Ok, I haven't built a model since I was probably 15 years old and that was a snap together. I'm older now (37) and would like to attempt model building. I don't have a clue as to what/where/cost/paint/brand etc to buy. Also, what other things i.e. paint, glue, knives etc. would I need to buy. Again, I'm only going to be beginning so is there maybe a beginner "kit" or something I could buy and don't forget to let me know where to buy these things. I live in Victoria Tx. and about the only hobby shop we have is hobby lobby and i don't think they have a very good model section. Thanks for any input and just to let you know, just looking at some of you guys' models is what inspired me to give it a try. Oh yeah, most of what I would like to build would be Corvettes and possibly Harley's.

 

I am in the same boat as you. I wanted to get back into it as a hobby after many years. I found this site, poke around as there are many tutorials there on building,painting etc. Most builds are excellent, better than I will ever be. Currently working on a C6 from Revell
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/f927/

also look at towerhobbies.com and their model section:
http://www.plastic-models.com/
Walmart and kmart have some items too

 

I use to build lots of models then quit. I was in Hobby Lobby to pickup a custom framing thing and went down the model isle. Models were 30% off...I couldn't resist the Revell '66 Penske Racing Corvette. I also bought the testors spray paint, some CA glue, etc..I have an airbrush, but only used it a couple of times. So, I thought I would paint this one out of the spray can. The paint is heavy and ran and bubbled up...not real happy about the paint. I think the decals will cover most of it up. I recommed the CA glue (like used with r/c airplanes, etc..) it will cure instantly so you can build fairly quickly. It comes thin, medium, and thick. I went with thin and wish I had gotten med or heavy. The thin just runs everywhere ! You can get these supplies online or a local hobby store. Its fun to walk in and purchase a bunch of stuff in person. You can also dip the windshields, etc ...in Future acrylic floor wax - that gives it a REAL glass appearance vs. clear plastic. Even a drop it over the gauges, turn signals, etc...great for the detail.

 

I have the '6 Penske too!

The latest(and hardest) model I built was the #3 C5R. Withthe rollcage and all the decals, it makes it time consuming. I love doing it and like most of you, built them when young and stopped until recently.

I still remember some of my tricks from back then.


I guessthe biggest difference is the price!!!

 

Yea, I bought flipped when the sticker said, "$15.00" then add in the paint, etc...I can buy some parts for my real car with those prices

 

bought the C5R Revell then pent a ton on the paints, file, knife. Haven't built any in 35-40 years. Revell vette has a million decals!
Biggest problem I see is painting the white and the yellow divide. Decal does seperate it but you need to be close. Any tips?

 

My reason for getting into diecast 15 years ago was to get instant gratification. Now have over 800 1/12 and 1/18 on display and in boxes. JMHO

 

Mask it off with some good tape ? Or go with the later versions - all yellow ?

 

Here is an excellent forum for model car builders:
Model Cars Magazine Forum

The folks there range from new builders to very experienced modelers, and they are very willing to answer even the most basic question.

David
My, Mostly Old, Models

 

 

Thats a pretty cool forum.

 

Good point. I used to love building models and became really serious with the 1/43-scale "white metal" kits about 25 years ago, even importing a lot of them as part of my mail order book business. The beauty of the WM kits was that one could obtain models of cars not usually available from the popular manufacturers. The smaller scale, too, offered some advantages in terms of fewer parts, more forgiving assembly and selection of paint. One could actually paint the metal model using the same paint as the original manaufacturer of the car it replicates.

As this genre became more popular, many of the kits became more complex and expensive. At one time I imported a number of Bosica kits from Italy, which included a 1/43-scale (about 4" long) Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagato Gran Sport which offered not only a lot of parts, but things like a tiny supercharger for the engine (oh, yes, you had to build the working, hinged hood to see it). The kit even included a tiny little "Alfa Romeo" script, made of plated photo-etched brass, that the builder was to apply to the radiator grille. (that is, if it didn't get lost in the carpet below your work space). Bosica also offered a beautiful 1/43-scale Porsche 356 coupe kit - also about 4" in length - which allowed (required?) the builder to assemble 5-piece wheels, each about the size of a dime.

Wonderful stuff and as much fun to own the unbuilt kits as to build the model. Over the years, though, the already-made die-cast models improved from what might be categorized as Dinky and Corgi toys and even Hot Wheels models to a level of quality better than I was able to build from the 1/43-scale kits. The selection of available cars also improved dramatically.

So, good for you. My aging eyes and concentration have long overcome my ability to make models as good or better than what is available on the die-cast market. I envy you. Just make sure you pick a theme and don't try to build, say, every Ferrari that ever turned a wheel in anger.

I hope you'll post some photos of your finished work.