New to the hobby... like really new

Good evening everyone,

My name is Joe and I just started getting into building model cars with my son (7 years old). He loves it and can’t get enough. He has built 3-4 snap together models and just completed (with my help) a level 2 with paint and glue camaro. I have built one other car and am really enjoying the hobby.

Why am I telling you this? I know this is not the auto forum, but I was able to find a huge lot of military models (tanks, trucks, soldiers,etc) from Tamiya at the local thrift store, which I am really wanting to start building.

I’ve started to learn the basics of modelling while working with the cars and feel reasonably confident about the cutting/gluing/plastic cement/some of the painting/priming/etc. However, what I would like to know is there or does anyone have a link to a beginner’s guide that I could work through while building my new military models? I’ve got a couple of books that I’ve got from the local library and will be starting with those, but any other resource would be very helpful.

THanks!

Joe

Welcome to the Forums!

Kalmbach has a lot of modeling books, which you can find right here through the Forums:

https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/catalog/books?filters=1ec7b8c3eba141c9b4cad0a939de712d

On YouTube, Paul Budzik has a number of videos about plastic modeling. For example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWj0UseBMzI&list=PLRtz4R7PrRoUbZotE9X8sjwz3pEj_YSDh

Hope you can find something useful.

This forum is a fantastac source of information as well. If you ask it, they will come.

Welcome to the forums. [snWcm]

Welcome to FSM Forums!

Toshi

Well, welcome to the forum, Joe! I look forward to seeing your builds, and do share photos of your son’s builds, too. And show him when they’re posted, and let him see the replies. It’ll encourage him to continue in the hobby.

Best regards,
Brad

Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you both with us!

You have come to the right place. The members here are very knowledgeable and are always ready to help out with any questions/problems that you might have. Honestly, don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything to do with the hobby. There are no dumb questions. We’ve all been there at one time or another. I’ve been building for 70 of my 76 years and I’m still learning. On these Forums, you learn something new almost every day.

It’s great that your son is interested too. I built a fairly big doll house for my 2 daughters many, many years ago but couldn’t get them interested in anything else. Keep up the good work and post photos of your builds and your sons builds. We love seeing pics of others builds.

Enjoy!

Jim [cptn]

Welcome to the forums. Take a look around at the works in progress (WIP). Not only will you see some fabulous models, you will learn about techniques and all the wonderful new products available for model builders. Hope your son stays interested in model building. It’s a great father-son activity.

Welcome, Joe and Son - Model building is such a great activity for Father and Son to do together, many happy hours ahead for you. In addition to books for learning guides, I also recommend the posts on these forums, cars, ships, airplanes, figures, etc. Just scout around, the WIP’s are priceless for learning examples. And you can find so much other info, look further down the list at the opening page here, like tools, painting, techniques, etc.

Go to Youtube, type in such as “Revell,” “Tamiya” or “Monogram” and a subject type, like 68 Mustang, 84 Camaro and any others. The models are displayed, often the video will include a WIP. Cruising around here and Youtube will give you plenty to learn from.

Good to have you as a member, hope you’ll enjoy yourselves.

Patrick

Howdy !!! Man I wish I had a thrift store like that here. All the local stores here carry an asortment of broken antiques and used t- shirts .

Anyways… welcome. Questions ??? We are here to help.

P.S. make sure to fill in your profile page. Not a lot of people do but I find it’s interesting to learn a little about the people you meet here. It’s not a requirement but kind of fun. Just click on my sub picture (avatar) above my name and you will learn some “kooky” facts about me.

Hey Joe ! and Son !

Welcome to the greatest hobby in the world ! T.B.

Welcome to the forum! I’m new too; working on completing my first model. It’s great you’re able to do this with your son. That’s quality time right there.

This forum has so far been my biggest resource. Lots of people with experience here and more than willing to help. Not to mention the inspiration you gain by seeing some of these model masters work. In addition the Kalmbach publishing model books are really good guides as well.

Welcome aboard.

There is an auto section here you might want to check out

Welcome, first and foremost build what you want the way you want it. This hobby is meant to be fun. When building armor and the troops that go with it the devil is in the details, research of your topic is important. Armor unlike autos live IN the world rather than on it so weathering is important. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!! HAVE FUN!!! Ask if you don’t know, share if you do know, and relaxrelax. You and your boy will have many years to share this hobby.