A future new car modeling addict!?

I am trying to get involved with car modeling and would like some help in getting started (I read the FAQs and couldn't find the info I was looking for), so maybe you more experienced guys can help me.

I am trying to get some info about what to buy (besides the basic stuff like x-acto knife, masking tape,...). Do I need to buy an airbrush? if so which one? What kind/brand of paint to use? which compressor should I get? I am looking to spend the least possible (since I am a beginner).

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Might be best to test the waters a bit first before jumping into an expensive investment like an airbrush and compressor. To start try using Tamiya spraycans for the body, they give excellent results. Then once you're hooked buy an Iwata Revolution CR airbrush!

I have built some models before (a B-52 airplane, a chrysler stingray?? can't remember the name and a Pie Wagon) but it was a long time ago...
Either way... So do you mean I should get the regular spray cans (one for each color) or the one like Testors' that it is kinda like an airbrush (I can change the colors and use the same spray can)?

Do you think this idea would be cheaper than buying a cheap airbrush and hooking it up to a can instead of a compressor?

Thanks!

The best thing to do is use the Tamiya Spray cans to start. After some time and practice, if you want to, upgrade to an airbrush and compressor. Canned air is a croc, its overpriced and expensive. You go through it too fast.

I will do that and will post results when I am finish
Thanks for the help

Air cans is a drag, not only are they expensive they also gets cold as you go and therefore loses pressure. It also cools the paint and doesn't make the paint flow right. If you are going for brush painting I think enamels are easier to use as acrylics will get partially dissolved when you put one second layer (if needed). The Tamiya spraycans are just excellent, watch out using alcohol based products on it as they slowly attacs the Tamiya laquers! As others already stated, wait with the airbrush/compressor for a while. It's the most expensive piece of equipment in our hobby but also the most comprehensive one. It gave me a boost to higher grounds when I got me a compressor and got rid of these air cans, they suck big time! The best tip of all to you is; keep your eyes open for things to use in modeling...and I mean everywhere, you never know what might suite the next project. Something from the drugstore, grossery store or maybe some make-up products?


Good luck and welcome back into the wonderful world of scale modeling!

Niclas

The best thing to do is use the Tamiya Spray cans to start. After some time and practice, if you want to, upgrade to an airbrush and compressor. Canned air is a croc, its overpriced and expensive. You go through it too fast.


uck

I dont like Tamiya spray cans, Their semi gloss black would fish eye like you wouldnt believe. Coulda been just me, but im using rustolium and dupicolor now and no problems.

I only use tamiya cans and couldnt be bothered owning a spray gun

uck

I dont like Tamiya spray cans, Their semi gloss black would fish eye like you wouldnt believe. Coulda been just me, but im using rustolium and dupicolor now and no problems.


I use Rustoleum and Duplicolor too. Stuff works great. I got some Duplicolor clear and primer, and then some Rustoleum blue metallic. Works perfect. Nice and smooth.

uck

I dont like Tamiya spray cans, Their semi gloss black would fish eye like you wouldnt believe. Coulda been just me, but im using rustolium and dupicolor now and no problems.

Yuck for Rustoleum. I have never had any problems with using Tamiya's products.

If you're going to buy canned air, just buy a compressor. I went through 7 cans doing two or three models. I went out to Sears and bought a nice Craftsman 2HP tankless compressor for $100 a few years ago, still works great, and I can use it on the Fiero to keep tire pressures up.

I'd start with Tamiya spray cans, maybe move up to Duplicolor Automotive sprays. I have airbrush, but I use the Duplicolor cans alot more often, and just polish out the finish.

Yuck for Rustoleum. I have never had any problems with using Tamiya's products.

Not me either, love the TS paint as its very easy to work with. Used the bright orange today with fantastic results.

Mike

Ok I bought my first kit and I have a question (already):

After you wash all the parts and sand to remove imperfections (do you wash the chrome tree also? will it chip the chrome?), do you test fit everything before painting? If so, what kind of glue do you use to do that? (must be some weak glue)

I guess what I am asking is do you build the engine (for example) and then paint or paint the parts and then build?

Sorry for the very newbie-ish questions and thanks for answering them.

Ok I bought my first kit and I have a question (already):

I guess what I am asking is do you build the engine (for example) and then paint or paint the parts and then build?

Sorry for the very newbie-ish questions and thanks for answering them.

What did you buy then ?

I paint all parts then when dry glue together, you need to sand scrap the paint off the are which is being glued to the other part, if that makes sense.

Questions, no problems just ask. :)

I bought 3 kits (they were having a day after thanksgiving sale 50% off):
Revell '68 Firebird 400 2 'n 1
Revell VW Golf II GTI 2 'n 1
AMT '67 Pontiac GTO (xXx Edition)

I will start with '67 GTO.

Hiroboy --> I understood, thanks for the answer.

If I want to paint the chrome parts, do I need to wash them (with warm water and soap) and prime them? And will it chip the chrome if I wash them or not?

Thanks again

Everyone probably does it differently, but when I get a kit, I study he instructions first, then cut out peices, sand down where they came off the sprue, and then test fit them together, usually just holding the pieces next to each other and seeing if they look right. Then I glue and paint them.

You usually paint each part seperately then glue them together, unless the parts are the same color, then sometimes you can glue all those parts together and paint them as a unit, like the engine block, oil pan, and heads sometimes are.

Before glueing the parts together, scrape any paint off the part where they will make contact, the model glue will not glue paint to paint or paint to plastic, only plastic to plastic, as it actually disolves a bit of the plastic when the pieces are glued together. Use the glue sparingly! Too little is better than too much.