I'm new here! :D

Welcome.  Building model aircraft is an excellent way to get into the aviation/aerospace industry.  I spent over forty years in the industry and would do it again that way.  In addition to scale model aircraft, you might also look into flying models.  You learn a lot about aerodynamics and other sciences of flight that way.

Many new to the forum tend to stay here in the general modeling forum, but I urge you to scan the whole list of forums.  You will of course want to follow the airplane forum.  But there are some real gems down in the tools, techniques and reference materials section, including a great painting and airbrushing forum.

Hi Bluebird. I noted your interest in aircraft. You should talk to new member Gunny Dan about his dad's company. I would think you would find it very interesting.

    Welcome to the forums, I think it is REALLY COOL that your interested in becoming an aeronautical engineer, IMHO there is no greater field to work in except maybe being a doctor.

   Gotta ask a couple favors...please post your models, questions or general fun stuff, ESPECIALLY when you graduate. Trust me it is AWESOME!!  The second is WHEN you become an engineer please work with the grunt who has to install, troubleshoot, or repair the system your working on. As a mechanic I have seen and heard engineers say " it doesn't look that hard on my computer". If aviation maintenence was easy everybody would do it however some do not understand that certian things look good on paper but in the plane....well it don't fit. Thank you.

   Again welcome to the forums and ask anything you want, the think tank here is AMAZING!!

Welcome to the hobby and enjoy.

Hi Bluebird! Welcome to the Forums. Glad to have you with us.

I started building models in 1946 at the age of 6 and never stopped. It's a great hobby. Lots of us old timers on here ready and willing to help you with any problems that you might have.

Good luck with your studies. Look forward to seeing your builds.

Jim 

Stay Safe.

Welcome, BlueBird!

Welcome aboard.

Hello, Bluebird:

   Welcome to one of the safest places around. I look forward to seeing your work. Tanker-Builder

Welcome to the forum!  I look forward to seeing that 109 when you've finished, and to seeing your other builds.

Best regards,

Brad

Welcome, BlueBird - pleased to meet you!  I joined this forum recently, and have found everyone here to be friendly and helpful, so I think you've made a good move!  There is a huge range of experience and specialist knowledge here - all you have to do is ask.  As far as airbrushing goes, take your time - it's very satisfying, but takes time and practice.  But, if you're happy hand painting, carry on doing that - it's your choice entirely

           hutch.

Alabama--a lovely state.  Welcome to the Forums!

Maybe Tuscaloosa, welcome aboard

Welcome aboard.  Sounds like you have an exciting future.  

Welcome Bluebird!  I'm guessing you don't want to mix paints according to the instructions.  Vallejo Air has the colors you'll need, as does Mission Models Paint.  Even though Vallejo Air is formulated for airbrushing, you can brush paint with it.  Mission Models Paint is another choice, but you'll have thin it using their thinner for it to work.  If you've got a compressor, talk with mom and dad about setting up a place for you to paint.  The good/great thing about acrylics is that they are virtually odorless.  You'll still need a ventilated area, but the odor won't be a concern if you're painting indoors.  Hope this helps and post pics of your build!

Huntsville maybe. I would love to go there.

Welcome aboard!

Bill

BlueBird,

Welcome aboard!  You will find many helpful folks here who will be glad to answer any question you might have.  A friend's son went to Embry-Riddle and liked it a lot!  Study hard and good luck!

Another friend did a 1/72 Tamiya Bf-109E as his first serious airplane model.  He airbrushed the basic colors, but did the mottling by hand.  I think it came out pretty good.

Don't worry about gettng too fancy with the airbush - check out my 40 year old airbrush and stand!  BTW my friend used this setup to paint his Bf-109.

I paint outside in the patio at night, as I get sun blind during the day and it's cooler at night.  Plus I'm at home, not at the office!

Anyway, have fun and please post pics of your builds!