(Part 3) Top products from r/modelmakers

I started with a brush, and I found out that good paint/thinner ratio is key when hand painting with acrylics. I started with the revell aqua color paint which isn't bad, but Tamiya acrilycs are better.

After a few models I decided to buy a H&S ultra with a small air compressor.
Then I found Plasmo's chanel. He builds and paints his models with step by step explanation. I learned a lot from his videos.

In my experience patience and experience are the most important factors. Dexterity is also needed but not that much. You learn a new thing with every build, and experience makes up for the lack of deftness.

Be ready to mess up the first few models, but trying is the key to get better. You need to take it slowly, try something simple first, like a single color tank, then try to use washes/modulating on it, then try out rust pigment, etc... Never throw away poor attempts, they will come handy when you try a new technique.

Since I'm also just a begginer, I don't know what else could I say. I'd like to get better in time, but I hope my few experience helped you a bit.

Unfortunately it's quite a rabbit hole, the better you want to be the more time and money you need to invest. I spent about 6-800 euros on it last year, but I pretty much have everything I need now. I only need to buy kits, and consumables now and then.

Lots of options and there's no one right answer to any of your questions.

I have a local hobby shop I try and support, because if I need a paint or tool, or just want to hang out and paw through model kits, they're 20 minutes down the road. You can also buy from Amazon or other online retailers.

Reddit and modelling websites can be a great help, but there is also the International Plastic Modelers Society, list of organizations by country here. IPMS USA, for example, has a page that lists clubs by state. Checking in with a local club is a good way to see sizes of kits, talk techniques, etc.

With regards to scale, I work in different scales. I would love to have all of my airplanes in 1/32 scale, but I don't have the room, so I compromise a bit. The vast majority of my airplanes are in 1/48th scale, but larger planes are often in 1/144 (airliners, for example). So I have consistent scales and can still compare sizes or create common bases (four of my fighters are on a shelf that has concrete sections printed up and with a jeep and fire extinguisher for fun).

Basic supplies, I would say a hobby knife (aka brand name Xacto, but others sell similar designs) and liquid cement of some variety are the bare minimums. There is thick liquid cement like the cheap tube glue (ummm don't buy that one, you can get it cheaper even at a local hobby shop) to the better squeeze bottle with precision applicator, but also thin cement that one paints on to joined parts. I think each works better for different purposes, but typically use more of the thin cement.

There are more tools in the wiki and toolbox link.

Okay, thanks. What else would I need.. THe knife and the primer for now? Thats it? You dont know how much i appreciate this. ALso is this a good model? Im looking for something hard to put together, but also includes paints and is in my price range. This is the best ive got. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055ANWKA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1Y0OWTP8E47U9&psc=1




Also are there any other vehicles that include the paints that arent a plane? Just asking because my son and I both love a lot more vehicles than we love planes

Airfix and Revell Germany both make starter sets.

1. https://www.amazon.com/Airfix-Curtiss-Tomahawk-Starter-Gift/dp/B0055ANS18/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1511843278&sr=8-4&keywords=airfix+starter+set
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Airfix-A55214-Grumman-Wildcat-Plastic/dp/B00TQOL1VI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511843278&sr=8-2&keywords=airfix+starter+set
   
   
3. (two in one box) https://www.amazon.com/Airfix-Dogfight-Double-Curtiss-Mitsubishi/dp/B0055ANWKA/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1511843341&sr=1-1&keywords=dogfight+doubles
   
   This set of larger planes might also be a good choice if the idea is to go for a "bigger" present.
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/Airfix-Supermarine-Spitfire-Messerschmitt-Bf109E/dp/B00IJZIECE/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1511843360&sr=1-1&keywords=airfix+1%2F48
   
   These packages include paint, glue, and a paintbrush. Honestly, the paint isn't great. But as a first time lark, (1) he's likely going to build an imperfect model, (2) he'll probably still have fun doing it.
   
   For further information as to basic toolkits and commonly asked questions, see the FAQ and stickied posts.
   
   https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/wiki/index
   
   Short version: craft knife like an X-acto knife, glue, paintbrush, maybe a sanding stick or two (manicure boards of various grits would work for this), tweezers.
   
   Also, I would recommend this as glue:
   https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87038-Extra-Thin-Cement/dp/B000BMYWYC
   
   It's designed to flow into the joints of plastic parts and essentially weld them together. It works much better than the tube glues that will be included in those sets.
   
   As for the kinds of results one might be able to expect if one takes time and is careful:
   https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/comments/6uqtiv/english_electric_lightning_172_airfix_starter_set/
   
   Speak with u/pukit about it as well, that's his model using nothing more than what's included in the box of one of the starter kits I linked.
   
   It's a good first dip.
   
   Hope that helps.
   

If you can't grasp things with fingertips, get tweezers. Not small ones like hair tweezers but something like these or better yet, locking tweezers.

Glue bottle with a tip will help you have precise control and better reach. If that bottle is too small, Testor makes a larger one. Sprue cutter and parts holder. The flush cutters really help with reducing the amount of sprue mount clean up.

