I am intimidated now!

This website is sponsered by a book publisher so you've come to the right place.

Go up to the menu bar and click on "shop". Choose "Special Interests" and from there go to "Scale Modeling" and then "Books". Both catagories under that heading have stuff that will help.

Testors also has a nice beginners book on getting started in scale modeling.

You can also go to the IPMS website: http://www.ipmsusa.org/ and search the chapter directory for a local IPMS club and go to some meetings and ask questions. The members of a club should be more than glad to help you out.

Don't be afraid to ask some questions & don't be intimidated - nobody bites in here. Well, there may be a couple, but they take it easy on the new guys! And if you're just starting in, don't bother with those $50+ kits. Starting out with a simpler & less expensive option - even if it is an older kit - sure takes the pressure off.

Using the search function on this site can get you some pretty good results for particular methods. Also check out youtube, there have got to be hundreds of how-to videos up there. Some are better than others, but they'll all help you get more familiar with the process.

...me too...

mgh:

Welcome first of all to the forum!  I'm still relatively new to it but I can tell you that this has been a great source of information for me. 

I took a  long hiatus from it due to the military, family, etc. but my recommendation is that you find some less expensive kits to start with.  When getting back into the swing of things I started with some less expensive, but decent kits.  Revell was a good starting place for me since it's less intimidating breaking open a $15 or $20 kit as opposed to a $50+ kit right off the bat.

Dave is right about the website.  The magazine and the Kalmbach books, my favorites are by Shep Paine, have been a great starting point.

Other than that, try to have fun and post some pictures here for all of us to see and give feedback!  Good luck!

to what Vance has said. You have deffinatly come to the right place to pick up tips. I have been modelling for about 25 years, but my models have improved more in the last 3 years on here than they ever did in the previous 22. And i would also deffinatly advise against staying away from the expensive kits. Some of them can have so many parts they scare hardened modellers. Best bet would be to start with a few cheaper less complicated kits and work on the basics and try to pick up some of the more advance methods. And you don't want to spend all that money just to find the hobby ain't for you.

Welcome aboard and don't forget to show some pics when you get going.

Man, this hobby grows on you, this is a great site, and the guys 'n gals here are very helpful.

No worries, buy an inexpensive kit or two and just dig in head first...you will be glad you did, and you will learn fast!

What Vance and Bish say.  They are both artists in this medium.  Remember, though, this is supposed to be fun.  Everyone is at a different skill level.  Some opt for tons of after-market detailing, others build straight out of the kit.  Consider every project an experiment and a learning process.

Besides, if worse comes to worse, you've always got a set of really cool BB gun targets.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

A book with tips and hints is probably a good idea, and I will definitely look around you-tube.

Where do you find your model kits?  I can find some on Amazon, are there sponsors that people like to do business with?  I would love to find an inexpensive P-47 to start with!  

[quote user="mg]

A book with tips and hints is probably a good idea, and I will definitely look around you-tube.

Where do you find your model kits?  I can find some on Amazon, are there sponsors that people like to do business with?  I would love to find an inexpensive P-47 to start with!  

[/quote]

First off , secondly this is a MUST have (sorry to sound like broken record) "Building and Detailing Model Aircraft" (Finescale Modeler Books) by Pat Hawkey,  It tells you a ton in an easy to read paper back, get it.  kits, I like to use my local hobby store (LHS), support them first... then Hobby Lobby- good folks too.  Working on the Revell P-51D now, it has it's issues but a fun build.

Regarding model kits, check the shops that advertise here.  SprueBrothers is terrific -- reasonable prices, wide selection, super quick shipping.  Scalehobbyist is a great site -- same assets as SpruBrothers but with an more efficient search engine at their site.  Some local model shops advertise in FSM magazine.  There might be one in there closed to you.

Lots of tips and techniques herein and everyone is anxious to answer questions.

Enjoy.

mgh

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

A book with tips and hints is probably a good idea, and I will definitely look around you-tube.

Where do you find your model kits?  I can find some on Amazon, are there sponsors that people like to do business with?  I would love to find an inexpensive P-47 to start with!  

Amazon occasionally has a good deal, but for the most part, there are far better options. Sprue Brothers, Great Models, and (while I don' t particularly care for their site) Squadron are good places to start. Also...Scale Hobbyist almost consistently has the best prices on actual kits, but their aftermarket selection of decals and such is lacking. 

