter first

 

On a specialist model site it's easy to lose sight of basic techniques,  or for them to be so 'obvious' that they are not discussed,  but they underpin everything.  

 

Study the assembly sequence, test fit parts and adjust if they don't fit,  think about painting order. be aware that sometime instructions will tell you to fit parts that are easy to break off at an early stage, like undercarriage legs and propellers, where it might be possible to fit them later, after doing the main painting and decalling.  be patient,  let parts set,  let paint dry. 

 

HTH

 

I've found a p39n airacobra, a hobby boss kit. Here's the link. https://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Model_Aircraft/p-39n-aircobra-easy-assembly/HBB00080234/product.php?s=0&t=0&u=0&micr=323&pg=1&ppp=48&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=0,6

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First, welcome to the hobby. 


If you are building your first model - or first few - buy some cheap kits, and expect to make a mess.

All you really need is a kit and some glue.  As a child, I survived for years using these just these and no tools.

Be kind to yourself.
We all make mistakes, even the best of us.  Learning how to deal with mistakes is important - either how put them right, or how to hide them.

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5 hours ago, GalaxyTheCat said:


Good afternoon Galaxy... Good choice I built that very kit two years ago for the P-39 group build. kNFH90Y.jpg
 

o38FTAo.jpg
The decals are not from the kit but otherwise its all original. 


Dennis

 

PS - Remember with aircraft like this with a nose gear you will need to add some weight in the forward area or the plane will pop a wheelie. 

Edited by Corsairfoxfouruncle
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4 minutes ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:


Good afternoon Galaxy... Good choice I built that very kit two years ago for the P-39 group build. kNFH90Y.jpg
 

o38FTAo.jpg
The decals are not from the kit but otherwise its all original. 


Dennis

 

PS - Remember with aircraft like this with a nose gear you will need to add some weight in the forward area or the plane will pop a wheelie. 

Nice model! Thank you for all the help, i really apreciate it.

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