discussion New to scale modelling!

[Steve-the-Duck]

Before I forget, an addition to the standard lot of tools

Little clamps like these can be very useful

 

[DeeJay]

Do what works for you. Weathering is an inexact artform at best, so go with what works for you
But IMHO, less is always more

So would you say to do this one as is? I'm in 2 minds, I want to make it look realistic to what it would have been used for but then I also want to do what it says to do as it's my first and would like to look back at it after ive done 100's lol

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

So would you say to do this one as is? I'm in 2 minds, I want to make it look realistic to what it would have been used for but then I also want to do what it says to do as it's my first and would like to look back at it after ive done 100's lol

Ah, well (putting on my 'cop out' hat) only you can decide how much extra you want to put in. I mean, I'm doing all these mini-MiGs for the GB on here, and of the seven I've done so far, all of them I've gone back to and tweaked.

A first model is kind of an experiment, so why not try out a few extra ideas. Of course, there's nothing to stop you getting another one of these, after you've cut your teeth on a few more different kits, and really go to town.
Like, does the kit have wing mirrors, or a gear stick, or a rusty in the wheel arch

If you like it, if you're satisfied, that's all good. If other people appreciate it, all the better. Just don't be too downhearted if it doesn't go how you wanted or hoped

And in that case, you can blame the manufacturer for putting out a crappy, ill-fitting junk kit!

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Still, what do I know. I've only been building models since 1972, so I'm not much above a mildly gifted amateur!

 

[Darian Frey]

Weathering - that's an art form in itself (that I am completely rubbish at and still learning). Still, you can do the basics - you can get all manner of weathering 'stuff' from mud to dust and rust pigments. If you have access to chalk pastels and oil-paints you can make you own. Or even just use some dark earth paint.

Youtube is an excellent resource for modelling, especially weathering and basic building techniques. If you search for basic modelling techniques, how to work with clear parts, basic weathering etc. you may well find stuff that can help.

There's nothing to loose on having a go with anything - if you mess up, just buy another one and have another go.