New to modeling, need help!

[mx22]

Hi.. I'm a college student who would like to get started on car models. I browsed several websites and I want a model that is good for beginners, but at the same time I want to be challenged (dexterity). I noticed that models had sizes like 1/24, 1/36 1/74, etc... Could someone explain these differences? Which one would be the hardest, the easiest?

I was thinking about getting an Audi R8 1/24 model

along with Testor cement, testor paint, brushes, and hobby knife

Please give me some feedback. Muchly appreciated!

[DRG]

The 1/24 size kit is a good size and should be easy to handle.

Paint, brushes and hobby knifes are things you will need among many other things depending on how heavy you get into modeling.

Take your time, ask questions and most of all have fun.

The higher the number the bigger the model, for instance 1/24 is bigger than 1/36 and 1/16 is bigger than both of those.

A 62 Chevy measures out at about 9 inches long in 1/24.

[JamesW]

1/24-1/25 kits are the typical scales. Anything smaller than that will be harder to work with for a beginner. There is no wrong place to start and practice makes perfect. I do not recommend Testors cement, but since you are a beginner that may be the glue to start with since it dries slow and will give you time to position the part where it needs to be. All paint is different, and over time you will find the kind that is right for you, just remember to prime the part before paint. Always test fit the parts before and after paint to insure the fitment is correct. There are a LOT of very talented builders here and they (we) are always willing to help out in any way.

[highway]

  On 12/18/2010 at 9:05 PM, mx22 said:

Hi.. I'm a college student who would like to get started on car models. I browsed several websites and I want a model that is good for beginners, but at the same time I want to be challenged (dexterity). I noticed that models had sizes like 1/24, 1/36 1/74, etc... Could someone explain these differences? Which one would be the hardest, the easiest?

First off, welcome to the forum and the hobby, Michael.

As for the question on the sizes, that is the scale of the kit compared to the real subject, which you'll notice here is often referred to as the 1:1. The easiest way to explain it is a 1/24 scale kit is 24 times smaller than the real thing. The larger the number, the smaller the model is. A 1/32 scale car is smaller than a 1/24, a 1/43 scale is smaller than a 1/32, and so on. I have some planes for aircraft carriers that are 1/350 scale, and they are not much larger than my fingernail! Of course, the smaller the scale you start working in, the more difficult they become, just mainly due to the size of the parts.

I would say if you want a challenge as your first build, the Audi would give it to you. I have never built it, but I found a PDF of the instructions on Revell's website. Here's a link if you would want to see what's involved before you order the kit.

Revell Audi R8 Instructions

A skill level 2 is a good start for a first model for a challege, and it does look like the Audi would give you the challege you want. I hope whether you choose the R8 or another Skill 2 glue kit as your first kit, may you have many happy years of modeling to come.

[mx22]

Wow thanks for those posts everyone They are really helpful.

Just one more thing: what model store websites would you recommend, especially for beginners?

Thanks again

[niteowl7710]

The scale is a designation of how many inches of the real car (truck, boat, etc) equal an inch on the model. For example 1/24 means for every 24 inches of real car, you get 1 inch of plastic. The Audi R8 for example is 174.4 inches long in real 1/1 showroom floor goodness, the kit is a little over 7 inches long (174.4 divided by 24).

The smaller the number, the bigger the kit (1/16, 1/12, 1/8, etc). Most automotive modeling is done in 1/24 and 1/25 scale. The exception is some snap kits are 1/32, and the model company Lindberg had a fetish for making their kits in 1/20 scale.

Edit - I see Matt already put all this while I was typing...quick fingers there Matt, very quick fingers...

Edited December 18, 2010 by niteowl7710

[Harry P.]

For model cars, 1/24 and 1/25 are the most common and most popular scales.... so you'll find the widest variety of kits in that scale.

[Poncho-Power]

Michaels has a good variety of kits, but they get expensive there, try and get your hands on a coupon before going there, i have seen 40%-50% off coupons for Michaels.

always remember to have fun building. good luck

James.

[Guest Sickfish]

Geez... I think he know's what the scales are now... 

mx22... I have the Audi kit & do recommend it, it will definitely challenge you, being a first timer  However you will need sandpaper/sanding sticks, from 400-2000 grit ( higher number = softest grade ) . Most kits, including this 1 have mold/seam lines, that need to be sanded off, before any painting. These lines are obviously NOT there on real 1:1 cars & you don't want them showing up after you've done your painting  As far as paint goe's I would recommend AGAINST Testors enamel paints, or any other enamel paint for that matter. They're very unpredictable & very tempremental . They are very slow to dry & really can't be polished out- when/if you get to that level  My advice to you for paint would be to buy/try either Automotive touch up spray cans or Tamiya spray cans. Both come in large colour varieties & both spray on extremely well, dry fast etc. The only thing, with the Auto' paint is you will need to clear coat, as they dry flat ( no shine )

Only other advice... Be PATIENT... always go through the instructions 2-3 times BEFORE doing anything, so you're sure you know what goes where & in the right place. Step by step & absolutely ENJOY what you're doing/making & the hobby itself 

Cheers Cliffo 

[diymirage]

just have at it and start building

you will learn as you go along and when you get stuck well be right here to help you out because we've all gotten stuck before

i would suggest putting up a WIP (Work In Progress) thread up once you gest started and we'll talk you through it

as for the 40% off coupons, go online to both micheals and hobby lobby and sign up for the email updates

this way you will get the coupons in the email