Newbie from UK

[Tabasco]

Hello to everyone.

This being my first post thought I would say hello, there is a new shop that has just opened up in the small town where I live, it's full of Airfix, Revell and Tamiya kits, and many others, with a good variation of aircrfat, tanks and helicopters, this has now given me the idea of wanting to get back into this hobby, I have not done any modelling for 20+ years which is a long time. I understand that much has changed in producing a professional looking model, first question is where do I start, at the moment I have nothing, no tools or equipemnt so will be starting from scratch again, I have been watching many of the step by step tutorials that Paul has produced which are great and well presented and easy to understand, more questions if I may, what will the minimum tools needed and what would these be, and what model would anyone suggest to start with having had a gap of 20+ years.

Look forward to any replies.

Thank you.
Tabasco

[sheppsea]

Hello and welcome

In terms of the very basic modelling techniques, it might be worth checking out Northern Modeller's guide on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... gKFXnbMTdw

In terms of the tools, I find it really difficult to say the minimum as all of them serve a useful purpose, the ones I use most are sprue cutters, hobby knife and tooth picks, but I would recommend getting more than that as they don't cover all job

[Kevthemodeller]

[Tabasco]

Sheppsea,

I have looked at the video tutorials on YouTube on the above weblink, these are very basic and there is nothing new that I already know, what I have been looking at are the step by step video builds by Paul on the various kits, like the 1/48 ME109, 1/32 Corsair F4U and also like the BAC Lightning in 1/32 or 1/48, there are some other kits on my list but may do a little more reasearch first.

[Tabasco]

Kev,

Thank you.

[sheppsea]

Sheppsea,

I have looked at the video tutorials on YouTube on the above weblink, these are very basic and there is nothing new that I already know, what I have been looking at are the step by step video builds by Paul on the various kits, like the 1/48 ME109, 1/32 Corsair F4U and also like the BAC Lightning in 1/32 or 1/48, there are some other kits on my list but may do a little more reasearch first.

I agree Paul's are more details and more than achievable for anyone, but you were asking about the minimum tools needed etc, which is why I posted the link as this covers the very least you need

[ElCapitan]

In terms of bare minimum, I reckon sprue cutters, sanding sticks (the Ultimate starter pack is ideal), a cutting mat, and a couple of paintbrushes. I also use a scalpel to cut the decal sheet, but scissors would do if you're careful.

[Tabasco]

Sheppsea,

Thank you, I have buying the following magazines;

Airfix Model World
Scale Aircraft Modelling
Scale Aviation Modeller International (SAM)

ISM Magazine looks very good so will sucribe to this for sure, would you suggest to but tools etc from a particular place, will make my own list of what tools I think I will need and post here and any suggestions where to buy.

[Tabasco]

Rob,

Thank you, where are you able to buy the Ultimate starter pack from. I already have a green cutting mat, think it's approx A3 size so should be big enough to start with, one thing I like is how your able to remove canopy seem lines by either using various grades of paste, or sanding sticks.

[ElCapitan]

Rob,

Thank you, where are you able to buy the Ultimate starter pack from. I already have a green cutting mat, think it's approx A3 size so should be big enough to start with, one thing I like is how your able to remove canopy seem lines by either using various grades of paste, or sanding sticks.

You can get the sanders from the Ultimate retail website, here's a direct link https://www.umpretail.com/collections/b ... arter-pack Mine have lasted for ages!

For canopies I like to put some masking tape either side of the seam line, then shave it off gently with a sharp blade, then buff the remaining line. Everyone prefers different methods, but there are a lot of decent videos on youtube for things like that too

[Tabasco]

In terms of bare minimum, I reckon sprue cutters, sanding sticks (the Ultimate starter pack is ideal), a cutting mat, and a couple of paintbrushes. I also use a scalpel to cut the decal sheet, but scissors would do if you're careful.

Thank you, one question if I may, how can you post images or photos on the forum.

[ElCapitan]

In terms of bare minimum, I reckon sprue cutters, sanding sticks (the Ultimate starter pack is ideal), a cutting mat, and a couple of paintbrushes. I also use a scalpel to cut the decal sheet, but scissors would do if you're careful.

Thank you, one question if I may, how can you post images or photos on the forum.

There are some instructions here: viewtopic.php?f=67&t=22747

It's really easy when you get the hang of it!

[Tabasco]

Rob,

As expected having some issues with Flickr, first I download the app on my iPhone, will try and work the problem first and then post.

[ElCapitan]

Rob,

As expected having some issues with Flickr, first I download the app on my iPhone, will try and work the problem first and then post.

Just be aware that it isn't possible to post pictures from the app - you need to be on a computer to do that.

[Tabasco]

Just be aware that it isn't possible to post pictures from the app - you need to be on a computer to do that.

I have now setup Flickr on my laptop, will try and upload 1 or 2 images and see how I get on, is there a limit on the size in pixels and also in size MB.

[kiwigav]

welcome mate

[Tabasco]

welcome mate

Thank you.

[Tabasco]

Here is my list of what I think I will need, where would the best place to buy these products from, please let me know if there is anything that I may have missed out or if there is anything that's not needed.

Sanding stick - will buy from Ultimate Products from weblink in previous post.

Tamiya masking tape.

Glue - Tamiya extra thin, PVA, Zap

Cocktail sticks - Done

Cotton buds - Done

Decals - setting and application fluid.

Cutters for sprues.

Small drill set.

Putty for filling gaps.

Tool for holding/folding/cutting small photo etch parts.

Small file set.

Spray gun plus accessories.

Paint and paint types - will depend on the first few models I buy.

Paint brush types.

Thinners for cleaning brushes.

[Tabasco]

I have just bought the Airfix 1:48 scale English Electric Lightning F.2A/F.6 are there any after market parts that maybe needed for this model, for example to make the cockpit more detailed.

I also have the Aviation Classics Issue 5 on the English Electric Lightning, this magazine has a wealth of info in it.

Has anyone else built this model.

[sheppsea]

Not built it, but Eduard seem to do a PE set

They also do a Zoom set (which is basically a simplified version of the full set)

If you find the model on Scalemates they will list all of the aftermarkset linked to that model

[Tabasco]

Slowly building up my tools etc, question about primer paints, there are many colours, would a selection of balck, grey and white be good to start with, going to build Airfix's 1:48 scale Lightning F.2A/F.6 when at the stage at spraying with primer, what colour would anyone suggest to use

[Tabasco]

After some thought I have also decided to go for the Trumpeter 1:32 scale English Electric Lightning F2A/F6, like the idea of building in 1/32 scale for some reason, maybe the level of detail in kits at this scale, again will search for after market parts, if anyone can please post any weblinks that maybe of use that have not already been posted.

[Tabasco]

Looks like I have the same birthday today as ;

TheTroyster (52)
GazVickers (38)
ikobek (30)

Not sure how to change this in my profile settings.

[sheppsea]

Your best bet is the aforemention Scalemates, but Hannants normally list a lot of aftermarket for kits as well so worth checking there too

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AX09178

[Tabasco]

Your best bet is the aforemention Scalemates, but Hannants normally list a lot of aftermarket for kits as well so worth checking there too

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AX09178

Thank you for the weblink, looks like there is a lot of after market parts available for the Trumpeter 1:32 English Electric Lightning F2A/F6.

[Tabasco]

Another model that I'm looking to build is the Bronco Models, Airspeed A.S.51 1:35 Scale Horsa Glider MK1, if anyone know of the best place to look and buy from, not sure at the moment how much this kit will cost.

[privatepete]

Hi and to ISM

[Tabasco]

Hi and to ISM

Thank you.