My 1st(?) model: Tamiya Mustang Cobra R

Okay, after reading this forum for a while I'm going to start my first serious project: Tamiya's Mustang Cobra R (sorry no camera -> no pics)

My problem is:
- I have absolutely no place to do any spray painting (and no Tamiya sprays in Finland anyway)
- I could use Tamiya acrylics with airbrush, but have no money to buy an airbrush w/compressor (Tamiya acrylics cos they don't irritate my fiancee or my cats at all...)
- is there any point in starting to build a model at all, since I can only paint with brushes... :(

I've also noticed from the pictures I've seen, that automotive sprays (metallic colors) seem to have a bit of a scale problem??

Originally posted by Mikke
Okay, after reading this forum for a while I'm going to start my first serious project: Tamiya's Mustang Cobra R (sorry no camera -> no pics)

My problem is:
- I have absolutely no place to do any spray painting (and no Tamiya sprays in Finland anyway)
- I could use Tamiya acrylics with airbrush, but have no money to buy an airbrush w/compressor (Tamiya acrylics cos they don't irritate my fiancee or my cats at all...)
- is there any point in starting to build a model at all, since I can only paint with brushes... :(

I've also noticed from the pictures I've seen, that automotive sprays (metallic colors) seem to have a bit of a scale problem??


Well, I have a box lid that I spray on. I just pick up the lid, walk outside. spray a coat or so, then bring it isnside and stick it in my closet until it dries. I dont use Tamiya paints either btw.

I'd like to walk outside too..

But I live in an apartment (4th floor with no balcony) :devil:

Originally posted by Mikke
I'd like to walk outside too..

But I live in an apartment (4th floor with no balcony) :devil:


Ahh, poor excuse. :p

Walk down the stairs, and out the front door. :D

Can you sneak onto the roof, maybe? :D

There's nothing wrong with a cheap airbrush and compressed air can setup. If you can get one, that is. Actual air compressors are expensive.

:confused:

Is 'canned air' actually usable? So far I've heard only bad things about them. If it actually works then I'm a very happy man :) Now I can mix my own colors again :alien2:

How long can you paint with one can? Someone said that they work for about 30 seconds, and then you have to wait 10 minutes to get the air pressure back. Is this true?

I have a can like this, and the air hose from my airbrush screws onto the top.

http://www.littleshopofhobbies.com/images/propellant.jpg

One can is enough to do 2-4 models. There may be pressure problems if it's cold, but it'll do well if you sit the can in a bowl of warm water.

But again, I'm not sure if you can get something like this where you are.

Thanks man

I have no problems getting hold of an airbrush and air cans for that specific airbrush. I almost bought one once, but then I read too much bad things about them and decided not to. Oh well, should have known about this forum then... :D

You wouldn't believe how happy I am now :frog:

This is the airbrush I'm probably getting (let's see if I can attach the picture)

Damn, wrong picture

Sooorrryy....

More questions:

Considering my extremely limited budget, what airbrush would you guys recommend to me? The one in the picture I attached costs about $20... makes me wonder about the quality

Welcome along, my northern neighbour :)

I live in an apartment as well, but I have a balcony... :p

How far is Järvenpää from Helsinki? And hom much does a 23ml Tamiya Acrylic paint cost there?

Originally posted by ales
Welcome along, my northern neighbour :)

I live in an apartment as well, but I have a balcony... :p

How far is Järvenpää from Helsinki? And hom much does a 23ml Tamiya Acrylic paint cost there?

Hi Ales

Järvenpää is about 40 km north of Helsinki, along the motorway to Lahti.

Tamiya Acrylic costs 15 FIM (that's about 40 EEK)

Thanks for the info... I'm guessing the price would be similar in model shops in Helsinki, right?

How's the selection of tamiya 1/24 kits at your model shops?

Oh, and call me Alex ( http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t5204.html )

Oops, the price is actually from a model shop in Helsinki, the only model shop within 100 km that I know of...

I think that the shop has about 40-50 different 1/24 Tamiya kits in store.

And my name is actually Mika, age 28 :)

(my post count is skyrocketing when I keep forgetting things) :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Mikke
I have no problems getting hold of an airbrush and air cans for that specific airbrush. I almost bought one once, but then I read too much bad things about them and decided not to.

The Airbrushes that attach to a can, via a little hose are great. I have used it a ton, and its very reliable. As long as you keep it clean, it will last a very long time.

Mika, have you checked the price of compressed air cans? It might *unpleasantly* surprise you :(

Hopefully you'll find some place or someone to let you take pics of it when you're finished.:D

Originally posted by ales
Mika, have you checked the price of compressed air cans? It might *unpleasantly* surprise you :(

Yes I have. I don't know how much quality difference there can be, but I've seen them as low as 40 FIM (about $6).
They will do nicely until I have enough money to buy a compressor.

Btw, following in Guiddy's footsteps, I'm going to buy a Fuji Finepix digicam (not sure which model though, 4900 costs about $1000 in Finland). So, there will be pictures, at least someday.. :p