New guy here, model rookie

[Space_Whale]

Hi everyone, names DJ. Just joined the forum after having an itch to make my first model in about 20 years. Wanted to have something to do that doesn't take too much time at once and that I can easily work on over a period of time.

Looked around at some of the other forums and this one seems to be what I'm looking for, member attitude wise. I can already tell there is a wealth of knowledge inside this place, some of your projects are just breathtaking, and I do know how to use the search button

Seems like a lot has changed in the last 20 years in what all is available. First and only model I attempted was a old Brett Bodine Quaker State car. Needless to say, at my age (8), it was a bit over my head.

I picked up a Revell 69 Z/28 Camaro RS to try and complete over the next while. Not really sure whats all out there paint wise, I just grabbed your normal Testors paint kit, got a few misc. Model Masters colors and picked out a Pactra Racing Finish Pearl Purple for the car's color.

For now, I'll be sticking with rattle canning over airbrushing as I want to make sure that I can get to a level that I want to achieve with a can before I invest in a airbrush.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to some things and I'm sure my trait will frustrate me at times within my upcoming project. I'm hoping I can begin my project Wed., where I'll primer a few of the parts. I'm in no rush, so priming/painting and letting it sit for a while will probably be the way I'll be going.

Any tips on prepping a model for a build? Do you guys wash any of the parts, lightly sand before primer, etc?

I'm excited to get started on this and would be excited if at some point, my skills reach 1/2 the level of some of you on this board.

~DJ

[diymirage]

Hi everyone, names DJ. Just joined the forum after having an itch to make my first model in about 20 years. Wanted to have something to do that doesn't take too much time at once and that I can easily work on over a period of time.

Looked around at some of the other forums and this one seems to be what I'm looking for, member attitude wise. I can already tell there is a wealth of knowledge inside this place, some of your projects are just breathtaking, and I do know how to use the search button

Seems like a lot has changed in the last 20 years in what all is available. First and only model I attempted was a old Brett Bodine Quaker State car. Needless to say, at my age (8), it was a bit over my head.

I picked up a Revell 69 Z/28 Camaro RS to try and complete over the next while. Not really sure whats all out there paint wise, I just grabbed your normal Testors paint kit, got a few misc. Model Masters colors and picked out a Pactra Racing Finish Pearl Purple for the car's color.

For now, I'll be sticking with rattle canning over airbrushing as I want to make sure that I can get to a level that I want to achieve with a can before I invest in a airbrush.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to some things and I'm sure my trait will frustrate me at times within my upcoming project. I'm hoping I can begin my project Wed., where I'll primer a few of the parts. I'm in no rush, so priming/painting and letting it sit for a while will probably be the way I'll be going.

Any tips on prepping a model for a build? Do you guys wash any of the parts, lightly sand before primer, etc?

I'm excited to get started on this and would be excited if at some point, my skills reach 1/2 the level of some of you on this board.

~DJ

welcome aboard

i wish i was at 1/2 the level of some of these guys

as you already noted this is an awesome members family we have here

everyone is very friendly and helpfull

im engaged in a build of right now with about 2 dozen others on the forum and it feels much more like a combined effort then a contest

you'll like it here

[ismaelg]

Welcome to the forum, and welcome back to the hobby!

Feel free to ask any question and we will do our best to answer it.

It is always advisable to wash the parts and let air dry before painting. On car bodies, a very light sanding will help the primer stick better. The key is very light sanding. Just slightly dulling the plastic. Not gouging it.

You mention Pactra racing color: I think that's paint for lexan RC bodies if I'm not mistaken. If so, be very careful as I think it can attack the styrene plastic. I'm sure others know more and can comment on this.

The most important part is HAVE FUN!

Thanks,

[Eshaver]

Heh heh heh , I still use the Testors Rattle cans, aint nuthin wrong wit em . I use em cause theys always ready to go . I like the Krylons and the Wal worlds El crappo and da Ace Hard ware and da Michiels Art store too. Air brushes are handy, dont get me wrong. they have their place. They ar e tools and so are the Rattle cans ! This is supposed a hobby . Well to some its a form of religion but thats for certsain LETTERED MODEL ORGANAZATIONS TOO ! look I build for fun and I build for other people. I enjoy it either way. I share what I do with you all here enjoy ------NOW GO BUILD SUMTHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ED shaver

[evilone]

ah freash meat urmmm i mean new guy

heres what i do

i sand all the caster marks then primer followed by paint

thats it

welcome on board

if you don't start building i'll make you walk the plank:lol:

man i should really stop watchin pirates of the carrabean

but its so hard kira knightly looks hot in that movie

shut up voice

[Space_Whale]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcoming. Thanks for the heads up on the paint as well. I've got a can of Metallic Blue that I had originally picked out when I got the model, I'll go that route instead.

