Tamiya still makes quality kits, but some of the same kits available when you first started are still on the shelves, including that KV-II (long since surpassed by other, better versions) and that Sherman has been around almost as long as you've been building.

Of the 3 kits you've listed, the Brummbar is a very nice kit.

Any suggestions on the "newer" kits in those models. I really like the Brummbar as its just well..kinda unique and cool looking. I also love that JagdPanther also..but really dont know how to tell the "old" from the newer ones when I see them on Ebay...we have no local Hobby shops open anymore...they all closed in the last 5 years.

This is one of the better modeling review sites. If it's listed, it's one of the newer kits.
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/revafv.htm

Rob has lead you down a good path...just wanted to say welcome. You will find all types on the site. From German to Allied to Modern or like me....I do Artillery. And none of us bite

Anyway, good luck, have fun and welcome

Rounds Complete!!

Welcome back to armor building and to the forum!

In terms of weathering/painting, you'll need to decide if you prefer to work in acrylics or enamels for the paint as that will drive a lot of choices in terms of what types of weathering options open up for you. I personally prefer to work with enamels because it's what I'm comfortable with but acrylic paints have come a long way and are just as good in terms of paint quality...but you will need to do some research there and see what you a) prefer to work in and b) what's readily available to you either locally or via online sources.

For weathering, there's a ton of techniques and approaches out there and the best advice I can give you is nose around and see what grabs you and then experiment to see what works and doesn't for you as everyone's style/approach to this is different and there's no "one true way". Weathering supplies run the whole spectrum from pigment weathering powders to oil paints to pre-mixed washes, filters, etc. so there's a lot available but doesn't necessarily mean you need/want it all right away.

As for your airbrush, there's an entire forum here on FSM devoted to just that topic where you can get a lot of helpful info and advice. /forums/18.aspx 

HTH!

Well I just got 1 off Ebay for $25 it wasnt the Grizzly bear one but it was a

Early production jagd panther "smart kit" from Dragon 1/35 scale. so thats on the way and will be the first thing I tackle for my "new" project.

this was how the won item read

Jagdpanther Ausf.G1 Early Production Dragon 1/35 6458 "smart kit"

Smart kits are their easier to build ones that are still high quality and relatively new. Most are well worth the cost.

I figured something a bit easier to get myself back into the swing of things would be better than jumping right in with a expensive model...I figure this way if I butcher my first weathering try on a $25 model I wont be as mad :)

I was out of it for 10 years after I joined the military and being busy after 9-11 etc....

I was surprised to see LOTS of kit development in a hobby I thought was dead.

I would recommend older Tamiya kits, like the SU-122 assault gun.  It is a simple kit (Was 1976 or 77 mold I think) and is a great way to get back into the swing of things.

After I felt confident I dove right into a newer CyberHobby/Dragon kit with the smart link tracks.  WOW, a bit too much to bite off so I did the tank and held off on the tracks till I gained more experience later on how to do them (youtube).

You will find the Dragon kits intimidating as there are so many sprues packed into the model box.  But just do one by one and research the kit for a review, some of the reviews point out errors in the instructions that may save a headache!

I have not gotten into painting and weathering, just building again for fun and to get back into it.  Once I feel confident and up to the task I will tackle painting.  And there are SO many new techniques out there now to make great looking stuff. 

While small, the hobby really has become a lot better.

Personally I think the biggest improvement you will see is Dragons GEN2 figures, wow, the molding is light years ahead of even 1990's molds.

Welcome aboard, look forward to seeing your work.

Bob

Welcome to the forums CBennett :)
Enjoy your build and please share your progress.

As always
Boarder 

to the Forums. I use a Badger 150 double-action airbrush and love it. I picked up a few A/B`s from Harbor Freight, which are Badger knock offs `cause some of the parts are interchangeable..lol. I use them for spraying Future or other clear coats. I`m an aircraft guy so I can`t help ya with armor kits.

Remember to post your WIP`s!

Len

Congrats on your ebay score. Beware that the Jagdpanther Early requires zimmerit to be added to make it accurate. I'm not sure if your kit is the zimmed or non-zimmed version.

As for the badger 200, I have one. It's a great brush. It works like a single, but has a knob on the end to control paint flow. I don't think I'll ever need another again. Very simple operation.

and look forward to your build.

Thanks, I think im getting a kit exactly for that model its around $25 I believe unless someone knows of a Zimm kit cheaper???

$25 for the zimmed Jagdpanther? Score! Or do you mean a resin zimmerit set for the Jagdpanther?

No, lol its $22-25 for the Zimm application or what ever it is. Ive got a great picture of what I want it to look like when done thats on my work computer...I cant find it anywhere else to post.

Must be either Cavalier or Atak. You can't go wrong with either set.

Yes its the Atak one.

Yes its the Atak one.

I have a MUCH better outdoor picture of this tank at work but its what I was basing my build off of

dragonusaonline has a sale going on.  you can get their jagdpanther smart kit with Zim for $25.   Sales code is FBXT27