hi, I’m new to fine modeling but lot’s of experience in my younger years with all kinds of basic models.
How does an old dog (47) learn the apparent fine art of true reproductions like you guy’s are talking about and doing ?
Any advice would be helpfull, Thankyou, roman24@sbcglobal.net
No substitute for good references, time and patience. Look at the Reader’s Gallery in FSM to see what’s possible, and then check the articles to see how they did it. You may ifnd that a combination of aftermarket parts and your ingenuity will produce the desired result.
Thank’s
I will stay tuned to FSM and find a project.
I’ve returned to modeling about a year and half or so ago after a 10+ year hiatus…college, marraige, work, et cetera, so I can somewhat relate to what Roman Agiert is experiencing.
Having said that, I would suggest that you start with a fairly common, simple kit to get your feet wet again, before trying to go all-out. My experience was that while I hadn’t forgotten how to do everything, I was a bit rusty, and it showed!
After you’re back up-to-speed, then go for the extra detail with aftermarket accessories and whatnot…again, you’ll probably have better luck working on a pretty common kit (an F-4, for example), as compared to something a bit more unusual.
just my 2 cents (3 Canadian) worth
John
Always remember that experience is the best teacher and that practice makes perfect. Each new model I make is a little better than the last.
I am in your same situation,exactly the same situation
Just keep building everything you can get ahold of. I’ve been trying to build lots of variety (armour, planes, cars, etc) to ‘hone’ my skills. I’m still learning, but this forum is a great place to get support, advice, and suggestions.
Have fun with it!
M.
Try one thing at a time. Pick up a few “cheap-but-good” basic models (ask around - “cheap” might be subjective, but newer R/M kits, some Hasegawa or Tamiya its, etc. fit.) Something you don’t want to have to deal with fit problems and such, to get the basics down. Work on your seams, filling, getting a good finish. Work with the detail that’s in the kit. Once you’re happy there, find a new technique (a wash, panel line shading, weathering) to try. Or add some photoetch or masking-tape seatbelts. Once you’re getting “decent” at what you’re doing, grab a more challenging kit - a limited run, something with resin and photoetch, that sort of thing - just ask around or read reviews first!
There are other resources, too - the rec.models.scale newsgroup, Hyperscale (http://www.hyperscale.com,) and a variety of other websites. Ask, learn… and don’t be too hard on yourself. A technique that seems simple or basic to you might “wow” someone else. You’d be suprised just what will…
First lesson, build to please yourself. Don’t try to do too much at one time. Take your time. Do your research. Don’t get mad when your model doesn’t look like the ones in magazines. And most important, have FUN doing it.
Thank you all for your advice and words of encouragment.
If this is the way you all treat new members, I’m hooked[:)]
Also remember a “bad day” modeling is better than a good day at work. [:)] We model for ourselves (relaxation, diversion, etc). And we are our own worst critics. Trust someone you really trust (wife, child, good friend) to give you an honest appraisal of your work instead of yourself. And take any criticism with a positive additude (you might be surprized at the lack thereof), and remember with each model we build we all learn something and get a little better. [:D]
Build what pleases you and be content with your initial work. Learn from the different resources on how to improve prowess in different areas, if that’s what you want. Ultimately, just build to please yourself; that’s why most of us got into the hobby 
Good luck with your modelling.
It takes a lot of practice, recently I bought a new airbrushgun. The salesman showed me some basic tricks and I tried this at home. The results were amazing, allthough I’m not nearly as good as the guys here it is a great improvement. So try and find some good advice. What I do is try to improve my skills everytime I build a new model. Rethink what went wrong. Rebuild the the same model and see what you can improve.
I can show you the improvements I made.