First time building the right way.

redchips

Hi, I would like to get into building plastic car models.

Did some as a kid about 50 years ago.   Kits were 2.99 and glue was .15 cents. At that time i just slopped it together any old way.  Would like to do it the right way now.   I been reading and watching videos and it seems overwelming with details.  What is the best way to start?

 

Hi Redchips,

Welcome the FSM Forum. There is no "right way" to begin or jump back into scale modeling. There's only what's comfortable for you, and everyone's going to have a different comfort level. If I were you, I'd jump back in with some simple kits. Round 2 produces some fun Hot Wheels-themed snap-together and simple glue kits that can get you back into the swing of things. Pick up some snips, sanding sticks, and concentrate on building your skills on some low risk/low stakes projects. If you go the glue route, make sure to pick up some Tamiya thin liquid cement. 

As for painting, you're going to find a wide range of advice, and, again, this is going to depend on your comfort level and patience. Car modelers are all over the map when it comes to painting, from automotive paints to hobby lacquers and enamels and acrylics to nail polish and craft paints. All of them react differently and have varying degrees of difficulty for use. Some of them--particularly the automotive paints--have potentially serious health risks associated with them. Some car modelers apply paint directly from the spray can; others will decant and use an airbrush or use paints from jars and airbrush those. There are a few wizards who have the knack for applying beautiful enamel paint finishes with a brush. Which are you? Again, that comes to where you jump in and start using.

There is always a learning curve with modeling--especially paint. Anyone who tells you otherwise has been exremely lucky or doesn't remember what it was like starting out. No matter what, don't get discouraged when a model doesn't end the way you envisioned. The only way to get better is to keep modeling.

Take a read through our Snapshots--some of them focus on cars, while others present broader skills that can be applied across the modeling spectrum. Click here for those.

Also have a run through our Scale Model Basics videos. As the name implies, they can help with basic skills. Click here for those.

You can check out back issues of Scale Auto magazine at the KalmbachHobbyStore.com.

And make sure to drop by the Auto and Paint sections of the Forum and ask questions there. The guys here know their stuff, and many of our contributors hang out on here and pop in to answer questions. 

Good luck and I hope to see some of your projects show up on the Forum!

   I second Tim in saying there is no set " right way". Everybody finds their way, exploits that special technique, then shares it with the rest of us.

     Do NOT be hard on yourself, modeling skills are created over time. Take constructive critisism as just that...modify as needed to suit YOUR build style.

       Ask questions, the more you know rhe less intimidating things get. That said use references as well however don't get " stuck on details" YET! get the basics back then forge ahead.

       Do NOT be afraid to make mistakes, they help figure out what not to do or how to fix a boo boo. It ain't the end of the world, it's a hobby.

        I would second also starting with an " inexpensive" kit or 3 to cut your teeth. That 100.00 Tamiya or Trumpeter kit will still be there, if not...wait it may come back, become availabe second hand, or you may find it isn't what you really enjoy building. It also turns into a treasure hunt...which can be as much fun as getting it fresh from the factory.

     Welcome to the forunms, hope this helps and looking forward to interacting with ya.

    Remember HAVE FUN!! IT'S A HOBBY.

Hi!

 No matter which 'Way" you build the  fact is, Which way is comfortable for you? I used to start with the Wheels, then work backwards, so which way is Right? Yours. The final point is to not build fast ,like you're trying to build a Speed Build record. Take your time. Do it to YOUR satisfaction, unless You are aiming for a Muesum Piece!

Thank you!

In addition to the excellent advice posted above by others, I would suggest you seek out and join a local model club or chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS). There's a lot of expertise in those groups from helpful members, all of whom were beginners at one time.

G'day redchips and welcome to the forums. Coming back to scale modelling after a long break can be very confusing. Been there and have the scars!  My advice - listen to Tim and don't set your expectations to high to start with.

Dodgy

Welcome the forums. We are glad you are here.I tottaly  agree with the advice by Tim and the rest of them. Take your time and learn from your mistakes. Do it the way that is most comfortable to you. What works best for some people might not be the best for you. Learn from them all and adapt what works best for you. But most importantly have fun and be safe. Again welcome and post pictures of your builds. 

I'd add that there's nothing wrong with having the first few kits end up in the trash.  I'm not saying you should be careless with them, but sometimes you try things that just don't work well and you reach a point of no (or nearly impossible) recovery.  Also, don't be surprised if somebody else's holy grail of modeling tools ends up in the far back corner of your drawer.  You'll end up selecting a fairly small set of tools and supplies that you use 90% of the time.  Trying to fight with a certain method just because it works for someone else is futile.  

Welcome back to the hobby.

FWIW, I returned about 10 yrs ago. At some point I started to feel like I was getting there. Now every time I start a new kit, I plan to take my time, plan ahead, and not make time consuming boo-boos along the way.

And with every kit, I screw stuff up anyway. I'm in the middle of a newbie mess I created for myself right now, in fact.

So my is don't put too many demands or expectations on yourself, try to enjoy the journey.

When you figure out the right way can you let us all know?  Good luck and have fun.