El Roberto

Nice job on the paint streaking.

And if you have a situation where you have trouble getting a decal to settle down you could use Solvaset. That's the nuclear option.

When using super clean . do not use an aluminum pan! the super clean will eat thru the aluminum

Has anyone ever knocked over a bottle of Tamiya thin cement on top of a sheet of decals? Just a little tip, from someone who knows, it doesn't do the decals any good.

Badger 250 series are low priced beginners brushes. They use canned propellant. Not too bad, you cant use em for detail work or spraying a body if you're looking for show quality finish. I used one for years until I graduated to a compressor and better quality brush.

The majority of my builds are military aircraft models, everything from WW1 to present. I build some armor, sci fi subjects, etc. However I recently started building cars again, since that was my intro into model building back in the stone age when I was a teen. I like hot rods, muscle cars, and whatever strikes my fancy.

I like the spray can lid holder idea. It's one of those "why didn't I think of that" ideas.

At the three stores in town the stuff that's crowding out the models isn't tools and paint etc. its toys and BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH like that. If you go online to Hobbylobby.com you'll see the same old models, no new releases.

I guess I'm just naturally suspicious, wondering if they're trying to get rid of their inventory before they stop selling kits entirely. Their model section gets smaller every time I visit a store.

Also, try detacking the tape before applying.

Yes there is a definite learning curve with the tiny carbide bits, but after little practice I very seldom break one (usually when I try to rush the hole).

Try these guys. I use the really tiny bits like .30mm. Keep in mind that the carbide bits cut extremely well (to include fingers) but are very brittle. You have to be very careful not to snap them with any lateral pressure. https://merchant.auctivacommerce.com/s25472/Product3.aspx?ProductId=4302731&SID=25472

Couple of ways to try making a vinyl top. Some people use masking tape. Put tape on the top and trim to size, then paint. I have no idea how long this would last. Another is using a paint called Faux Fabric. Google it and find where to buy and watch videos of people using it. I built a 1/12 scale Camaro with a vinyl top and used Evergreen strips for the seams and textured with Rustoleum textured paint. I think it was supposed to simulate stone but it worked pretty well on the Camero.

Tamiya's X22 clear is pretty good stuff. Leaves a really nice shine.

FS colors are federal standard colors. The military uses these for its aircraft and vehicles. Many military kits use the Federal Standard numbers to call out colors on the kits. http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorcharts/stuff_eng_colorcharts_fs.htm

Tamiya makes excellent products but they also have their faults. I build a lot of model aircraft and armor but Tamiya refuses to offer FS standard colors for these models. Their color selection is pretty sparse.

Another cool option is lead wire you can get at a good sporting goods shop. Comes in many diameters so you can use it for a lot of things.

I just got a Revell 29 model A roadster. Looks to be a cool little kit.

Yeah, that's right, it will destroy the enamel just like putting solvent on it. I tested it on enamel and lacquer paint and it messed both up. I only use it on acrylic paints, so maybe if you clear coated with a acrylic clear it might work. Might want to test it first. A couple of alternatives are using mineral spirits with artist oil paints thinned down to make a wash or liner or...another product I really like is Flory water based washes. They are made of clay, so they don't react with any paint. You just slop it on, wait for it to dry then remove the excess with a paper towel moistened with water, or in my case, spit.

I've never had any problems with the Tamiya primers. They go down super smooth and even and stand up to anything I spray over them.

Don't buy a Tamiya aircraft kit unless you want to be spoiled. The fit and engineering on Tamiya kits are unmatched with the exception of a few. The new mold Airfix are very nice as are some Academy kits. Do your research and you'll find out which kits are the best. Of course the Wing Nut Wings kits were probably the best but they're out of business and if you can find one it'll be' worth a small fortune.

I'm in the same boat. Sometimes I see something I want but don't have a stash of models to trade.

Thanks, I'll drop by HL next week.

Any opinions on the best small paint brushes for modeling.