The pledge future shine sounds like a good product and I might have to look into it a bit. Where do you purchase that at?

Just a curiosity question for now, but where do you all get your paints and models, hobby shop or online? Any popular sites for model choices and paint selections?

[evilone]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcoming. Thanks for the heads up on the paint as well. I've got a can of Metallic Blue that I had originally picked out when I got the model, I'll go that route instead.

The pledge future shine sounds like a good product and I might have to look into it a bit. Where do you purchase that at?

Just a curiosity question for now, but where do you all get your paints and models, hobby shop or online? Any popular sites for model choices and paint selections?

i get my paint from hobby shops(testors,modelmaster),walmart(krylon),and pepboys(duplicolor)

as for my kits i get them where there are sales(usually toy shops like kb toys),hobby shops,and trades on here

[george 53]

Welcome DJ. As you have seen for yourself, People are more than happy to help out, So now you are officially a family member.Enjoy your time here, ask questions, post pics,an have fun!!!

[evilone]

Welcome DJ. As you have seen for yourself, People are more than happy to help out, So now you are officially a family member.Enjoy your time here, ask questions, post pics,an have fun!!!

and dont make you lil bro mad(me)

or i'll nuke you off the face of the earth

ask georgy boy here

J/K

[randx0]

Just a curiosity question for now, but where do you all get your paints and models, hobby shop or online? Any popular sites for model choices and paint selections?

hobby store is a good place for quality paint designed for plastic kits. I like tamiya paints and the newer testors lacquer paints.you can find good primers and two part body fillers at the autoparts store . new release kits at the hobby store (the ones you have been waiting for for years)a good place to find kits that are out of production and vintage kits online auction service.tools you'll find all over the place .watch your local paper for 40% off coupons at michaels which also has lots of handy tools and paint brushes and lots of other things.for keepig up to date on the hobby this and other online sites and of course magazines like model cars and that other one. good luck and ask any questions you may have welcome aboard

[martman]

Hi everyone, names DJ. Just joined the forum after having an itch to make my first model in about 20 years. Wanted to have something to do that doesn't take too much time at once and that I can easily work on over a period of time.

Looked around at some of the other forums and this one seems to be what I'm looking for, member attitude wise. I can already tell there is a wealth of knowledge inside this place, some of your projects are just breathtaking, and I do know how to use the search button

Seems like a lot has changed in the last 20 years in what all is available. First and only model I attempted was a old Brett Bodine Quaker State car. Needless to say, at my age (8), it was a bit over my head.

I picked up a Revell 69 Z/28 Camaro RS to try and complete over the next while. Not really sure whats all out there paint wise, I just grabbed your normal Testors paint kit, got a few misc. Model Masters colors and picked out a Pactra Racing Finish Pearl Purple for the car's color.

For now, I'll be sticking with rattle canning over airbrushing as I want to make sure that I can get to a level that I want to achieve with a can before I invest in a airbrush.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to some things and I'm sure my trait will frustrate me at times within my upcoming project. I'm hoping I can begin my project Wed., where I'll primer a few of the parts. I'm in no rush, so priming/painting and letting it sit for a while will probably be the way I'll be going.

Any tips on prepping a model for a build? Do you guys wash any of the parts, lightly sand before primer, etc?

I'm excited to get started on this and would be excited if at some point, my skills reach 1/2 the level of some of you on this board.

~DJ

Welcome I am a new guy as well this week and I had not built a model in 15-20 years. I took it up again last year. I have one completed, one on the go and 3 in waiting plus my kids now want to start.

I use rattle can automotive paints and clears as well as went sand paper and polishing compound. If you are carefull you can get a glass smooth paint job. You just have to be patient and creative.

