I am coming back to this forum after a long time. I posted one topic and that was it. Well, now I am determined to make my first real model (Revell Monogram 1/48 F-14A tomacat: http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=kd0544) great and I hope the members here will help me with several of my questions:
To paint with an airbrush, do I have to have a compressor? They seem expensive. Can I attain a similarly smooth and even paint finish by using brushes?
You don’t have to have a compressor to power an airbrush. You can use the canned air which will give you what you need. However, each can runs around $13+ which WILL add up over time. Plus, it’s harder to regulate PSI as well. So, if you plan to use the airbrush regularly, you may want to invest in an inexpensive comp. (around 60-80 dollars).
To get realistic details on small parts, check out the article section on FSM homepage. Then, click on the painting section and weathering section for steps and material.
For decal application, go to www.swannysmodels.com and it will give you step by step as well.
Putty is just a filler putty for gaps and poor seams during consstruction. There are several different kinds out there and many online stores will carry them. The forementioned website has info on putty and use as well.
Good luck and keep us posted with your projects[tup]
I’ll echo all of wulf’s suggestions. And I’ll also say that if you’ve got an evening to yourself, sit down and read all the stuff on Swanny’s models site. A plethora of info! Good luck!
An alternative to an airbrush or canned propellant is an air tank. People have used softdrink carbon dioxide tanks, scuba tanks (overkill unless you are a retired diver, although old tanks that have failed a hydrostatic test make good stilling tanks) (A stilling tank removes the pulsations in air pressure you get from some compressors, especially the cheaper ones.), and welding tanks (NOT acetylene tanks!).
Some people get great finishes from brushes. These people seem to be rare and exceptionally talented. It’s much easier with an airbrush.
Very fine grained automotive putties (for body work) work well and are more economical than those sold specifically for hobby work. I have one tube of 3M Acryl Blue, and another of Acryl Red. These will last several lifetimes if I keep them properly closed.
It would be worth your time to do a forum search, too. There is an abundance of information here.
Keep in mind that for many things, there is no “one right way.” You have to try different techniques, and variations on them, to find what works for you. For example: When Paul Boyer advocated using superglue as a filler, I just couldn’t see it. The first time I tried it, I wasn’t very happy with the result. Then I encountered a situation where putty just wasn’t a good option—I had to master the superglue technique. Now, I rarely use putty.
And if you don’t have a subscription to FSM, get one—cheaper than off the shelf, and invaluble for a beginner.