Save your money. You need $20 more for a decent starter brush here, I wouldn’t buy one of these, I had one, made one model and sold it. In honesty I’d save up, double your money and buy either a kit like this compressor with tank with brush, or preferably just the compressor for $70 and a decent airbrush like the Iwata neo for $60.

A compressor with a tank means the compressor doesn’t run all the time so prolongs the compressor life itself. It has a decent water trap and regulator to adjust pressure.

A Neo is a superb brush for the money, cheap Chinese airbrushes have less accuracy, require deeper cleaner and can give a frustrating experience.

It’s often worth spending once and spending right in this field. Hence I suggest saving your money.

I have not tried Vallejo for a panzer grey application yet, but I would probably start with something like 70.995 German Grey. As I said, there is some contention as to what it actually looked like.

Also, I don't mean to discourage you from that MiniArt kit. If it was me I would pick it up as well as a cheap Tamiya kit like this to practice on first. You can also use it to test various finishing techniques before moving on to the MiniArt.

If you use Zap a Gap or similar they have a removable tip. It seems to stay very clog free with minimal buildup on the tip. Maybe the plastic they use has something to do with it, but my bottle seems fairly clean. That and I like the Loctite control type glues which have the squeeze sides. They tend to let me keep the tip clean as no glue seems to leak out unless I squeeze them. They also have great formulas imo. Gel or liquid depending on your needs.

I just bought one as a starting kit a few weeks ago. I bought the one with the compressor with attached air tank. So far it's worked great for me and it's eased me into airbrushing and airbrush maintenance without having to worry about spoiling it, because the airbrush itself is just 25 bucks or less. If you do buy it, before starting, make sure you apply thread seal tape on all male connectors, and also soak the little nozzle and small parts in a warm mix of dish soap and water.

Edit : here's the Amazon link. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Dual-Action-TC-20T-Compressor/dp/B002KSQHB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1549108384&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=master+airbrush+with+air+compressor&dpPl=1&dpID=41nADShdRIL&ref=plSrch

One source. Look for Pledge or Johnson’s product that has terms like future floor care, floor care with future shine, etc. Here in the US it is about $5-7 USD in most stores in the floor care aisle. I got some in the UK that was a tad cloudy, but it dried just as clear. I forget the name...

The original name, back in the 70’s, was Future. We all call it that today who were introduced to its features then.

A lot of people like to think that using non-toxic acrylics means you don't have to worry about air safety. Inhaling atomized paint down to your lungs is just as deadly as any other kind of paint. Get yourself a good respirator whether you get a booth or not. Just make sure the filter cartridges you get are for organic vapors, like these.

I would check Amazon out. I got a great compressor (with a tank) https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F7SXKR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also got the https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002N0QA9A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 after the cheap one I got was returned because it was defective. -

If you go with these, you'll need to get a 1/4 male to 1/8 female adapter for the the hose to connect to the compressor.

I'm assuming this is your first airbrush? If so, the Iwata Eclipse may be a bit expensive for a first airbrush. The passche I linked is very good for the price - I would google it as well to do some research.

Airbrushing is above and beyond nicer than brush painting. You just can't do things with a brush that you can with an airbrush. Don't break the bank with an airbrush now. Get something simple and get your feet wet with it. I've been recommending the Neo for Iwata a lot lately. It's half the price of most mid-range airbrushes but definitely gives you a much better airbrush than something like a Master. Master's are very frustrating to work with.

IIRCC, Tamiya has only a glossy clear spray. The only ones I know are these:

• Testors Flat Spray
  
• Testors Glosscote Spray
  
• Tamiya Clear Spray
  
  I've used Tamiya rattle cans in the past, and they are pretty fool-proof. And the Testors products are used by a lot of people, so I doubt they're much harder to use.

You're probably looking for PS-55 or TS-80 from Tamiya as well. I personally never used these but I asked a mate I know and he said they're great

After you finish building and doing the primary paint, put on a coat of Future (that is the brand)- it will be shiny, but this will help protect the model and let you decal and weather it easier. After you get the decals on and your weathering (including panel lines), you can go shiny with another coat of Future, or go matte (normal) with a spray matte finish ($few at your local model store, or here is the one I like).

Invest in some good side cutters and some sanding sticks. . Don’t stress if you make mistakes, just do your best to finish the model. You’ll learn a lot just by getting it finished as best you can. Then try another kit.

Tamiya Panzer II. One of their older 1/35 tanks, goes together pretty well, doesn't cost too much. And, if it's your fancy, it comes with figures- [link] (https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-35-Panzer-Kampfwagen-Ausf/dp/B000WN6OK0)

You don't need anything heavy duty for airbrushing, but get one with a tank for sure.

I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KNDQCM but it seems to no longer be available. It's quiet enough that I can close a door and barely hear it from the other room. Cost around $80, so target a price in that area.

From what I've read the expensive 'name brand' ones don't seem to be worth the extra price and you should just be prepared to replace the compressor every few years.

Thanks for the information! I never considered that the Iwata Ninja will pulse air as there is no collection tank.

