Where to Begin? ... :)

I think if you just start building kits you will learn tips and tricks on the way. A few will probably not be the best...but surely enough they get better. I have several models around the apartment that i see all the flaws but when people see them they are very impressed (not blowing my own horn). If you have a subject you want to do just go for it, searching the forums on here is a great way to learn tips and tricks, don't hesitate to ask. God knows I've asked a lot of questions.

Hi Marxman, welcome.  I used to paint GW models, specifically, I painted LOTR models....I stopped when everyone I played with moved away.  I believe many of the painting skills translate to model building.  Squatch88's post above is excellent.  When I got back into model building I realized that the hobby had progressed and advanced since I last modeled.  I took it one step at a time.  And, you will learn tons from reading the forums - almost like drinking from the fire hose.

I started by following directions, now I see them as a guide.  I let the model dictate where I'm going with it.  What's to be painted...which sub assemblies to do next, etc.  And when a question comes up, ask.

And like Squatch88 mentioned, I have models that others think are great, but I see the warts.

There are great people on this forum, you'll learn much from them.

Read Fine Scale Modeler and monitor and participate in FSM forums.

Whoops- sorry to need two messages in a row, but realized I had forgot another important suggestion- join a local scale modeling club if there is one in your area!

Don Stauffer

Read Fine Scale Modeler and monitor and participate in FSM forums.

Don Stauffer

Whoops- sorry to need two messages in a row, but realized I had forgot another important suggestion- join a local scale modeling club if there is one in your area!

Don, if you need to add data, just use the edit icon
(bottom left, next to warning status icon).

I wish FSM will made those icons larger (Aaron ???).

Wrote this up a while back and a lot of people seemed to find it useful...

http://doogsmodels.com/2012/09/07/how-to-get-started-or-restarted-building-models/

TomZ2

I wish FSM will made those icons larger (Aaron ???).

Thanks for the information and advice. :)

Guess ill just jump in and work through it, looking forward to it.

Think Ill start on one of these two kits, like the look of the M3

1/35 U.S. MEDIUM TANK M3 LEE or 1/35 M3 GRANT [EL-ALAMEIN]

If anyone knows these kits, love to hear about your experience. Been looking at a couple of reviews already

Indeed, like Don stated, right here on the FSM site and on the forums is a great place to get guidance and ideas. I would also add going to your local hobby shop, if there is one nearby and asking them for assistance on the whats and how tos. Not to mention the myriad of books and other websites available on basic modeling. I have found that there is a lot of trial and error involved until you find the types of tools, paints and techniques you are comfortable with.

All kinds of stuff on Youtube.

When looking for information about building, painting, dioramas, etc  dont just restrict yourself to WW1&2 subjects.

For example check out how the car guys do weathering. Check out the wargammers on how to do figures. Checkout how the dollhouse people build miniature furniture and decorate houses.

One of the most useful groups to me have been the model railroad dudes.

Both are basically the same kit with a different turret, markings and detail fittings. The Lee originally came with incorrect bogey assemblies which were retooled an included with the Grant. Later releases of the Lee include the updated parts, but it is impossible to tell without looking inside the box.

Decent enough kit that was torn apart by the experts accuracy-wise, but it assembles just fine and looks the part.

Where to start? You're here. The best place you can be!

Now git buildin'! Post photos of your progress, ask questions, and be humble enough to take all criticism as well-intended.

As others have said this is a great place to start. And I would say that "proper" modeling is whatever you enjoy. Pick subjects that you are passionate about or at least interested in and go from there. I was away from the hobby for years and came back to it like many others. I would say that this forum, FSM and other magazines (Tamiya Model Magazine is one I enjoy as well) have helped tremendously. But I will say that the most help and motivation has come from a local club and hobby shop that I need to remember to be grateful for. One thing that helped me was to reintroduce myself by starting with some of the simpler (as far as parts count at least) and less expensive kits. I found I was much more inclined to experiment with new techniques and push my limits if I knew I was not going to be throwing away a $160 kit if I really botched it. I have also faced the fact that I often have to make a difficult decision between time reading a magazine or posting on a forum and time spent at the bench. Both are important and enjoyable but only time at the bench significantly improves my abilities.