Newbie but oldie, looking for supply list...

[Diesel]

I attempted doing model cars when I was younger, and didn't have a ton of luck with it...

I'm looking to give it another go around after a 25 year hiatus...

I'm wondering what supplies i'll need to gather up to be able to do the job...

I'll be concentrating on 1:24 model cars...

My first attempt will be the new Revell Audi R8, my dream machine...

If this one goes well, i'll be looking improve my skills, so I'd like to really take my time and be meticulous with this one...

Also is there a tutorial on this site I can read over...?

[highway]

First off, welcome to the forum and back to the hobby!! I would suggest reading Mark Taylor's tutorial "Back to the Basics" in the tips section. I've been building for almost 25 years, and even I've been learning from it. Here is a link to it for you.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=30842

There are many useful threads in the tips section, just take some time and read through them, but Mark is covering the basic techniques from start to finish. There are many threads focusing on more advanced building techniques like opening doors and such, but check them out, too. They will be useful to advance your skills.

Also, you may want to check builds out in the "On the Workbench" section, you may get some pointers from watching those builds take shape. Here is a link to one I have been following:

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31030

It is a highly customized build, but it is wonderful craftsmanship!

If you see a build you would like to follow, but not really comment on, just click the "Watch This Topic" tab at the top, then select your email notification choice, then click the "Proceed" button. That will let you know when new replies have been made without you actually replying to the thread until you want to reply.

[MILD]

G'day mate- like you I am also new to the hobby. Whilst I'm not entirely qualified to answer the question- I'm less than half way through my first build- I'm happy to help where I can.

The tutorial link highway posted has been of great help to me, so I'd like to second that recommendation.

As for supplies I've found a couple of items to be essential. Firstly, a goodset of clippers to remove items from the sprue. It sounds mundane, but a good set of flat cut clippers will potentially save on cleaning where the part joins the sprue and should eliminate breaking small parts by trying to twist them free. I've also found that a small file set has been invaluable in cleaning mould lines, join lines and various imperfections. My files are far from expensive. I got a set of six files, perfectly sized for model building and in a variety of profiles for a few bucks from what would be close to an American dollar store. Some will cringe at the cheapness, but they have served me well so far and at that price if they deteriorate rapidly it's no great loss. For paint prep and minor correction, I stole a few items from my wifes nail drawer. Namely various grits in emery boards / nail buffing things.

As far as tools go- I've done well so far with just those. I do have a very small drill for exhausts and the like and will no doubt collect more and more specialised tools as I go, but for now and for the budget concious I think it'll keep you out of trouble.

I also made sure I picked up some decent poly cement (I got Humbrol Precision Poly) with a needle tip so I didn't create a glue bomb first time out struggling with an old tube of superglue! I will need to go back to get some of their clear plastic safe stuff soon though. Oh- and pick up some small brushes for painting while your at the store as well

I know some people will disagree but I see it as buying the correct tool for the job as the need arises. It saves you going out, paying a bomb on things you think you'll need and never using them. Plus, if you decide the hobby isn't for you, you won't have a neat collection of modelling tools sitting around doing nothing!

Edited July 12, 2010 by MILD

[DrewCfromSC]

I attempted doing model cars when I was younger, and didn't have a ton of luck with it...

I'm looking to give it another go around after a 25 year hiatus...

I'm wondering what supplies i'll need to gather up to be able to do the job...

Do you have access to a Flea Market or dollar store in your area? I too have just restrated this month. Found quite a bit of items cheap as well as quality by going to these 2 places. Another idea is a craft store in the jewlery making department. Im sure others will come along with ideas too. Good luck! Drew