Another good source is eBay, especially for discontinued kits.

Which brings us to your P-47. 

I love the P-47, it's my favorite plane, and I've got waaay too many of them in the stash, including two big 1/32 kits that blow past that $50 threshold!

Assuming you want 1/48 scale, IMO the BEST P-47 kit you can buy is any of the Tamiya Jugs. They do a Razorback, D-bubbletop, and a P-47M. Engineering is top-notch, not only in terms of detail, but fit, as well. When you really want to knock a P-47 out of the park a few builds in, I'd highly recommend one. You can find them for about $30 if you look.

As far as an inexpensive, easy P-47, I'd recommend the old Monogram kits, either the Razorback or the bubbletop. Parts count is extremely low, and the wings are a little bit fussy, lacking the wing spars of the Tamiya kit, but buildup is clean as can be. I built the Jug as a kid, then grabbed the kit again when I came back to the hobby last year. Things went very bad in the decal stage, but here's what it looked like just before paint:

You can score the Monogram P-47s for cheap on eBay, too. Won a Razorback a few months ago for $4.

Other than that, my recommendation would be to start slow, plan your moves, and hang out here. I'll agree with the others. My modeling has been on a whole other level since I picked the hobby back up, and I have this site to thank for most of it. 

You may even...if you're willing...want to start a WIP (work in progress) thread...if you broadcast that you're a rookie at this and looking for tips and ideas, you'll be amazed the outpouring you'll get!

I agree with everyone who has replied. I have one other resource http://www.florymodels.co.uk/ buy a months subscription and watch some of the video builds on that site. Great advice and techniques. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions, the people here are very tolerant of us newbies.

Unlike many others, I want to say this: RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!

This hobby has some of the most addictive attributes going:

(A) Collectors Syndrome. There's always another kit/book/tool/add-on you've GOT to get.

(B) God Complex. Within the limits of your workbench, you are a minor deity (emphasis on MINOR).

(C) Byzantine Modeler Complaint. There's ALWAYS something that could be done better.

(D) Super-Glued Finger Ailment. (DON'T ASK.)

(E) Obsessive–Compulsive Personality Disorder. If you're not OCPD now, you will be.

There must be many more modeling-related illnesses. You'll find them for yourself soon enough! Welcome to the club!

TomZ2

Unlike many others, I want to say this: RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!

This hobby has some of the most addictive attributes going:

(A) Collectors Syndrome. There's always another kit/book/tool/add-on you've GOT to get.

(B) God Complex. Within the limits of your workbench, you are a minor deity (emphasis on MINOR).

(C) Byzantine Modeler Complaint. There's ALWAYS something that could be done better.

(D) Super-Glued Finger Ailment. (DON'T ASK.)

(E) Obsessive–Compulsive Personality Disorder. If you're not OCPD now, you will be.

There must be many more modeling-related illnesses. You'll find them for yourself soon enough! Welcome to the club!

Hello Tom... uhh, my name is Vance, and I have an addiction.... I'll be printing this off & sending it to my Dr. this morning!

TomZ -- your insight into our addiction is frightening.  Its like you're reading our mind (which should really scare you).

DoogsATX

 

You may even...if you're willing...want to start a WIP (work in progress) thread...if you broadcast that you're a rookie at this and looking for tips and ideas, you'll be amazed the outpouring you'll get!

Welcome to the forums,as everyone has said this is a great place to learn,very friendly and helpful.

....and if you eventually want to try one of those "$50" kits, search "1:48" on Ebay ad you might be able to get an expensive kit on the cheap.

MAJ Mike

TomZ -- your insight into our addiction is frightening.  Its like you're reading our mind (which should really scare you).

troublemaker66

 

MAJ Mike:

 

TomZ -- your insight into our addiction is frightening.  Its like you're reading our mind (which should really scare you).

 

Yeah,,but it`s light reading....

 

In my case it is written in invisible ink

troublemaker66

....and if you eventually want to try one of those "$50" kits, search "1:48" on Ebay ad you might be able to get an expensive kit on the cheap.

Also keep an eye out for sales. Dragon has some ridiculous ones all the time it seems. Sprue Brothers and Great Models both went insane around the holidays. My LHS offers 20% off coupons when you spend more than $50...very useful for the kits that don't get discounted all that heavily (cough...Tasca...).

