Advice for a FNG

Getting started here in the hobby is pretty easy. For basics,a hobby knife, some sanding sticks, a set of sprue clippers, and a bottle of liquid model cement will cover 99% of your needs. Pants are best purchased on an as needed basis depending on your subject matter.

Welcome aboard and above all, have fun!

Howdy and Welkommen!

Well, for a beginner, there's an EXCELLENT book that will fit your needs, a must-have (IMHO) for the new armor modeler... I have it, and have had it for about twenty years, and I still refer to it at times...

The book is titled "Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles", by Shepard Paine and is available through the Kalmbach Books website, or, if you're a "thrifty" chap like me, you might find a used copy for cheap at Amazon.com... The other book that's a must-have (again, IMHO) is Shep's other book, "How to Build Dioramas"... 1st Edition is probably cheaper, but the 2nd Edition includes a bit more inofrmation, but it's mostly advanced-level stuff.  But don't let that stop you from getting it.. 

Here's a link to the Amazon site. Looks like there's a few copies left:

http://www.amazon.com/Modeling-Tanks-Military-Vehicles-Sheperd/dp/0890240450/ref=sr_1_1/102-9370310-9224930?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185569247&sr=1-1#noop

And a link to the other book (My personal modeling Bible too)

http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Dioramas-Sheperd-Paine/dp/0890241953/ref=sr_1_1/102-9370310-9224930?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185569293&sr=1-1

Also, here's a link to some of Shep's work, which include his diorama tip sheets:

http://sheperdpaine.com/monogram/index.htm

http://sheperdpaine.com/monogram/Ostwind_sheet.pdf

Any questions, you can PM me (Start Conversation) and I'll be glad to answer.  So will a lot of other guys around here...

Again, Welcome to the funny farm!

Welcome to the Forums .  I can't add much to the good advice already given.  The two Shep Paine books, referenced by Hans, although somewhat dated are really all you need to get started. 

Regards,  Rick

to the forums, mjnbegins!!! Hope to see you around!

to the forums, enjoy your new found hobby!

Thanks for the help on that one.

Do you have any advice on model brands (Tamiya, Revell, etc) for the beginner?  I imagine some brands are more forgiving or more suited for beginners.  I'm interested in 1/35 scale.

Thanks.

A good brand to start off with in 1/48 scale(which I recommend to all beginers) is Tamiya. Ease of assembly, not alot of parts, and interesting subjects. Though if you do want to start off with the 1/35 scale then check out either Tamiya once again, or the Trumpeter KV series of tanks. They are usually recommened to modelers sarting off because their's no camo required, not alot of roadwheels, and relatively simple and fun builds.