Good luck

[LDO]

I just love the Tamiya lacquers in spray cans. I've got a couple of cars painted with them and after using a polishing kit on them, you can read a light bulb in the reflection.

For putty, you can't go wrong with Evercoat brand Eurosoft glazing putty. You get it at shops that sell real car paint. It sands and feathers beautifully. I seem to have better luck putting it on over primer.

I try to buy everything I can at the local hobby shop. I don't want to lose the one remaining independent store in Austin. You can save a little bit online, but I like having a LHS. If we stop patronizing them, they will disappear.

[RadRidesByDan]

Welcome home brutha......welcome home

[RodneyBad]

Welcome aboard matey. Rrrrrrrr

(I don't care who you are, that's funny )

(Okay, maybe just for me and Steve)

It's more fun than a barrel of Monkeys and a ferret.

Great place to learn, show and get Energized back into the sport.

Edited September 11, 2008 by Zukiholic

[RodBurNeR]

welcome! welcome back to the hobby! you already know how relaxing it can be and how much satisfaction it gives , or you would not have come back haha! My advice to you is to take it easy, don't try to be at "everyone else's level" or it will become a chore. If you want to make it a personal goal to be better on each model, that is the healthy way to do it! Remember that being the top detail or paint artist isn't what is important....it's being yourself and enjoying what you are building. (just words to remember, after awhile it might wear off and you forget why you started again)

Keep us posted on your build!

[evilone]

Amen Bob!!

For many new to/returning to the hobby that joins one of these forums or starts reading the model car magazines, one of two things often happens; burn out or intimidation. Burn out from trying to reach the level of people that have been building for quite a while, have learned, developed, practiced & honed their skills, abilities, techniques, & talents to a fine, razor sharp edge, & apply all of this time after time. I did the same thing when I returned to model building back around 1990. Or they get intimidated looking at everything others seem to do effortlessly, while they struggle with what they perceive as "simple" things.

Keep these things in mind:

1-Nobody here on this forum is going to judge you for not being at the same level as someone that's a nationally recognized contest winner. We all started out the same way & we are one big community of friends & fellow modelers here. We share information, tips, techniques, jokes, bad puns, etc. The main thing is we have fun here, just as we do in our modeling.

2-Every single one of us has struggled with the same building problems at one time or another, (& often still do, no matter how long we've been in the hobby or what level we build at). It's not "effortless" for any of us by any means.

3-Work towards goals & plateaus. As your skills improve & you reach a certain level, stay there a while, (teo or three models for example), & enjoy what you've learned & accomplished before tackling something more advanced. This will help you to avoid getting burnt out on the hobby & will give you more incentive to pursue the goals you want to in this hobby. You'll find that your frustration level stays low, you learn & develop skills better & you can apply them better.

4-Build for yourself! No matter if you like scratchbuilding 1/4 scale classic/vintage cars like Rolls Royce with working features, or box stock builds of muscle cars, lowriders, donks, rat rods, etc., or are somewhere in between those two levels, (as most of us here are), build what you like to build, not what you think might appeal more to others. I do recommend having a wide range of genres to build from, to avoid burn out in that repsect, but only in what interests you.

5-Have fun!

6-Have fun!!!!

7-Have fun!!!!!!

Get the idea?

well put

also if you have shows around you go to them

you never know whats there,whos there,and what you can learn there

i went to the pegasus show last year and meat some good builders including anthony rios

i learnd so much at the show

and beyond all odds i actually got 2nd place

so go to the shows and learn about the new styles that are out

then maybe if your a fast learner you can bust out and take us all by surprise

[Harold]

Welcome aboard the short bus . I get most of my paint at Meijer's (Duplicolor paints, Bondo and sandpapers). For kits, its either Rider's in Flint, or Dean's in Flushing (Mi.).

[Clay]

Pledge With Future Shine can be found at most supermarkets, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Look in the cleaning aisle at the floor cleaners, mops, etc.

Target still has Future in the floor aisle

[m408]

Welcome aboard DJ.

I got back into model building, after a 40 year lay off, a couple of years ago. Joining this forum was the best move that I could have made. You will find that the folks here are not only an inspiration to progress with your skills, but an encyclopedia of knowledge which they are more than willing to share.

I would suggest that you locate and buy a book called "Building and Detailing Scale Model Cars" by Pat Covert. It covers everything from basic tools to detailing.