​

I thought of getting this cleaning kit and this cleaning solution.

Do you know if the Testors is any good? I've also had people tell me you can't use lacquers over acrylics, is this true?

My bottle of Vallejo cleaner lasted about a year with a lot of spraying. What you should do is buy a gallon jug of distilled water to flush the airbush then put in the cleaner and run it through. Putting your airbrush in a ultrasonic cleaner after every use is a waste of time and it really doesn't clean it any better then you could by actually doing it. Just buy this big bottle I've linked to and unless you're a pro modeler you will not run out in a year.

Iwata-Medea Airbrush Cleaner 32 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TJA0SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Sp.YDbH1S7E3V

To save your eyesight, you might need this.

Thanks for the input! I ended up increasing my budget and picked up this brush, and this compressor.

I bought this compressor along with a Iwata Neo airbrush and a 6' hose. Came out to around 150$ total.

That compressor's like a 3rd the cost of some other compressors with the same features. And while it's only been a month, I haven't had a single issue with it.

I think most people would use something like Vallejo Plastic Putty:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000TSBJEO

Try Vallejo plastic putty https://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-VJ70401-Plastic-Putty-20ml/dp/B000TSBJEO.

It's water soluble in the initial stage, so you can wipe the excess away with a wet cotton swab.

Most of the time, the mating surface shouldn't be completely flush anyway. If two plates were welded or riveted together, they obviously won't be completely flush. Basically, don't be a perfectionist.

The putty is for filling small visible gaps. However, if you find numerous gaps in the finished model, you should probably consider buying a different brand...
Same goes for the injection pin marks. Good companies will design the model so that these marks are either facing inward or being covered up by other parts. You shouldn't need to fill more than a couple of these marks in a model. Otherwise, you should consider buying other brands.

These may be of some use to you.

Be gentle sanding as well, you dont want to take off any detail. Ive done that :(

Trumpeter also makes a tool like this [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com/Trumpeter-TSM-9910-Rivet-Maker/dp/B001JJZ2FE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509652969&sr=8-1&keywords=trumpeter+rivet&dpID=41pQvZ0MxdL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
). I picked one up but have yet to use it.

It’s part of the Airfix 1/72 double pack. Came with glue, paint and two models. The other one was a Zero.

Here’s a link in amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055ANWKA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_CnCiyxqpNKcYC

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Comfort-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator/dp/B00IF7RAP8/ + https://www.amazon.com/3M-Organic-Vapor-Cartridge-1-Pair/dp/B000XBKLLE/ + https://www.amazon.com/3M-5P71PB1-Particulate-Filter-10-Pack/dp/B0013Z0TV6/

Maybe Bandai

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Outlet/Tamiya-Acrylic-Colour-Clear-Mat-TS-80/B000ZVO3YS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494607362&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+clear+spray

This one seems to be Mat?

Bandai Hobby Sword Fish II Cowboy Bebop, Bandai Action Figure https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012HJDBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uBl9AbTCGT9Y6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RB38X8/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Yx3.ub1YQ5C8R

Pretty sure it's this old kit from Bandai: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012HJDBM

The price there btw is highway robbery for what this kit is. It's a no-grade Bandai kit from 2007 that was made in Korea, not Japan. It's the kind of kit that would have originally sold for a third of this asking price: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10012749

Problem is, it's so old and out of print that the prices get inflated to dumb levels, so good luck finding one.

That's a full sized compressor, but same theory :-).

You need an airbrushing one. Have a look at these:

https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-HP-Airbrush-Compressor-Portable/dp/B004KNDQCM/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1521943135&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=airbrush+compressor&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Badger-Air-Brush-Co-TC910-Compressor/dp/B005UH7CVI/ref=sr_1_21?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1521943135&sr=1-21&keywords=airbrush+compressor

Not sure where you are located, but try art or model supply shops, search for "airbrush compressor". They should go for around $100-200. You only need 1/5 to 1/4 HP as you only need to reach up to 30 psi (most spraying would be 18-25 psi).

Here is an example of a "side cutter":

https://www.amazon.com/Integy-Hop-ups-Precision-Modelers-Plastic/dp/B00W4172V8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505567090&sr=8-2&keywords=side+cutter

Liquid glue (random sales listing I chose, unsure if cheapest):
https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87038-Extra-Thin-Cement/dp/B000BMYWYC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505567173&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+extra+thin+cement

Example of sanding sticks (prices will vary, more than one brand available probably):
https://www.amazon.com/Squadron-Products-Value-Sanding-Stick/dp/B000CDR5K8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1505567224&sr=8-4&keywords=sanding+stick

just double checked, I'm in the wrong. never had a harder & Steenbeck but it was my opinion that they were High quality but High cost, not the greatest choice for a beginner.

seems this airbrush has quite the price variation:
228$
90$

Primed the model, Found detailed drawings of the panel lines. Marked up in pencil, then used a Trumper rivet wheel (Link) and ran down all the pencil lines.

Gives the model more detail... I hope...

First time doing it, if there's no real difference I'd cry :P