Getting back into car modeling

[1Coroner]

Hi all .... been away from modelling for many years and now getting back into it.  The tools and technology sure have improved!  I plan to build the 1/8 Revell XKE patterned after the real-world one I owned in the early 70's.  There are about half a dozen on ebay this week.  Eye-watering prices, but there you go.  I plan to strip the chrome off the wheels (great advice on this forum BTW) and paint them, because they were painted from the factory on my car.  A question ... I have a Grex TG3 airbrush with .35 needle.  Is this suitable for painting such a large model?  I've read that some car modelers paint with rattle-cans to get good coverage.  Good advice?  I just finished a five year restoration of a Panther J72 which uses Jaguar running gear.  I had webers on it for a while, but went back to SU HD8 carburetors.  I can supply photos of both carb setups if someone could benefit from them.

Kendall

 

[Ctmodeler]

Welcome to our plastic playground . Alot of really knowledgeable guys on here. As about rattle canning .. if you have an airbrush I probably wouldn't . As for your airbrush being appropriate for airbrushing the body, idk alot about airbrushed so I can't say. Snakes will probably be around soon to answer that ?

[StevenGuthmiller]

2 hours ago, 1Coroner said:

Hi all .... been away from modelling for many years and now getting back into it.  The tools and technology sure have improved!  I plan to build the 1/8 Revell XKE patterned after the real-world one I owned in the early 70's.  There are about half a dozen on ebay this week.  Eye-watering prices, but there you go.  I plan to strip the chrome off the wheels (great advice on this forum BTW) and paint them, because they were painted from the factory on my car.  A question ... I have a Grex TG3 airbrush with .35 needle.  Is this suitable for painting such a large model?  I've read that some car modelers paint with rattle-cans to get good coverage.  Good advice?  I just finished a five year restoration of a Panther J72 which uses Jaguar running gear.  I had webers on it for a while, but went back to SU HD8 carburetors.  I can supply photos of both carb setups if someone could benefit from them.

Kendall

 

Welcome back Kendall!

 

As far as painting of a kit this size goes, I would say that a lot depends on the color that you will be painting it.

If you will be using a readily available color that can be found in a spray can, I would paint it with a rattle can.

It would likely be much easier due to the heavier coverage afforded with a spray can.

 

My I suggest a color from Duplicolor, available in their touch up paint line.

The stuff will spray like a dream with their fan spray nozzle on a model this large.

Just be certain that you get advice on how to deal with automotive lacquers used in conjunction with styrene plastic before you begin.

You wouldn't want to ruin an expensive body like this.

 

 

 

 

Steve

[slusher]

Welcome Kendall!!

[1Coroner]

Hi Steve .... the original car was dark blue.  I assume a careful coat of prime will protect the plastic?

[PappyD340]

Welcome to the forum Kendall!

[StevenGuthmiller]

2 hours ago, 1Coroner said:

Hi Steve .... the original car was dark blue.  I assume a careful coat of prime will protect the plastic?

Personally, I would give it several light coats of a good automotive primer, but I have quite a few years worth of experience working with automotive lacquers.

If you're not 100% familiar with the use of automotive lacquers, you might want to investigate Tamiya primers and paints.

I don't use them myself, but they are a safe alternative.

 

You should be able to find a relatively close match to the color that you are looking for through Tamiya if you're not looking for complete accuracy.

 

 

 

 

Steve

 

 

[eldiablo78]

Welcome Kendall and have fun

[Husky1943]

Welcome aboard Kendall!

[Bills72sj]

Kendall, You have come to the right place. There is a lot to be learned and enjoyed here.