beginner scale modeling tips

Testors Model Master line includes a red putty that is nice to work with. Be warned about filling with any super glue though- it is effective filler/strengthener for gaps (especially large ones), but it should be sanded immeadiately after it has been hit with accelerator. If it is allowed to sit around the glue will become harder than the plastic of your model and very difficult to sand. For cockpit detailing I spray (either with an airbrush or spray can) the base colors first, then after they dry I paint in some of the details with a very fine tip brush. Having color photos of the cockpit and ejection seat has always been a help to me. About the paint finish on your Tomcat- have you considered spray painting it? It would leave no brush streaks and give a more professional look, not to mention taking less time. Good call on the airbrush though. Getting a good airbrush can do you no wrong. Good luck!

My primary advice would be:

1. Learn the art of patience. I'm rapidly learning to appreciate this quality.
2. Think of the kit as several 'small' projects/assemblies. Treat each one as it's own kit and then assemble the entire thing at the end.
3. You're worst critic will likely be yourself. Don't get tied up in trying to make it 'perfect'.

M.

Go to http://www.finescale.com/fsm/html/TheMagazine/ScaleModelingGuides/ScaleModelingGuides.asp
This might be more basic than you're looking for or not

All good information, and I too have learned a lot from FSM and various books on the subject... but answering those three questions directly...
1)Patching - You can use putty if you would like. There are a wide variety availible at the hobby store. My personall favorite is Squadron Green Putty. However, I prefer to use gap filling super glue to fill in small hole and dips. I use Zap-A-Gap with and accelerator and sand it immediately (if you use accelerator you only have about half an hour or so before it become very had to sand and doesn't work as well, so work in small sections).

2)Painting without an airbrush - It has been a while for me, but it really comes down to how pretty you want it to look. You can buy the cheap airbrishes (I don't recommend it)... you can try regullar paint brushes to. The best way to get results is to put the paint on lightly. Don't lay it on thick, just because you can still see color from below. Build it up over several coats if colors show through, but let there be a good day or two between coats. But the simplest way to get nice (but no great) finishes is to use spray paint. When I was a kid, I even sprayed my kits before build, just because it was easier, and they usually look good enough. You won't get professional quality with either method... but no need to rush things, move to an air brush when you are comfortable.

3) Cockpit detail - This realy comes down to the scale and the kit. In 1/72, if the kit has raised details try painting the control pannels black or dark grey and then, later, go over them lightly with a brush using a lighter grey or white (dry brushing)...or you could just get a very fine brish and pend a lot of time straining your eyes marking each nob. If the kit has no raised details...they should come with decals and that may be your best bet until you gain some experience in scratch building. For 1/48 or larger, the methods can be the same, but it is easier to paint diferent colors on the various nubs and switches. You can add your own with some streched sprue peices, fine plastic rods, pins, sheet styrene, or anything else that works. The last thing I will mention is seat belts. A difficult thing to master, but if you want good looking seat belts quick and easy, just get some tan masking tape and cut it to size. Stick it where the belts go and maybe paint some buckles on to at detail. That should work for most beginners.

Hope that more directly answers you questions!

I too owe the majority of my modeling skills to FSM (and lots of practice!) Try to get hold of some back issues of FSM and read the articles. Even if you only build aircraft, you can learn from the other articles! Try your local library, or ask friends if they have back issues. There's sound advice lurking between those covers.
Good luck.
Paul

Thank you for the repplys, but can anyone elaborate on any "putty" product that I can use to patch up small imperfections and such? thanks again.

FSM turned me from a beginner into a pretty decent modeler. When I start a project I buy the 'walk-around' series of books on the aircraft. They aren't expensive and they really help with painting, etc. It takes lot's of time and practice and yoiu'll improve a lot faster than you think. Definitley experiment. Only way to learn what works for you and what doesn't. Good luck!

I would agree with the above post. We could all spend hours recounting the various techniques that we find are good, but it would be easier if you were to purchase a couple of 'how to' books that will answer all the above questions and provide oyu with more besides. Your local hobby shop should have a selection of books, I see thaey have a new one called 'Modeling Classic Combat Aircraft' or you could try searching Amazon.com for 'modeling' or 'aircraft models'. FSM always contains a great deal of good advice aimed at all levels of the hobby.

I would suggest buying some books dealing with basic modeling techniques. Kalmbach puts out several nice books on this topic. A subscription to FSM would also help. Most importantly though...practice, practice, practice. Thats the best way to advance your skills.