discussion 1st Model Advice

[DSWG]

Just been given the Takom FV432 1/35 set as a present as I used to drive the ambulance version. Never built a model kit before and looking for any advice a complete novice would need. Essential tools and paints required etc. as well as any way of converting the inside into the ambulance variant.

Thanks in advance

 

[pjgtech]

Hi mate, check out the kit instructions, (should be in the box), just take your time, and enjoy it.

You can use fairly basic tools if just starting out.
Nippers or similar cutters to cut parts off the sprue.
Tweezers are always handy.
Some sort of basic file to smooth off any rough edges.
Adhesive, eg: Revell or Tamiya
If painting theres loads of makers, popular ones are Tamiya, Revell, Mr Hobby Ammo (Mig).
Amazon, Temu Ali Express, Ebays etc all sell basic modelling starter sets, or try any local model shop, Hobbycraft, etc..
See linky...
https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/6pc-modelmakers-tool-set-in-storage-box-expo-tools-73525/

Its always helpful/useful to do a bit of googling of the subject you are modelling, theres usually loads of info out there and photos of the real thing or other models, to give you ideas.... or just ask on here....

Just be aware...... if you find that you enjoy it....its a slippery slope!

 

[LeytonO]

You have picked quite a complicated model to start your journey.
Might be an idea to have a practice on something simpler e.g. Tamiya Panzer II (35009)
Goes together well and can be had for about a tenner or so
Some good tips above from Peter, be aware that the modern glues give off quite a smell.
Check Youtube for videos on how to apply them, very different to the old style stringy plastic cement

Might also be an idea to use water based acrylic paints such as those from Vallejo.
Much easier to clean up and again less smelly fumes that might be unacceptable to you or others in your abode

There was a conversion interior kit made for the ambulance interior.
Unfortunately the maker Accurate Armour ceased trading this year.
Perhaps a search on Ebay or a wider Google search might turn one up.

 

[Jim R]

Welcome to the forum. As Rich says this is not a simple kit to start with. Having said that with patience and time you should produce a model to be proud of.

For sticking together the plastic bits - any thin styrene cement. Tamiya Thin, VMS, loads to choose from. Paint, assuming you're brush painting not using an airbrush, I would recommend Vallejo Model Color. It can be diluted with water. Two or three thin coats is always better than one thick coat which simply clogs up detail.. I think the kit has some brass photo etched parts. For that you will need CA glue (Super glue)

Again I would go along with Rich. Have a go at a cheap Tamiya kit or one of the new Aifix starter kits. You'll learn a lot and if you do mess it up it doesn't matter.

I wish you well. It's a great hobby.

 

[DSWG]

Thank you for the advice guys, think I'll get a starter kit and have a practice

 

[kacitgirl]

tbh i cant offer advice on that scale but as said above ⬆

 

[DSWG]

 

[DSWG]

This one should arrive soon as a first build. Got the other RNLI Lifeboat on its way as well

 

[LeytonO]

This one should arrive soon as a first build. Got the other RNLI Lifeboat on its way as well

Looks like a good one to have a try with, hope you enjoy it.
I suggest trying one of the newer plastic cements such as Tamiya Extra Thin or Mr Cement S
It is easier and less messy to use and works a lot quicker too.
This video explains how to use the various types of glue you might need

 

[Jim R]

Good choice. Again Rich is correct. Don't use the tube glue provided with the kit. It's thick, gloopy and messy.
The Shannon is a new kit and should go together nicely. If the other kit is the Severn that is much older and far more prone to problems.
Maybe you could share your build on the forum.
Good luck, have fun.

 

[DSWG]

Thanks for the advice, I got a bottle of the Tamiya extra thin, will post photos when I am able to start building next week

 

[PaulTRose]

I came close to a Shannon class yesterday

I was out for my usual walk round the river..... which is tidal....... combination of high tide and all the rain we had end of last week meant the water levels were very high and very fast moving

There was a lot of coastguard and police vehicles around and a rhib pootling about on the water...... turns out someone had reported seeing a body in the water...... (they didnt find one by the way)....... went past the watersports centre and there was a lifeboat coming upstream, did a 360 and went back down again........ Shows how much water there was cos the sea is about 12 km away

 

[Airborne01]

This one should arrive soon as a first build. Got the other RNLI Lifeboat on its way as well

You're a glutton for punishment Doc! You'll find a lifeboat was tackled recently if you scan back - can't think who it was by unfortunately
Steve

 

[DSWG]

image widget

 

[DSWG]

I messed up and glued on the top before putting the window glass in
I decided the railings didn't look right so replaced the included ones with some 0.5mm black cable and 0.75mm rope for the front section like the actual boat has. One side completed, 1 to go and need to put more decals on (which was a lot easier than I thought it would be).

 

[DSWG]