dawgvet

I am looking for suggestions on my first spray booth for model cars. I'm just starting to build a few kits again and I would like a serviceable booth. In college I used a plastic tub with a bathroom fan bolted to the back but I've been reading that might be hazardous due to fume ignition. I've seen the folding portable booths on eBay and Amazon for around $70. Are these good? I don't mind building one but don't want to invest more than about $70 or so. Many tips appreciated. Thanks, Jed

I have the Tamiya in the bottle so will need to thin

I'm just getting back into modeling and have a question about airbrushing the Tamiya Fine Surface Primer. What is the best thing to thin it with? Lacquer thinner? Also, will Scale Finishes paint work ok over the Tamiya primer? I've never used Scale Finishes paints before. Thanks, Jed

Ok, so I've got my Badger 155, a 25 gal shop compressor, and want to get started airbrushing. My compressor has a built-in regulator but it goes all the way up to 100 psi. I'd like to have a regulator that is scaled for the smaller increments that we need for an airbrush. I know that I need the regulator and water trap/filter close to the airbrush but can't find one with small adjustments locally (Harbor Freight, Sears, WalMart, etc.). Can you guys suggest a good one that's reasonably priced? Thanks, Jed

Ok, so I've finally gotten back into modeling and want to get better at using my new Badger 155. I used to just airbrush the bodies but I'm seeing now that more people use their airbrushes for many other parts, too. What parts (engine, suspension, interiors, etc.) do you typically paint with your airbrush? Why? What parts do you still brush paint? Why? Do you primer most all parts before either airbrushing or brush painting? Thanks, Jed

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone knew of a good Aston Martin DB4 kit? I've always loved the look of these cars and would like to build a model of it one day. Thanks, Jed

Hey guys, I was thinking of doing a 1957 Chevrolet and was wondering which model kit you recommended? I've read good things about the AMT 100th Anniversary kit that came in a metal tin http://www.ncphobbies.com/vehicles-1/20-to-1/29-scale/amt-plastic-model-kits-1/25-1957-chevy-bel-air-100th-anniversary-collectible-tin-plastic-models/amt7 I know there are other AMT kits as well. Are these as detailed as the 100th Ann. Tin kit? What about the Revell 1957 Chevrolet kit? What are the pros/cons of each choice? Thanks, Jed

I've seen 'wire wrap' listed on Radio Shack but the smallest I found listed that way was 30 AWG and that is too big for stock ignition wires.

I was looking to order bulk wire to make spark plug wires with and was wondering what gauge to order? The M.A.D. distributors are great but I like the satisfaction of drilling out my own. I thinking that I would need an outside diameter of 0.32 mm for regular 8 mm plug wires. I found this company that sells 34 AWG insulated solid core wire for $0.26 per foot in several colors. Their listed O.D. was 0.30 mm. http://www.micronmeters.com/p-196-insulated-wire-34-awg.aspx Do you think this would work well? If you have any other suggestions, let me know. Thanks, Jed

Hello, I am getting back into car modeling and was just wondering what some of your favorite tips/tricks for detailing models might be? I know a lot of great photoetched parts are available and they are great, but I'd like to know what some of your "re-purposed" tips might be? I recently saw one modeler take the factory alternator pulleys and wrap wire around their edges to make the belt look like it sat deep into the pulley when painted and it looked great! I just went to my local Michael's and picked up some 26 and 28 gauge beading wire to use for fuel lines and brake line. Any tips or tricks you'd like to share for other creative uses of materials for detailing? Thanks, Jed

Hello, I'm needing to upgrade to a better airbrush for painting model cars. I had an Aztek 470 but it was lost when we moved into a new house a couple years ago. I've about got it narrowed down to the Badger Anthem 155 due to it being American-made, good warranty, and reputation for ease of assembly/cleaning. What do you all think of this choice? I really want to keep it below $100 and Chicago Airbrush has the set with an air hose for $89. What do you think? All input appreciated. Thanks,

Great build! Keep up the good work. Jed

I was wondering what primer you guys like to use for priming parts with an airbrush? Do you use a different primer for small parts and interiors to keep the details as opposed to primers for the body? Does anyone decant primers from a spray can to use in an airbrush? Thanks, Jed

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to tone down the gloss on some paints? I have noticed on 1:1 cars, that there are very few things, including the body color, that is a super high gloss. When looking under the hood, many parts will be "black" but so many have different amounts of gloss with several shades of "semi-gloss". Interiors are similar as well. I am working on a 52 Hudson and noticed the vinyl part of the seats are semi-gloss grey whereas the fabric portion is very flat grey. I would like to be able to keep certain colors and tone down the gloss, especially on engines. The Hudson engine block is gold but its not the glossy gold of a polished show-car fender! I know I can spray Testors Dullcote over the base color but would like to vary the gloss up or down within the paint itself. Is there anything I can mix into the paints that will cause them to loose a controllable amount of sheen when dry? I hope this question makes sense. I just realized that there are a lot of room for improvement in the looks of a model with just the proper sheens on the finish to various parts. Thanks, Jed

Great looking car! I'm working on one of the Moebius Hudsons now. Any chance that there will be race versions for the Pontiac as well? Thanks and keep up the good work. Regards, Jed

Hello, I'm getting back into modeling a little and was looking for ideas on how to build a inexpensive paint booth. I had one back in college that was a bathroom fan bolted to the back of a plastic tub that worked well. Now I'm reading that I need a brushless motor fan due to risk of sparks and fumes. I would like a recommendation on a decent fan to use as all I've found were squirrel cage fans for $90 or more that were brushless. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Jed

Hey, Steve. Any chance you could post a link or PM me the source of your bilge blower? I'd like to build a spray booth and use an inexpensive fan. Thanks Jed

Hello, I'm wanting to get back into building models and was looking for tips on how to use my shop compressor for airbrushing. I currently have a 25 gallon Craftsman upright compressor. My plan is to purchase a Badger 155 Anthem airbrush. My compressor currently has a hose with a quick disconnect I use for tools and the built-in regulator. What type of moisture/oil trap do I need? Can I get one that will attach to the end of my current air hose? Do I need to get a better regulator for more precise air pressure adjusting for the airbrush? I may end up just getting a litle Campbell Hausfeld 3 gallon compressor or something similar later but was looking for what I could use with my current compressor. Any help appreciated. Thanks, Jed

Thanks for the replies. I've read that the Paasche airbrushes are more trouble to clean. What do you all think of the Badger 155 Anthem? Would this do well for most car model needs? Any drawbacks to this model? Thanks Again, Jed

Hey guys, this is my first post and I was looking for suggestions on a decent hobby airbrush for model cars and planes? I've used an Aztek 470 from about 10-11 yrs ago but it started leaking internally and went into the round file. I'm not looking for a professional level airbrush, but a decent one that is good for car bodies and smaller parts. I had an old Badger 200 when I was a kid but lost in when we moved years back. I prefer American made airbrushes and will be likely using my Craftsman upright shop compressor with a regulator and water trap. What's your recommendations? Thanks, Jed