A little help

[l-man]

Hi guys I am just starting to build models again for the first time since I was in middle school. I've allready built a Ford Cobra and a Vette. I was a little disappointed with the results. Just wondering how you guys get all that detail on the interior and engine bays. Also the body paint was far from the ones I am seeing on here, whats the secret. Any advice is GREATLY appericated.

Jerry

[suicidehummer]

Well, for the interior we use a small brush and a steady hand. For the engine, paint every part before you glue it on, DO NOT paint after it's assembled.
And for the paint, invest in an airbrush, and do many light coats.

Glad to help

-Matt

[Jay!]

Welcome aboard!

Check out the FAQ thread at the top of the forum list. Those should cover most of the questions you've got so far.

After that, it's all about practice. It takes a while to get the hang of some of it, and some will be more natural. But the places where you improve dramatically will make it worth it.

The general advice that goes with that is: Don't try and build the most expensive kits first.

[l-man]

Yeah sorry about that, I found the FAQ thread after I posted, but thanks again for the advice though. I am sticking to the cheap muscle cars with single colors for now, mostly from AMT and Revell. I am doing an old Plymouth Baracudda right now. I guess I could post it in the gallery when I am finished so you pros can get a good laugh J/K. thanks again guys

[quadzero]

Why dont you start a wip in the muscle car catagory instead and then if you need help or tips along the way, people can lend some advice or hints. And yes, an airbrush is a great tool for producing nice results. Looking forward to seeing your work.

[2.2 Straight six]

practice. that's the honest answer. no one builds a fantastic model their first time.

i've been making models for about 5-7 years, and it's just now that i'm starting to make really good ones. you need to make a few to get the hang of stuff. i find a good way to build skills is to just try stuff out, and impriovise. that's how i learned scratch-building skills. although, the FAQ section here and reading threads was a massive contibution to my skills. they really do help.

it's by experimenting that i make things like these:

5-axle custom one-off wrecker truck chassis. lots of scratch-building.


totally scratchbuilt intake plenum and fuel rail.


if you're making intake/exhaust manifold it's made a lot easier by making templates.

and finally, invaluable advice - measure twice, cut once.