In my experience, a $50 1/48 kit - if you're sticking to WWII or early jet at least - is a tough thing to manage. The only one that comes immediately to mind is Tamiya's Storch.

Welcome to FSM modeling forums!

Most have pointed out to source kits online or mail order.

I recommend finding a store or two in your home town or local area that sells kits & supplies. Sure it may cost a few bucks more but its important to support your LHS (Local Hobby Shop) as when you need a bit of paint or such to complete a model their true worth will be greater than the savings found online, added to this is the time factor saved when you get home to finish up vrs. waiting for the mail.  

Many small shop owners are fellow modelers and can help with Q & A also. Do start with a few 10$ range kits before digging into the more expensive kits. # of parts can be intimidating so find a few basic offerings with 50 or less parts. Avoid small scales (1/72 scale or smaller) Until you have a few kits completed. 

For this I recommend older Tamiya or vintage Bandai kits. Their fits are near perfect, details maybe a bit more basic but the finished models can still hold their own at contests if built with care & pride.

Always, always, always remember the only stupid question is the one not asked! Most everyone here is more than happy to chime in (or gong in like Big Ben) from time to time when they have an answer to a question so the last thing you need to do is feel intimidated. Hang in there, Magoo

SuppressionFire

For this I recommend older Tamiya or vintage Bandai kits. Their fits are near perfect, details maybe a bit more basic but the finished models can still hold their own at contests if built with care & pride.

Where do you find older kits, and how do you identify them as being older kits?

Thanks for the replies.

* This (in my words) explains your question in regard to TANK kits:

Vintage kits from Tamiya are labeled MM (Military miniatures) In a white box and have a # below 100. Their cost is less than 1/2 of their more modern offerings and the parts count is low. They feature no extra parts, rubber band style tracks and decals for up to 3 versions or units that used the same variant of vehicle. The commander figure is not bad but can use a AM (After Market) resin head replacement.

The newer Tamiya kits in the series are numbered now just over 300. They look the same (box & art) yet feature newer moldings with double the parts, many extras and options for a few similar variants.

Cost will tell which is which. The older ones are in the 20$ range while the newer ones are over double that.

Vintage Bandai kits set the standard for fit of parts and options like basic interiors. Most were in 1/48 scale, produced before 1/35 scale became the popular scale for military kits. These are rare and other than E-Bay only can be found in shops that are willing to sell them as collectors items. The detail is basic yet with some scratch building they build up into excellent miniature replicas.

Shown above is a Bandai 1/48 scale T-34 M1941 backdated to represent a M1940. This build features wire grab handles, lead fenders, scratch built fighting compartment and various other improvements. Its short run at contests won gold twice & a 'Best soviet armor'. Some contests do not consider the extra work or the fact a vintage kit was used (disadvantage or underdog scenario) Yet when the judges do factor in all the additional work its worth the effort.

Wow, that is a very nice model.  Seeing pictures like that gets me motivated!

Hey mgh

 I'm also just starting to build again after a break. I'm in the process of building a dedicated hobby room and will soon be building my first plane ( I was building sailing ships for awhile ). I've been spending alot of time going through old posts on this site and have picked up tons of pointers on everything from workbench set up to displaying completed builds. I'm more of a visual learner so you tube videos have been a huge benefit for me, tons of stuff to watch, you just have to pick and choose which advice will work for you. Someone mentioned florymodels, great site. He has some free videos posted as well.

When I first started building there was no internet, my brother and I just winged it and had some of the best times trying to figure out ways to improve our builds. Maybe try and build your first kit straight out of the box with no special mods to see what the manufacturer had in mind, then build an identical kit, adding as many improvements as you can come up with. Might be fun to see the difference.

Just have fun and use the great WWW as a learning resource, it's all out there..

Ives

Andrew Magoo

Always, always, always remember the only stupid question is the one not asked! 

Well, that and how to get your wife to agree to the purchase of a $229 kit...

DoogsATX

 

Andrew Magoo:

 

Always, always, always remember the only stupid question is the one not asked! 

 

 

Well, that and how to get your wife to agree to the purchase of a $229 kit...

Yeah, looking back, that really was a stupid question!