I am very happy to see that you are doing better.I had noticed your posting had dropped off for awhile. I hope everything continues to get better for you!
I use both the pads and sheets.I use the pads for in between coats and body work and bigger flat surfaces .I use the sheets for the final polish and super small cracks and crevices. As for when to replace them you if they start putting scratches in your work or have a lot of color from paint replace them. if you are a motivated builder and crank out a bunch of models you should replace them often. I know the sheets are more expensive which is why I don't use them as much but the pads can be pretty cheap so load up on those. several years though is probably too long. when in doubt replace it. and if you use them wet and rinse them when done they should last longer. I also wrecked my first polishing kit by using it dry.
Models, it seems, have been around me most of my life.
As a practicing model builder I have found an outlet and a compass.
Building models has taught me a lot of lessons but I have yet to acheive the enlightenment that I am seeking .
I completely agree with Bradley,and I will add consistency in detail is also important . if you have a detailed engine that looks realistic but the figure has racoon eyes...... forget about it.
Plasticote,duplicolor and tamiya are all good primers the tamiya probably goes on the thinnest but is also the most expensive. as for plasticote and duplicolor you get more and if you are sanding inbetween coats the difference isn't even noticable. both are available as a sandable primer and a filling primer. it can be good to have both on hand I use the filling primer for the bodywork and the sandable for just before paint. also I use different colors to prime so I can see the low spots and potential body flaws. You can get good results with cheaper paints but they are more likely to cause problems so in the end better products are cheaper.
It sounds like you DON'T want to build a box stock model.I think though that you just need to find the right model to build box stock like the galaxie chevy or the galaxie trailers as they don't have an engine to worry about wiring. How about a Meyer's manx that looks fun to build right out of the box.
wayne,if you go to the hobby store and check out the rods and tubes and find the size you think looks right get a size smaller and a size larger and between the 3 sizes you will have the correct size.The odd and ends is a good starting point but they are not all the same so look at the package to see whats in there. frankly you are going to want as many different sizes as you can get along with different shapes and don't undervalue sheet styrene several sizes are helpfu therel as well .
Tamiya makes good tape but for more generally available tape the 3m blue tape works well I like the low tack with the orange label. don't waste your money on frog tape as the paint blocking traits are for waterbased paint. also I would recommend using only lacquer paints if using spray cans. an airbrush can open up a whole new world though
tape shouldn't be leaving residue if it is get some better quality tape . The paint job isn't really a place to skimp on or try to get done on the cheap. as for getting the paint not to bleed try spraying it down with clear before the second color goes on . try practicing on junk parts just until you get the hang of it.