Well not sure what response this topic will cause as I am sure everyone starts off in different ways with different kits, etc but I would love some advice.
The only ‘modelling’ I have done is with Games Workshop kits for Warhammer 40k, and while these kits are a bit of fun to put together and paint I would like to get into some “proper” modelling.
What I was wondering is if people could suggest a good place to start? I have read through a number of magazines and seen reviews and articles, but what I usually see in the articles are people modifying the kits they have to be more realistic, additional details ect. - Where do you learn this?
I could go out and buy a few kits and put them together okay, but where do I go to progress past this, learning different painting techniques, creating realistic Dioramas picking a good kit from a bad?
Any starting points would be appreciated. Books, Articles, Tutorials, Forums ect.
I will be focusing on WWI and WWII kits, initially with Armor but will also be covering Airplanes and Ships from those eras. I would like to put together kits from different battles and points in history - like the Battle of Brittan, pearl harbor and the Eastern Front.
I am not too fussed with kits and manufactures as I believe after building a few kits I will get a ‘feel’ as people say, but its more the techniques used in building “good” models.
I think if you just start building kits you will learn tips and tricks on the way. A few will probably not be the best…but surely enough they get better. I have several models around the apartment that i see all the flaws but when people see them they are very impressed (not blowing my own horn). If you have a subject you want to do just go for it, searching the forums on here is a great way to learn tips and tricks, don’t hesitate to ask. God knows I’ve asked a lot of questions.
Hi Marxman, welcome. I used to paint GW models, specifically, I painted LOTR models…I stopped when everyone I played with moved away. I believe many of the painting skills translate to model building. Squatch88’s post above is excellent. When I got back into model building I realized that the hobby had progressed and advanced since I last modeled. I took it one step at a time. And, you will learn tons from reading the forums - almost like drinking from the fire hose.
I started by following directions, now I see them as a guide. I let the model dictate where I’m going with it. What’s to be painted…which sub assemblies to do next, etc. And when a question comes up, ask.
And like Squatch88 mentioned, I have models that others think are great, but I see the warts.
There are great people on this forum, you’ll learn much from them.
Whoops- sorry to need two messages in a row, but realized I had forgot another important suggestion- join a local scale modeling club if there is one in your area!
Indeed, like Don stated, right here on the FSM site and on the forums is a great place to get guidance and ideas. I would also add going to your local hobby shop, if there is one nearby and asking them for assistance on the whats and how tos. Not to mention the myriad of books and other websites available on basic modeling. I have found that there is a lot of trial and error involved until you find the types of tools, paints and techniques you are comfortable with.
When looking for information about building, painting, dioramas, etc dont just restrict yourself to WW1&2 subjects.
For example check out how the car guys do weathering. Check out the wargammers on how to do figures. Checkout how the dollhouse people build miniature furniture and decorate houses.
One of the most useful groups to me have been the model railroad dudes.
Both are basically the same kit with a different turret, markings and detail fittings. The Lee originally came with incorrect bogey assemblies which were retooled an included with the Grant. Later releases of the Lee include the updated parts, but it is impossible to tell without looking inside the box.
Decent enough kit that was torn apart by the experts accuracy-wise, but it assembles just fine and looks the part.
As others have said this is a great place to start. And I would say that “proper” modeling is whatever you enjoy. Pick subjects that you are passionate about or at least interested in and go from there. I was away from the hobby for years and came back to it like many others. I would say that this forum, FSM and other magazines (Tamiya Model Magazine is one I enjoy as well) have helped tremendously. But I will say that the most help and motivation has come from a local club and hobby shop that I need to remember to be grateful for. One thing that helped me was to reintroduce myself by starting with some of the simpler (as far as parts count at least) and less expensive kits. I found I was much more inclined to experiment with new techniques and push my limits if I knew I was not going to be throwing away a $160 kit if I really botched it. I have also faced the fact that I often have to make a difficult decision between time reading a magazine or posting on a forum and time spent at the bench. Both are important and enjoyable but only time at the bench significantly improves my abilities.
