I just got my first kit in about 15 years. I had to buy a starter paint kit from tester and mad the wifey mad when I took over part of the garage for this [}:)]. My first kit, is from what I have read, going to be nothing less than a bear to complete. Its a Cessna 150. I am learning to fly in one and thought it would be a good “re-starter” for me… oh well we will see
I am ordering a Tam. P-51 1/48 in a few days or so and my question to you guys are what can I expect? I do have experience modeling and I plan on getting a AM cockpit and perhaps a few other things to go with it…I guess the point of all this rambling is what advise can you give a ex-modeler getting back into this after so long???
Things have changed…mostly for the better, but everything is more expensive.
I recommend four things:
Browse the Tools, Techniques, Painting and Airbrushing, and Decaling forums thoroughly. A lot to wade through, but a gold mine of info. Follow links to external sites, too.
Get a good, basic book on building and finishing models. I can’t recommend any because most of the ones I read are out of date.
Ask specific questions in these forums—you’ll find a lot of help, even about how to get your significant other to support you in the hobby—or at least tolerate it.
Be patient with yourself. As I told my kids: If your in a hurry, this is the wrong hobby—or you are an editor at FSM… [:-^]
And [#welcome] to the Asylum for Styrene Addicts. We have a variety of Ten to Fifty step programs to help you with this problem…they’re called instruction sheets, and there’s usually one in every kit… [:-,]
I did the same thing a couple of years ago, restarted in the hobby after a long abscence due to University and kids (the usual story). I don’t know anything about the Cessna kit but I would recommend doing a couple of out of the box (oob) builds before tackling the Am stuff. A Tamiya P-51 would be perfect. Adding the AM stuff really adds a lot to the build in terms of quality and detail but also adds a lot of comlexity and therefore frustration as well. Might want to do a couple of quick enjoyable builds first.
Also, you might want to check out the Group Build section and join up with one or two of those as you can really pick up a lot helpful tips from other builders (as well as moral support from fellow addicts). Then there is the tools and tech section where you can post questions on painting etc. Just reading through those will give you lots of helpful ideas.
Anyway, welcome back and good luck (especially with the flying lessons [X-)])
most if not all Tamiya kits are nearly perfect. room for AM here and there, but i really can’t ask for more in any of their kits. I think you’ll be happy with it [:D]
[#ditto] I’m with Raz on this. I took a 6 year vacation from modeling and when I finally took up the hobby again I ruined the first kit I built, an RM F-14A. This was before joining FSM. Since joining these guys here have really inspired me and helped me improve my modeling skills. Tackle a few OOB builds and re-introduce yourself to the hobby first then as you re-aquire your skills then try other things, like scribing, adding PE or even scratch building your own details to add on and definatly do research on matierals, tools and the model your building as this will really help how your model turns out.
I agree with what everyone’s said. Start out with a simple kit and take your time. I kinda do my own thing, so I wouldn’t be the best person to ask about research and correct paint colors, but try not to do too much in the beginning. Glad to have you back into the madness that is modeling!
Hoagie, Here’s how I got back in. I built a couple cars (revell car kits are so easy), then i bought a $10 Revell P-47. That’s a good simple kit and I highly recomend it. It’s mostly trial and error. Dont feel bad if you screw something up. Chances are you can fix it. Dont be afraid to ask questions. See my post count? about 500 of those posts are questions. And most of all, build what you enjoy. You’re already on the right track with the Cessna. I have one in my stash (youll learn what that word means here soon!) too. My grandpa flies one. So good luck, and be sure to post lots of pictures! Welcome to the FSM community
wow just reading all of these replies have got me so excited that I cant hardley wait for my paint kits to get here so I can start…I have been researching alot of things and have tons of links in my bookmarks to external sites…cant wait and yes I will be posting alot of pictures…espeially my cessna beginner …