Newbie wanting to get into modeling hobby. Need advice.

Hey, everyone. I've been checking out some the model-car projects in this forum and I am absolutely awestruck by your talents. I never knew modeling was so artistic; the level of detail, the fabrication, and the modificaations that you guys/gals do is SO amazing and interesting to me. I have definately been turned onto modeling, and I wanna get into this hobbie. But I have a few question.

1.) What is a good model-building website, with good how-to's and information on fabrication techniques/materials.

2.) Where do you guys purchase your model kits? (Ebay, hobby-shop, etc.)

3.) I would like to build a 3rd-gen. RX-7 model. Who makes a good, realistic RX-7 kit (stock body) and where can I purchase it? Are there engine-models as well? I'd also like to build a miniature rotary-engine

4.) What materials shall I require? (I have an airbrush and compressor, and I read about that sticky cleaning cloth and key/cleaning compound).

5.) Any good tips for a newbie? (all help/advice is appreciated).

1) Scale-Wiki is great for how-to's, as is this forum.
2) Alot of us buy our kits from Hobby Town USA or Hobby Link Japan, http://www.hlj.com/
3)Fujimi makes a 3rd Gen RX-7. It's stock body, but no engine detail.
4)You'll need model glue, razor blades, tweezers, sprue cutters, paint brushes, paints, spray paints, paint thinner, and alot of other stuff if you want to get into more detailed building.
5)Start with a pretty simple kit. Revell is an okay place to start. They have some good models that go together very easily and look decent.

It takes time and practice, but it's very enjoyable and stress relieving...unless you are Scale-Master in his "scale" Super 7 build.

Hey, thanks for the help, bro. Where do you guys get the original, factory-formula paints? Also, is the Fujimi kit the best stock 3rd-gen RX-7 kit? I don't want any cheap, toy-looking models. I'm not totally clueless and would prefer a challenging, inricate build, and price isn't really an issue. I am a professional artist, so I already have many materials in my studio, and I adapt to new mediums easily. (you can see some of my artwork here: [URL="http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=4231386#post4231386[/URL"]]Click Here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=4231386#post4231386)

I don't know about the Fujimi kit being the best kit since it's the only one I've bought and I still haven't built it. The paints can be bought at local hobby shops too. Tamiya's spray paints can be used and have wonderful results. Cobra colors is also a good one, if you are in the US.

I'm really not the one to ask about these things, but give it time and you'll get plenty of answers to your questions. We're here to help when you need it. I suggest, if you haven't already, search the finished sub-forum for "RX-7" and look at the ones that are done.

Yes, I have searched the forums here, as well as google and ebay. I'll drive up to HobbyTown USA tomorrow to see what they got up there.

Hey, can you take some pics of your RX-7 kit? That would be awesome.

It comes with two options for the spoiler and the Fujimi accessory kit wich includes some different seats and exhaust options. It has a very good mold job, and you could almost get away without painting the body if you wanted it to be white. I love the rims that come with this kit too.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4404/1fm3.jpg
http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/4613/2kv9.jpg
http://img461.imageshack.us/img461/7654/3ht1.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/9517/4ju3.jpg
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9546/5xa7.jpg
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8969/6ev3.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8922/7xw3.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8096/8ij5.jpg

Hey that one is pretty cool. Any shots of the engine or engine-components?

The only engine detail is the downpipe/header/exhaust and what you see on the chassis.

For your shape RX7 wouldn't the Tamiya kit go together better and you also get engine detail
My site has some FAQ's which are easy to read. Sorry about the layout though as the site needs redoing really.
http://modeller0.tripod.com/FAQs.htm#Buying%20Models
http://tamiya.com/english/products/list/24car_img/24116m.jpg

http://www.mazda-rx7.org/rx7-main.jpg
I would stick with the Tamiya kit if you want to make a copy of your 1:1 RX-7
which looks a lot like mine :)

All about RX-7 models:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~erix7/erx7modl.html

Take note! Tamiya makes two FD kits: kit number 24116 (the R1 kit with the black car on the box) is the one with the motor detail. Kit #24110 (efini red car) is motor-less.

Hey, thanks for that link. This kit sounds exactly like what I want; it's detailed, it's a good size, and I think it's badass that they include a factory-brochure. Where can I purchase this model?


Hasegawa Enfini RX-7 Type R

http://www.xs4all.nl/~erix7/rx7kits/has_zz2.jpg
This is one impressive kit, both in size and in level of detail. The 1/12 model itself has a length of 35cm, but as is usual the case with car model kits, the box is much bigger that the actual model.
The level of detail is impressive, engine bay, chassis and interior come with all the bits and pieces that can be found in the real one. Despite many movable parts emphasis is put on ease of construction.
The body is made out of high-gloss ABS plastic, the color of which is a near-perfect match to Mazda's Vintage Red. However the red plastic is somewhat translucent so a coat of paint will improve the overall look of the model considerably. When painting ABS, remember to use an automotive primer suitable for ABS plastic as most types of paint don't adhere too well to ABS plastic.
One final point of interest to Mazda RX-7 enthousiasts is that an original Japanese Enfini RX-7 brochure is included with the kit. This brochure shows many details on the real car that are of use when constructing the model.

Hay How Do You Start Write Stuff And Posting It On Like This.. Sorry Im New To The Member. Thank You.

Hay How Do You Start Write Stuff And Posting It On Like This.. Sorry Im New To The Member. Thank You.

:confused:

As far as the stock FD is concerned, the Tamiya's R1 kit is the most logical choice, because it has engine details, and the fitting is precise and easy to build.

But the body is beefed up a little, and lacks gracefulness. Aoshima's FD body captures that kind of femininity, so some people combine Aoshima body and the rest from the Tamiya kit.

Fujimi kits are for variations, and unless you want tuners like Mazdazpeed or RE Amemiya, you don't need it. Some even graft those aero parts on the Tamiya or Aoshima kits. Also, Fujimi's FD chassis is taken from a generic Nissan chassis, which is used in their R32 Skyline and Silvias, so the ride-hight is way too high, especially the front.

Ross used to make some FD kits, but they are a little hard to find, because the company went out of business long time ago.

As for the Hasegawa's 1/12 FD kit, try eBay, or Yahoo Japan auction through one of those proxy services. (Google search!)

Hey, thanks for that link. This kit sounds exactly like what I want; it's detailed, it's a good size, and I think it's badass that they include a factory-brochure. Where can I purchase this model?

I know a guy who has the kit for sale @ $400 PM if you need his details (no it's not mine)

Do you have any pics this kit, or an example of what the finished car would look like?