Silly questions from a n00b modeler...

I have just completed my first 'real' kit, an Aoshima Infiniti J30T - I'm not counting the Fujimi Infiniti Q45 'cause it was junque and I didn't really paint it. It's definitely not up to the quality of work I've seen on these boards, but hey, I'm learning.

I don't mind investing a little in paint, but on the J30 I just used what I had around the house...nail polish. I have 40-something different colors that I've used previously for painting Rubik's cubes. It worked surprisingly well on the little parts and interior, though it dries much too quickly to do an exterior paint. However, that's what I'd like to do. If I can rig up a sprayer, I have some great color-changing, iridescent polishes (like red to chartreuse and blue to yellow) that I'd like to try. Is this possible, do you think? I guess I'd have to rig up an airbrush sprayer of some sort and maybe transfer the paints into the 'official' model paint bottles.

Another question...the Aoshima kit seemed to come with some extra parts that were nowhere on the instruction sheet...like an extra (different) exaust and some extra headlights that didn't go anywhere. On the front page where it shows all the frames (I don't know the official word) with the pieces that you cut out, these extra parts were marked in dark gray. Does that mean they're optional or not to be used at all? Pity I don't read Japanese.

Oh, any random advice is appreciated BTW - and I've done some archive reading so I already know I'm supposed to use primer. :)

Next I'm doing a 350zx, having to pay a ridiculous amount to the locals who have nothing but Revell Chevy's in stock. Grr...that's what I get for buying local instead of off eBay.

The bits marked in grey are usually spare pieces, most often as a result of the sprue coming from a similar kit with a few redundant pieces still attached. Keep them as spares, you might find a use for them on future kits.

Sorry, I can't help with the spray question as I'm fairly new to this hobby myself. :o

If your 350ZX is the Tamiya kit then you'll have fun, everything fits together really well and it's a really good looking car. :D

If your having trouble finding kits try here: http://www.hlj.com They have a great selection from asian manufactures and the prices are half of what shops charge here, even when you add shipping costs they come out cheaper. They have low stock right now but usually it takes less than three weeks to get a kit, shortest I've experienced has been a week and a half. Good Luck!!

Originally posted by Peteex
If your having trouble finding kits try here: http://www.hlj.com They have a great selection from asian manufactures and the prices are half of what shops charge here, even when you add shipping costs they come out cheaper. They have low stock right now but usually it takes less than three weeks to get a kit, shortest I've experienced has been a week and a half. Good Luck!!

Thanks. I was going to "support the local economy" :rolleyes: , but I guess this teaches me. Actually I am mad at HLJ right now, as I ordered a Primera kit and it took them 3 darned months to tell me that they had run out and would never have any more, ever again.

Yeah, I had the same problem with them the first time I ordered. They put in-stock items in bold now I think, and they told me to check the production status before I order. Once in a while I get pretty luckly and they've got what I want in stock or can get it for me in a few weeks.

Welcome to this side of the board! :wave:

Originally posted by boingo82
I have just completed my first 'real' kit, an Aoshima Infiniti J30T - I'm not counting the Fujimi Infiniti Q45 'cause it was junque and I didn't really paint it. It's definitely not up to the quality of work I've seen on these boards, but hey, I'm learning.We'll look at your pics anyway. :angel: I've needed to pick up the J30 kit for a while because my aunt and uncle drive one... :D

I don't mind investing a little in paint, but on the J30 I just used what I had around the house...nail polish. I have 40-something different colors that I've used previously for painting Rubik's cubes. It worked surprisingly well on the little parts and interior, though it dries much too quickly to do an exterior paint. However, that's what I'd like to do. If I can rig up a sprayer, I have some great color-changing, iridescent polishes (like red to chartreuse and blue to yellow) that I'd like to try. Is this possible, do you think? I guess I'd have to rig up an airbrush sprayer of some sort and maybe transfer the paints into the 'official' model paint bottles.It is entirely reasonable to use nail polish through an airbrush. The most important part will be to figure out what type of paint and given nail polish color is, and then use the correct thinner. See the FAQ for info about Acrylics, Enamels, Lacquers, etc...

Another question...the Aoshima kit seemed to come with some extra parts that were nowhere on the instruction sheet...like an extra (different) exaust and some extra headlights that didn't go anywhere. On the front page where it shows all the frames (I don't know the official word) with the pieces that you cut out, these extra parts were marked in dark gray. Does that mean they're optional or not to be used at all? Pity I don't read Japanese.No! :eek: You have to use all those parts somewhere. Try gluing them to the trunk.

;) j/k :p

Oh, any random advice is appreciated BTW - and I've done some archive reading so I already know I'm supposed to use primer. :)Most of our random advice (as well as some topical advice, too) is crammed in the FAQ somewhere. ;)

Next I'm doing a 350zx, having to pay a ridiculous amount to the locals who have nothing but Revell Chevy's in stock. Grr...that's what I get for buying local instead of off eBay. Local prices in the U.S. for Japanese kits tend to suck. :( Just buy from Japan. Try also: Hobby Search (http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/plamo/)

:D

Welcome. Instead of going through blood and tears rigging up your own sprayer system, just go to Wal-Mart (if you're on a budget) and buy one of the Testors airbrush systems they have (probably around 15-20 bucks) It should be more than enough for spraying car bodies. THe most expensive part will be the air source, a decent compressor can run you a minimum of $100 new. Or if you don't model much you can just use the propellant cans they give you. However, be careful with those, and ALWAYS keep them in warm water when in use, you get longer and stronger air pressure that way.

Nail polish would have to be thinned immensely before you could even consider using it thru an airbrush! I tried to use some blue I had for some calipers, it turned into an awful mess. I would suggest forgetting the nail polish thing and getting some real model paint or auto paint.

Originally posted by boingo82


Thanks. I was going to "support the local economy" :rolleyes: , but I guess this teaches me. Actually I am mad at HLJ right now, as I ordered a Primera kit and it took them 3 darned months to tell me that they had run out and would never have any more, ever again.
www.mediamixhobby.com.
I just got one from there and they may have another

Originally posted by primera man

www.mediamixhobby.com.
I just got one from there and they may have another

That address doesn't work..

Originally posted by boingo82
That address doesn't work..
try http://asiapac.worldpay.com/cnb/shop/mediamixhobby

Originally posted by jay@af

try http://asiapac.worldpay.com/cnb/shop/mediamixhobby

They had exactly 1 kit left!!! I love you guys!!! Now I have to find some junk kits to practice on before I make my Primera!!

Originally posted by boingo82


They had exactly 1 kit left!!! I love you guys!!! Now I have to find some junk kits to practice on before I make my Primera!!
Thats is good news.
You must have got the green castrol one ??

Originally posted by primera man

Thats is good news.
You must have got the green castrol one ??

Yep, I'm so happy. Now if only there was a 1991-1994 Nissan Sunny/Sentra kit....

You can check an "almost" complete list of Tamiya car kits, and it's production status.
http://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/list/24car_1.htm

Or translated by Amikai, which takes a while to load...
http://www.excite.co.jp/world/url/body/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamiya.com%2Fjapan%2Fprod ucts%2Flist%2F24car_1.htm&submit=%83E%83F%83u%83y%81%5B%83W%96%7C%96%F3&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2&wb_co=excitejapan

As you see, many of them are discontinued.

Thanks for the link...that would have to be one of the best i have seen showing all of Tamiya's car