Beginner questions ???

[Guest]

Im new to modelling. I used to paint gamesworkshop figures along time ago 20 years +. Ive recently bought some aircraft models with paints, brushes etc, i also bought myself an air brush and propell can.

Before i start putting more money into the hobby, I want to have a crack at building these models. Is there any other essential items id need. Could i thin paint down with water before i start buying thinners ? Could i use epoxy putty for filler ? Im just trying to find alternatives that i could get by with until im certain im going to enjoy the hobby, please sont think im being a tight ass but moneys very tight at the moment.

Any advice would be very much appriciated.

Thank you in advance

[Guest]

Sorry i just realised this is in the wrong section. Could it please be moved to the correct one. Really sorry.

[stona]

Don't worry about where you've posted,noone will shout at you! Your question may get discretely shifted to another section later. Everyone is trying to save a bob or two,infact there's a long thread somewhere which will give you some good,cheap,alternative modelling materials.

For your specific questions,many acrylic paints can be thinned with water but it does depend which they are. If you let us know the brands you can be pretty sure that someone familiar with them will give a definitive answer.

You can use epoxy putty as a filler,I do it myself for large gaps. Thick superglue or Tippex (small gaps) also make good fillers.

As for tools etc get what you need as you need it,spreading the cost over a longer period,it's less painful! You are going to need a sharp knife,tweezers,and sandpaper (I suggest 400,800 and 1500 grit) for starters. I'd also suggest some side cutters for removing parts from sprues. If you stick at it you'll accumulate a draw full of 'stuff'.

I'm sure others will make different suggestions.

Enjoy your models

Cheers

Steve

[BarryW]

Rather than sandpaper what about sanding sponges and sticks? If I was to get anything I would get the sanding sponges from Flory plus their skinny sanders. They make the sanding work a lot easier.

[Ian M]

Hi and Welcome. I certainly will not shout at you but I have moved this to the Chat section.

A good cheap place for tools and such is the wifes make up table. Tweezers, nail polishing stick make good sanding sticks and a about 1/4 the price.

A look in the local DIY store in the bargin bins often turns up things like mini cutters, clamps. Also a bit cheaper than model shop prices. Having said that, Look in on the SMS model shop. (link at top of the page).

You can get an idea of what you NEED and what you WANT. Big Bonus is his prices are vary fair!!! (Remeber I said that John, lol)

Hope you enjoy the road to ruin, I mean your return to a great hobby.

Ian M

[Guest]

Excellent advice and tips there guys, thanks very much for those. Stona the brands of paint ive got at the moment are the ones that come with the airfix kit. Ive got a nail polishing block which i stole from the Mrs, ive also got tweezers, craft knife etc.

[Guest]

I'm in much the same boat as you were - if you've still got some Citadel paint knocking around from the old days, they go on nicely if you can get the colours to match up - certainly the Skull White, Smelly Primer and Chaos Black rattle-cans are useful.