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Hello everyone! I’m an old new guy, Mike Kelley, from Thousand Oaks, Ca, and 75 years old. When I moved here in 1980, I brought about 50 unbuilt models, Monogram and Revell and a few others, and they still sit in my garage. A friend of mine asked me to build the plane he flew in Viet-nam as a USAF flight instructor, a 1/48 Northrop T-38A, made by Wolfpack, a Korean firm. I did not have a good time, but good enough to want to get back into the hobby. I’m a USN veteran, 1968-74, and I’m looking forward to learning a lot about the craft and the folks who make them. So here’s my first question: I’m interested in doing figures to accompany the weapons, but I’ve already seen a couple of posts saying the Tamiya paints should not be used on miniature figures, but instead use Vallejo, for one. What’s the reasoning there???
Hi @kelley9849, welcome to the forum.
I’m not sure which posts talked about not using Tamiya paints, I personally use any and all paints on everything to get the results I want, so I can’t help you much with that.
Unfortunately you replied to a guideline topic instead of posting a new topic with your question. This may be the reason why you haven’t received any responses yet. I just wanted to reply to you here so that you don’t think you are being ignored.
There are a lot of great people here, many of whom are willing and able to help with your questions. This forum format is new to all of us, we are all still learning how it works. Try posting again but create your own topic and you should get more responses.
Don’t forget, if you have questions or comments about figures, you can post in the Figures & Misc forum:
I am now a 72yr young and beginning to think this hobby I love is starting to leave me in the dust. I have several new kits that are kicking my in the butt. When I was younger I loved the challenges, now it seems that I am having troubles. My eye’s aren’t as good, I get the shakes all of a sudden, and it seem the more I like something the more complicated they are. Then there are the tracks . Hell I ( when i was younger) wanted workable tracks. Now I cuss them . Never realiseing that in 1/35 the would so hard. Then there is tiny brass pieces. Yes I sound like I’m crying! but I’m sure there others out there in the same position. Thank you for listening.
Hello, Nearing 70 and retired, trying to get back to my childhood hobbies of aero modelling and FSM. Also trying to motivate my 7year old grandkids into it. Looking forward to this forum for guidance and advice.
Hello, I’m 70; and a scratch house builder all scales. Lots of dollhouses, architectural models, and some smaller scales for trains. Dioramas, roomboxes, love it all.
I use basswood mostly, love the ships, planes, trains, anything miniature!
Welcome back to the hobby, Mike — and thank you for your service, both in the Navy and in aviation history. That T-38A sounds like a meaningful reentry project, and I’m glad it reignited your interest in scale modeling.
To your question about paints for figures: the reason many modelers recommend Vallejo over Tamiya comes down to how the paints behave, especially on small, organic shapes like faces, hands, and clothing folds:
Tamiya acrylics are alcohol-based and tend to dry very quickly, which can make blending smooth transitions (like on faces or fabric) much harder. They also don’t brush on as smoothly and can leave streaks unless heavily thinned and applied in multiple layers.
Vallejo paints are water-based acrylics formulated for brush painting, with high pigment concentration and excellent flow. They’re much more forgiving for hand-painting figures, layering skin tones, and dry brushing details. The Vallejo Model Color and Game Color lines are especially popular for military and fantasy figures.
If you’re ever curious about shading techniques or color layering for figure painting, I’d be happy to help — I also work in digital and physical modeling and have assisted others in planning out painting workflows for historical subjects.
Glad to have you back in the community!
Welcome aboard — it’s always inspiring to see someone returning to the craft with a fresh spark, and even better that you’re bringing your grandkids along for the ride!
Aero modeling is such a rewarding blend of creativity, patience, and precision — and FSM (FineScale Modeling) is a great place to find guidance, inspiration, and answers to just about any modeling challenge.
If you ever need help choosing beginner-friendly kits for young ones or want suggestions on tools and paints that are both safe and effective, feel free to reach out. I work professionally in modeling and design, and I’m happy to help support your journey — both as a builder and as a mentor to the next generation of modelers.
Wishing you and your grandkids many enjoyable hours at the workbench!
You’re not alone — and you’re certainly not “being left in the dust.” What you’re feeling is something many lifelong modelers go through, especially as kits have become more complex and parts have gotten smaller (and more frustrating!).
First, let me just say: 72 and still building is something to be proud of. The passion you’ve carried for decades is something younger builders strive to maintain. And yes, the challenges can feel steeper now — but your years of experience are still your biggest asset.
Here are a few practical suggestions that have helped other modelers in similar situations:
Invest in a quality magnifier lamp — it’s a game changer for eyestrain.
Use rubber-handled tools to ease shakiness and give better grip.
For tiny PE and brass parts, try using wax pencils or pickup tools — they make handling small parts easier.
And if those individual track links are stealing your joy, don’t hesitate to swap for aftermarket rubber tracks or link-and-length sets.
Most importantly, build at your own pace. There’s no rush. The joy isn’t just in finishing a model — it’s in the quiet hours you spend at the bench, creating something with your hands and heart.
If ever you want help simplifying a build, or tips on modifying a kit to suit your comfort, I’d be glad to lend a hand. This hobby still has plenty of room for you — just as it always has.
Many thanks for the warm welcome and support. I have started with a 1:48 scale Italeri model of MiG-21. My hope and possible goal is to build and paint models matching the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, past and present. I have subscribed to the online version of the FSM and am watching ‘How To’ videos on YouTube. I am looking forward to learn and improving my building skills from this forum.
That’s a fantastic project you’ve embarked on! The MiG-21 in IAF livery is a great choice to start with, and Italeri’s 1:48 scale kit should give you a solid foundation. Your goal of replicating Indian Air Force aircraft across eras is both unique and meaningful — there’s a lot of history and beauty in those schemes. Subscribing to FSM and using YouTube for tutorials is a smart move, and you’re definitely in the right place to keep growing. If you ever need references, tips on weathering, or even help replicating specific camo or decals, feel free to reach out — happy to help!
