Hi all. I am thinking about returning to the hobby. I have been inactive for more than 50 yrs and have found myself recently widowed and now I seem to have a lot of time on my hands. I would like to start off with a US Bradley, probably 1/35 scale. I still have my airbrushes but I could use some suggestions for brands and colors. European theater colors would be the best.
Thanks,
Bill
First of all, welcome to the community as well as back to the bench.
A lot has changed in the past decades that you were away from the hobby, paints probably being one of the biggest. Years ago you were limited to mostly enamels, but now there is a virtual jungle of acrylic paint brands to choose from.
Everyone I know, both here and in person have their own favourites for spraying and brush painting and their own techniques for the same. Depending on what you have available locally, I would recommend trying a couple of each brand that you can get. Do some practice and testing to find what works well for you. If at that point you find a favourite, stick with it until something changes or you want a change.
I find that I usually end up trying a new brand when I need a colour or shade that I just can’t get with my normal brand. Sometimes I end up only using that one colour and sometimes I end up replacing a few colours because I like the product better.
I’m not going to recommend any particular brand to get you started, especially as I don’t know what you have easy access to at the local store. Take a look at you-tube for paint tutorials to get an idea of what’s out there, with pros and cons. Some of the figure painters give pretty good comparisons between brands.
I know this is a lot to read and doesn’t directly answer your question, but I think it should get you on your way within your personal budget. If you have questions or issues once you have a couple paints that you are trying, feel free to come here with questions - lots of people here use different paints (I think I’ve already said this) and will be able to help with more detail with specific issues.
Thanks for joining us Bill! I’m sorry for your loss and hope that modelling helps fill some of your time.
@Frozin is spot on with the paints. I have at least 5 different brands that I use with Vallejo, Tamiya and Mission being my main brands. Others swear by Humbrol. I hope you enjoy the process of learning what works for you.
First off, I’m so sorry for your loss Bill. You will find lots of "Comradeship"here on this forum. Getting back into scale modeling is a perfect hobby to occupy your mind and keep your fine motor skills sharp. Good luck with your modeling endeavors.
Welcome to the forum, Bill! I look forward to seeing your Bradley when it’s finished.
Best regards,
Brad
First off , sorry for your loss. I think a lot of us were away from the hobby for a while as life has a way of getting in the way of our hobbies sometimes. I know it happened to me as well; about a twenty year gap!
Anyway, as far as paints and such I’m sure others have better knowledge than I do but when I started back, I used Testors Model Master enamel paints almost exclusively. Before they stopped production I was already transitioning into acrylics,( Ammo by Mig) They spray real well and the colours are spot on. Also, less fumes and relatively easy clean up.
Best of luck in your future modelling! 
Welcome, and though the circumstances that have you considering a return are truly sad, I hope you find some joy in the hobby and it helps you fill your days in a positive way.
I am also back this year after 30+years away and have been really enjoying the new experience of learning about how much has changed. In fact, I think I’ve had as much fun setting up my hobby room and buying new tools, paints, kits etc as I have actually building the aircraft.
I’ve gone all in with acrylic paints, mostly vellejo in my case, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to clean everything with water.
I’m sure there will lots of great advice for you here, but feel free to reach out if you want to speak directly about anything.
You might also want to look around for the local chapters of the ipms clubs, they can be a great place to share and learn.
Welcome to the forums OldManinNH! Can’t wait to see what you build.
Samphoto, May I ask your you got that "arched"light above your workbench with the Harrier?
Amazon, though it looks like it isn’t available in the curved version any longer. Here is the link just in case.
For the record, it works great for our hobby, though it is designed for nail salon use I believe.
Here’s one with the versitility to be used as a floor or desk lamp:
gelpal 6in1 Colors Half Moon LED Desk/Floor Lamp, 3000LM 48W Bright Eyelash Light, Includes Desktop Clip & Stand Mount for Eyelash Extensions, Skincare, Tattoo, Nail Art, Beauty, Salon Use(Black) - Amazon.com
That is the same lamp with a more versatile base! Great find,
Here is another one that has what looks like the same arm mine has.
Samphoto & Mrb865, thank you both for your assistance. This Fall I want to organize and redo my woekbench to make it more efficient & “user friendly.” Wisconsin’s Winters are long and can be very “challenging” so I want to make sure that my work space is ready.
I know that’s a typo but the image invoked by it really tickled my funny one!
@Samphoto I really like your modelling location. That window! I love the natural light!
Thank you, yeah, unlike so many on here, I’m not relagated to a dark basement! I get an entire bedroom to myself.
I’ve done a lot of additional upgrades, I’m out of town this weekend but when I get home, I’ll take a new photo.
I’ve heard about your challenges in the winter Tom! I’m always on a quest for more light and I am also looking at a redo of my workspace. I’m still new but as I collect finished models, I need a way to display them, especially when I start working on my 1/48th C-130, B-58 and B-1B.
