FLAWLESSVW

You guys made me a fan of Duplicolor paints and I've all but burned my collection of Testors enamels since and not looked back.

I'm needing a certain "vintage" yellow for an upcoming build and haven't seen the right color at my local auto parts stores where I've been buying Duplicolor.  

Yesterday I was at Ollie's Bargain Outlet yesterday, and not only did they have the correct yellow in Duplicolor, but the cans were only FIFTY NINE CENTS!!!  I also scored one can of Bright Silver and an ugly blue color (never know).

They are 5 oz. cans "Auto Spray" and "Import Auto Spray".  

I initially thought Ollie's was an Ohio-only store, but I just checked the site and it looks like they actually have about 130 stores across the US.
http://www.olliesbar...om/default.aspx

If you're OUTSIDE the Cleveland area, please check it out to see if they have some as well you could use.

If you're NEAR the Cleveland area, please ignore this post - I don't want you buying up all the colors so there are none left for me!!!

I'm leaving in about an hour to:
1. Return my Testors spray enamel and primer to Michaels
2. Return my Krylon Fusion to WalMart
3. BUY some Duplicolor after reading this forum for hours last night.

But believe it or not, I don't find much mention on here of which flavor of Duplicolor you guys are using?  My auto parts stores sell several different types.  I am starting my Ertl Great Dane 1/25 semi trailer today and need:
-White (gloss)
-Primer

The types I see available are:
Duplicolor "Perfect Match" Acrylic Laquer, small 8oz red can
Duplicolor "Premium Enamel" Acrylic Enamel 12oz black can
Duplicolor Acrylic Laquer 12oz blue can

And of course there are primers for each of the above variants.  Do you use the same line primer as your paint or prefer to switch it up?  Most threads I've read say to use the same primer, but I did see exceptions to that.
These are likely total n00b question, but then again, I am a TOTAL n00b!

It's possible the 3 listed above are not even correct, so if I'm way off, please post a link or name to the one you recommend.  I really appreciate the help guys!

Hi Guys. I'm new to the forums, and very new to model building. I've got an Ertl International Transtar 4300 and a Great Dane 40' Dry Goods Trailer as my first "major" modeling projects ever. I've only built 2 other models: a Minicraft Hasegawa T-38A Talon 1/72 scale (jet) and a Testors F4U-1 Corsair 1/72 (plane). Both were to get my feet wet in model building, and both came out pretty nice. I am nervous to start the big-rig as I know it is going to be a WAY bigger project than the two little planes I built and they're the only previous experience I have, but I've got a good eye for detail and this hobby is something I've wanted to start for many years (I'm 36 and am enjoying the "mental escape" model building provides).

I got the Transtar 4300 for $15 (can you believe that!) at a small hobby shop. It looks like it is from the late 70's / early 80's. The box had some water damage, but the contents are fine and even the decal sheet looks pretty good. The trailer was $30 and still in original cellophane which seemed like a good price as well.

I've read lots of the threads on here already and will continue to do so for more education.
ANY and ALL suggestions, tips and tricks are gladly welcome! Some of the 4300's on here look amazing, and I'm still debating on paint scheme ideas.

I'm thinking of starting with the trailer since it seems less complicated than the tractor...
Since I'm in the un-boxing stage, I need tips for early-on in the project. I'm going to begin prep sanding and was wondering if automotive grade scuff pads are acceptable for pre-paint preparation? (3M maroon pad) The trailer, for example, has tons of tiny bumps which are supposed to simulate the rivets on a real trailer, and I'm afraid even light sandpaper would remove them. I figure a scuff pad would be enough to prep?

I have a can of Testors Spray Enamel Semi Gloss Grey primer, and Testors Gloss White spray (for the trailer). I also picked up a can of Krylon Fusion gloss white which I am debating using instead of the Testors white (over the Testors Primer). Thoughts? I look forward to talking with you guys and learning!

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