Getting started

[Mark Pfaff]

Hi all, this is my first post here. So when I was younger I used to build models pretty often but I was a kid, I rushed it and it was sloppy. Well I’d like to start building some again and I was wondering what are some tips or things of advice to help out someone new? I’d like to make them look very realistic and don’t mind taking a long time if it takes a long time. I’m not expecting any award winning model since I know I’m new and experience is very important. Mainly wondering what brands of paint and glue and anything else you would recommend. Thank you for any help!

Edited November 3, 2018 by Mark Pfaff

[disabled modeler]

Hi Mark...welcome back the the life.   best tip anyone ever gave me on building is....

Treat every part as if it were a model itself and building is no race build at your own pace....I have built some that the bodywork a lone took me over a month working on it every day.   Emery boards are a great thing there also known as womens finger nail files...I use them all the time and there cheap...great for smoothing out the edges where the parts come off the trees. 

[64SS350]

My suggestions are to watch tutorials on here and check out builds in the 'On the Workbench' section. When I got back into building, these guys on here really changed how built models, great group, LOTS of talent!

Don Yost also has a couple videos if you want to check out his methods.

[StevenGuthmiller]

If you honestly want to know what single thing changed my outlook on building more than anything else, it was polish.

The most frustrating part of building in my early years was my difficulty in laying down a nice paint job.

Dirt in the paint, orange peel, runs or sags, etc, were constantly showing their ugly heads.

I am a firm believer that a beautiful paint job is the most important part of a successful build.

You can detail until the cows come home, but if your paint job looks like colored sand paper, it's a failure no matter how you look at it.

Now, with the help of good polishing technique, it has become apparent to me that nearly any paint faux pas can be repaired with polishing.

Don't become too discouraged if your paint job doesn't immediately look like Pablo Picasso painted it.

I rarely let a sub standard paint job concern me any more.

With some clear coat & careful polishing, you can fix a whole myriad of issues.

This knowledge that I don't need to strip a model 14 times before I get the finish that I desire has made my modeling career much more enjoyable.

 

 

Steve

 

[gtx6970]

Biggest thing for me is when I got away from massive amounts of detail.  Ive had models take over a year to build. And at my age now, that is simply not an option anymore if I want to make any kind of mark on my pile.

I try my best to make them look VERY presentable in my case . I don't do contests so the only one I have to please is me

 

As far as paint choices, I 'll use what ever brand has the color I am after. Testors , Tamiya, Duplicolor are my main three . And I prefer lacquer if at all possible. Testors wetlook clear is my primary top coat followed real close by Upol urethane clear.  But I use Tamiya and duplicolor clears as well, Just depends on what I have avail at the time.

 

The best advise I ever had offered to me ,,,,,,,, take your time and enjoy the ride.

Edited November 3, 2018 by gtx6970

[Mark Pfaff]

Thank you guys for all the advice! I have a ‘70 Coronet Super Bee I plan on starting pretty soon. Hopefully all goes well. 

[Hotrod 97]

Just remember to keep it enjoyable. If something goes wrong with a build, don’t get frustrated with it. Just set it aside and get back to it later.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Here are a few threads you may find helpful:

 

 

 

[Snake45]

On 11/3/2018 at 12:37 PM, StevenGuthmiller said:

If you honestly want to know what single thing changed my outlook on building more than anything else, it was polish.

The most frustrating part of building in my early years was my difficulty in laying down a nice paint job.

Dirt in the paint, orange peel, runs or sags, etc, were constantly showing their ugly heads.

I am a firm believer that a beautiful paint job is the most important part of a successful build.

You can detail until the cows come home, but if your paint job looks like colored sand paper, it's a failure no matter how you look at it.

Now, with the help of good polishing technique, it has become apparent to me that nearly any paint faux pas can be repaired with polishing.

Don't become too discouraged if your paint job doesn't immediately look like Pablo Picasso painted it.

I rarely let a sub standard paint job concern me any more.

With some clear coat & careful polishing, you can fix a whole myriad of issues.

This knowledge that I don't need to strip a model 14 times before I get the finish that I desire has made my modeling career much more enjoyable.

 

 

Steve

 

And you don't need expensive, hard-to-find "special" polishes, either. I've been polishing for about 30 years now, with Wright's Silver Cream, a silver polish available in the housecleaning stuff aisle of Walmart, supermarkets, drug stores, etc. It's water-soluble so has NO petro-chemicals that can affect paint or plastic, just VERY fine abrasive. I polish clear windows with it, too. Great stuff! 

[Deuces]

I'm another one that hasn't touched a model since '74.... But I am getting lots of insperation from these guys... I just need a swift kick in the butt ? to get motivated.... ☺️

[Oldcarfan27]

On 11/4/2018 at 6:40 PM, Deuces said:

I'm another one that hasn't touched a model since '74.... But I am getting lots of insperation from these guys... I just need a swift kick in the butt ? to get motivated.... ☺️

At least you're following along, so you've still got that interest. Next step, build something!

[Deuces]

Yeah, I know.... Trying to decide what to start with.... I have a few Monogram '65-'66 1/24 scale Mustang kits that I want toss together... Those should be easy to start with... Maybe combine some Shelby parts with a convertible.... We'll see..