Help for a NEwby

Your question is very vague. Almost every question related to modeling has been asked on this forum. Browse around on the site and review the topics. If you still can't get the answer you want, then just post the question. There are a lot of dedicated modelers that will be able to help you. Let me end by welcoming you to a wonderful hobby.

Welcome!

I hope that this hobby brings you as much enjoyment as its brought to me. It is even responsible for starting me down my career path (aviation mechanic)!

My suggestion would be to finish the P-51 first. Every model that you build is experience in the bank. The fact that you realize that your model could be better shows that you are gaining experience already. Save this model and use it to practice new techniques on, it will serve you well. As far as questions go, I would suggest purchasing some books for beginners. They will cover a wide range of topics that you will find useful. Kalmbach, the publishers of FSM, have several good books on the market. I own some and use them frequently. Most good hobby shops will carry them.

Goodluck
Darren

Don't dispare young padwan.

These things take much patiance and practice.
Do not scrap that kit.
Build it as per the instructions.
Many years from now you will look back and say "thats my first kit".
The one that started it all.

Hang in their and check out the site .
It will take you where you need to go.

Good luck.

I agree with James, continue building the kit.

The fact that you have realised that you want to do better is the first step to enlightenment (or Advanced Modeler's Syndrome, depending on how you look at it!) I don't think there is a single person on this board that hasn't been awed by models made by other folks. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to be Shep Paine from day one.

Pick up some inexpensive kits to hone your skills, and just enjoy.
Read about what you build. You'll soon be wanting to change the decals or add some damage or other light modification Personally, I recommend the new Academy kits for 1/72 aircraft. They have inaccuracies, but are otherwise cheap and well made.

You will in all likelihood learn more trying to correct your mistakes than getting something right first time. Grasshopper.

James and U-96 hit it right on.

NEVER scrap a kit. If anything... build it to completion and PRACTICE everything on it. There are so many times you will need a practice kit to test out something. So use everything you want on it... try different ways of cementing.. painting... sanding.. and the best thing is, you dont need to worry about what it looks like in the end, :)

Hi and welcome to the hobby and forum. I agree with everything that has been said so far, if you scrap that "stang" you will regret it later. I have scrapped kits then wished i hadn't. use it as practice because practice makes perfect. when learning to make kits there is no such thing as a badly built one, just ones that helped hone your skills....Gregers

Gus,
Welcome to a fascinating and amazing hobby!! And welcomw to the FSM Forum. It's a great thing to have this much knowledge and advice at your fingertips - all you need to do is ask...............................
James and Darren have some very sound advice. Get a book or two that specifically deals with the basic techniques of plastic modelling and explains the different tools what we use. Kalmbach publish some very good ones.
Finescale Modeler magazine has a series of articles on many different subjects entitled "Basic Techniques = Advanced Results"
These articles explain how very simple techniques can improve your modeling skills and create a better model - not by hundreds of hours of practice on hundreds of models, just a simple explanation of the basics needed and examples of practical application - things like simple airbrushing, placing decals, gap filling, etc .
Keep your first models!! Only throw out an old model when it is no longer useful to you (maybe give it away to a neighbor's kit and give him a thrill-he'll probably think it's the coolest thing he's ever seen) - I've not got any of mine - they're all gone because I don't need that type of "inspiration" to help me make better models, but I did use them for many, many years as a prod for improving my skills. It bloody well worked, too.
Definately finish the kit. You might not think it looks as good as you'd like it to, but to others, it may very well be fantastic and they'll be in awe of your skills. I'm not kidding - I build lots of models (mainly for other people) and sometimes I look at the model and think "oh crap" but the new owner is always simply thrilled with it.
Never sell yourself short, mate. I've seen quite a number of guys post pictures of their very first models on this forum, and I gotta say I wish my first models had looked that good. And one thing you won't get is a bagging (nasty criticism) - you'll only get encouragement here.
So have fun - and remember, I can guarantee your next model will be better than your last one.
Cheers, mate
LeeTree

Thanks guys for the advice. I am finishing the P-51 up now, maybe i'll post it on ron's gallery for some constructive criticism later. thanks again

Welcome Gus,

Don't get discouraged by modelers who have been building for years. Every one of us built a model that looked just like yours the first time out. Try to pick up a couple techniques and try them on the next model. It will come out better than the last one. And the one after will be better still after a couple more new tips and tricks. Don't try to do it all at once. Just have fun and learn as you go.

Eric

In your forum you asked many questions about how to make a good decent model but it all depends on how anal you want to be.

I once put a clutch pedel,brake pedel,throttle pedal and stick shift in a ho scale car.
Does that make me anal?