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Starting Again ....

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  • Member since
    December 2019
Starting Again ....
Posted by Badger Modeller on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 6:43 PM

I haven't modelled in almost 45 years!  I recently retired and would like to start modelling planes and attending shows with my models.  This will be a main interest in my retirement.  I have been reading many posts on this forum and they have been helpful.  For fine modelling for shows, etc. is there a few good reference and "how to" books that I should get?  I am thinking about painting techniques with air brushes, gap filling, etc.  I am thinking about starting out with some Eduard kits in 1:48 scale such as a P-51 Mustang, a Spitfire, etc.  Would these be reasonable choices?  I would appreciate any advice and guidance to get started on more detauiled and serious modelling that you could share.  I know that experience and building are the main ways to learn but I am looking for some technique/process related books and guidance.  Thank You!

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Friday, January 3, 2020 3:32 AM
The Eduard kits are great. Just a suggestion. But if you haven't modeled on 45 years a lot has changed in the industry. You might want to get a few kits built before entering a contest. The judging can be a little humbling to say the least.

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Friday, January 3, 2020 6:29 AM

Yes the Eduard kits are great, but they come chocked with a lot of fiddley-bits which were not part of the hobby when you last participated.   The Eduard kits are also a bit pricey.   

Let me suggest you re-start the hobby with a learner kit or two.  Say the Airfix quarter scale P-51 or P-40.  You will find that Airfix is not your manufacturer of old.  Teach your 15 dancing thumbs how to behave when working on a model.  Next you might want to pair that Airfix kit with some PE to learn another skill.  

Once you are comfortable then look at an Eduard weekend edition kit. These are all plastic kits without the resin & PE.   But with all the fiddler bits that Eduard is known for.  Next get one of the Eduard weekend kits and throw in some PE.   Get that mastered then go with a Profipack edition - they come with the whole 9 yards but can be indimidating for a noob.  

  • Member since
    July 2018
  • From: The Deep Woods
Posted by Tickmagnet on Friday, January 3, 2020 8:28 AM

I recommend you cut your teeth on some of the cheaper Tamiya Japanese aircraft. They are very inexpensive, go together well, and have a few recessed panel lines and a few raised panel lines to work with. I order from Hobbylinc.com and those models are anywhere between 13 to 15 dollars. Here's a link to look at if it works if not copy and paste it. Welcome and have a blast on your return to a great hobby.

https://www.hobbylinc.com/tamiya-plastic-model-airplanes-1:40-1:49-scale

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Friday, January 3, 2020 11:20 AM

I'll second Ed's suggestion of the new Airfix P-51 or P-40 in 1/48......excellent kits with enough detail and they pretty much fall together.  Think you would be happy with one.

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