Hello all,
I am new to the hobby and just ordered my first model, should be here after the weekend. I prefer aircraft models but will probably branch out eventually. I’m looking for advice on tools, glue, fillers, paint, etc. The model i have coming in is a P-40B Tiger Shark just fyi.
Welcome!
There will certainly be no shortage of advice and opinions. This site is loaded with all the help you’ll need to bring you along.
… but if you ask 6 modelers their opinions, you will get a dozen different answers …
Tamiya thin (green top) is good.
Both thin and gel CA. Zap is good, but my current is DUCO from the hardware store. CA accelerator, got mine at the local Rockler woodworking store. R U clumsy? CA debonder may come in handy.
The above are all solvent puttys. Add in a water-based option. Vallejo makes one, also Milliput and Perfect Putty (?). Smooth with a damp Q-tip (see below)
Vallejo brand acrylic paints. Model Color is their brushable. Model Air is airbrush compatible
Invest in Q-tips/cotton buds. Clean up, touch up.
Tamiya yellow (Kabuki) tape 1/4 inch/6mm. Painters tape from hardware store is similar product in wider sizes
Nail files from Sally Beauty Supply, or similar. Coarse, medium, fine, x-fine and/or 4 grit Get several of each. Wet-n-dry sandpaper in 400 and finer grits, an auto parts store item.
Sprue nippers – there are some servicable cutters at the hardware store for starters. As your experience grows consider some of the dedicated plastic cutters. Cut only plastic, never wire.
Fine point scissors for cutting decals. My wife is a nurse and I have a bunch of one-use surgical scissors, or check your SO’s sewing basket
Note that you will be able to find many of these items at non-hobby shops. I have found that if you buy something with a model manufacturer’s logo, you may pay a few bucks more for the priveledge. Keep your head on a swivel.
I never model without my Optivisor. I bought it probably 25 years ago and it still works. Since I wear eyesight correction devices, having it on my head and available to flip up/ flip down is great. Sometimes I even forget it’s there. Makes for laughter at the store.
Ed makes a great point. No more LHS, and online takes a little time: Ace and CVS down at the local mall have a lot of what one needs. I like those foam sanding boards. I can cut mine up with a pair of scissors to make points, square corners, whatever is needed to get into tight spots.
Bill
Thought you might want some advice from someone who is also new to the hobby. I was in your position just a few months ago. First point-I just finished my first build and I love this hobby. I look at the Super Hornet and can’t believe I did that. It’s way behind the skill level of the other guys on here but I’m proud of it. Take your time. It took 5 months to complete mine. Speaking of guys on here-Everyone has been incredible. I have read countless forums and asked questions and I’m overwhelmed with the help and support. Your greatest tool wil probably be the people on this site.
My limited wisdom is this
-Start with easier kits. You can view most instructions on every model on Scalemates.com
-Tamiya tape has got to be on the bench
-great lighting is important
-Tamiya extra thin cement is the holy grail of cement
-If you have a frustrating session simply take a break and revisit the build later
-patience
-as great as Tamiya thin cement is it won’t work on painted surfaces. I learned this the messy hard way.
-a sharp #11 blade
-patience
-practice paint and other techniques on spare plastic
Enjoy it.
Hello!
Welcome to the forums!
I have found that it’s a good idea to have two kits on hand, so I can work on one while waiting for adhesive, primer, paint, or putty to dry on the other. I realized this when I sprayed the first coat of Tamiya spray paint on my first model but didn’t wait long enough for it to dry. The resulting finger print and paint proved to be impossible to completely repair. Well, who said that models had to be perfect?
Bob Ingraham
Vancouver
Welcome to the forum, Wrice! I look forward to seeing your P-40 build. Which kit is it?
Best regards,
Brad
Welcome to the Forums!
Thanks, it’s a monogram scale 1/48. I bought it off of eBay and should be here Saturday. I would post a picture but am still figuring out the site
Welcome aboard,do make use of all the various sections of the forums,ask questions and enjoy.
Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard.
Jim [cptn]