Hello!
I would consider myself a newbie modeler even though I have assembled a few models over the course of my life. Not many though - I can name them all ( Apache helli, SR-71, a Mustang fast back, Chrysler PT cruiser, TIE Interceptor, Millennium falcon, Space shuttle w/ booster, Enterprise D, Enterprise B , AT-ST). Those were all of the larger type not the small ones being sold today. Unfortunately, i cant say i have finished any of them (Oh wait the TIE interceptor was finished [easy one]).
My budget was limited and I didn’t have confidence in totally painting a model without loosing detail (like i did with the TIE interceptor). Of the models that finished assembly (space ones) the painting only went as far as the instructions indicated and I never put on any decals worried about messing them up.
I have assembled a few models here and there in the last 7 years but I don’t count them as they were small and already painted (mostly starwars stuff)
Fortunately, i have some time and extra funds to dedicate to this hobby and have amassed what i consider a large stash of models of all kinds old and new. I want to do as good a job as I can and build on skill. I have never used an airbrush or spray can and plan to now beginning with the testors compressed air air brush before investing in a fancy one.
I have a preference for sci-fi models but build them all. When I was younger I didn’t like car models and felt they took up too much shelf space. To me the car models was a go too if I only had a few bucks (where i live they were the least expensive) and desired a model to build. NOW I would like to build car models and am disheartened at how much they have increased in price.
I was also saddened to see how the hobby had declined over the last 15-20 years. Seeing how the modeling sections disappeared from department and toy stores and all the hobby shops close. But now it seems to me that the hobby is picking up. I see new Star trek and star wars models and other sci-fi on shelves. Additionally, models on shelves, once again there are a few resources i can go to now for models with the craft stores carrying them and new hobby shops opening up. Oh and thanks to the back pages in Fine scale I discovered a new hobby shop in my area that never popped up on google.
I recently discovered Finscale magazine at Barnes and noble and through the magazine this forum.
I apologize in advance for all the newbie questions I will ask that probably have been asked before. I have tried the search function and only one of my searches resulted in the information I was looking for. I will attempt to put as many newbie questions into only a few posts in order to not litter the forum with noobness. Thank you in advance for your patience and help.