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Hi from Japan

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  • Member since
    February 2022
Hi from Japan
Posted by SplatterMan on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 5:26 AM

Hi to all,

I'm a new(ish) modeller living in Japan. I say newish because like most people I slapped together models as a kid but that was 30+ years ago. A few years ago I moved to Japan and decided to try model building again because modelling supplies are so relatively inexpensive here and you're really spoiled for choice.

So, I bought a cheap single action, syphon fed airbrush and compressor, a beginner Gundam and a 1/72 scale Tamiya F/A-18. I started on the Gundam, botched it quickly, got frustrated and threw everything in the cupboard where it all sat until now.

Recently I got inspired after watching a bunch of YouTube modellers and decided to take a stab at the F/A-18 kit doing it up with the CF-188 alternate decals. It's been a good learning experience and I'm happy with how it's going so far.

The colour instructions that came with the kit and the decals are a bit off and my paint job is really basic so it looks like a toy. I'd like to do some simple newbie friendly weathering to make it more "realistic" but I'm not sure where to start. It's an older kit with raised panel lines. I was thinking of just applying a wash over the whole thing but will that work with raised lines? Is a wash by itself even enough?

All the best!

 

 

Moderator
  • Member since
    September 2011
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 8:27 AM

Hi Splatterman,

Welcome to the FSM Forum! Good to have you here.

Washes are a great place start to weathering. An overall wash can give the illusion of some dirt, and a pinwash can help make details stand out. Check out our video on washes here. Since you're just getting back in, no need to go the whole hog. Expand your horizons a little bit at a time as you build your skill set and then add a new technique.

Others will chime in with their takes, I'm sure. Don't hesitate to ask questions; plenty of experienced modelers here to help out.

Happy modeling!

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
Scale Model Brands
Firecrown Media

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 8:28 AM

Welcome SplaterMan, glad you're on board! Welcome Sign

Look through the topics and settle in. You'll find us most hospitable and easy to talk to.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 8:47 AM

Welcome aboard

I never heard of a 1/72 Tamiya F-18, is that a kit they made exclusive to Japan,how is the quality,be sure to post some pics in the Aircraft Forum.

Try posting additional questions in the Techniques and the Painting Forums.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 8:59 AM

Hi Splatterman;

 There are certainly many modelers her that can answer your Questions.You've come to the right place. Oh, And Welcome Aboard !

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 9:39 AM

Welcome back to the hobby, Splatterman, and welcome to the forum!  Yes, a lot of good info here.

I second Tojo's tip, it's good advice-have a look in the Painting and Airbrushing forum, too.  There are a lot of good posts, links to videos, etc, that can help you.

I look forward to seeing your builds!

Best regards,

Brad

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 11:02 AM

Welcome aboard!  Maybe take a look at pastel powders as well.  I have done this in the past for raised panel lines.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    February 2022
Posted by SplatterMan on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 6:24 PM

Thanks all for the warm welcome.

Tim -  Good advice; I definately have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew and thanks for the video link. I think pin washes is what I'm after as I really want to bring out some detail more than weather at this point.

Tojo 72 - I did a bit of digging. Apparently the kit is actually the Italeri F-18 C/D Wild Weasel kit that came out in 1992. Tamiya licensed it for domestic sale in Japan. I couldn't really tell you how it compares to modern kits but the quality is definately better than anything I remember as a kid. There are some large gaps under the wings and between the wings and fuselage but it was a good crash course to try and learn how to use putty and epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is amazing.

keavdog - Thanks for the pastel tip. I'm guessing they would be easier to control than washes?

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 10:24 PM

Hi Splatterman! Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you aboard.

You've come to the right place. I started building in 1946 (6 years old) and never stopped. I'm still learning from the members here. If you have a question/problem just ask and the members will either have the answer for you or tell you where you can find it.

My favorites are WWI & WWII planes followed by sailing ships. 

Relax and enjoy the hobby. Post pics of your builds. The members love to see them.

Jim Captain

Stay Safe.

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

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