Welcome Dr.
I enjoy building the Italeri kits. They build pretty easy and are a good start if you want to add some detail.
As far as paints, I use Vallejo and Oils, for just about everything. I've got a few of the ModelMaster enamels around still. The acrylics are the best IMHO, they dry fast, you can apply an oil wash right over them, and the fumes don't send ya to the darkside of the moon.
Remember "If you can't have fun what you're doing, then do somebody else" or is it "Do something else"? I can't remember too many enamel vapors logded in the old cranial cavity.
Enjoy the forums,
Best Regards,