Plastic Model kit building (future build log) tips and tricks thread

[Shad.O]

Hey guys,

Looking to do my first model kit in a very VERY long time the proper way and was hoping for some help from those who have built up the knowledge over the years through trial, error and finding what works best for those certain affects you want on your model. Found endelss how to's on youtube but you cant beat first hand experience as well as it being the same country where youd be able to buy said products for the project.

Any tips on do's and donts for a novice looking for a semi professional finish on his project? 😅

Paints to use or avoid, thinners that work best for engine grease, rivet lines etc. Which plastic putty to use for unfortunate gaps in poor molding etc, the list goes on but those who are seasoned builders will know whats what

Going to either be doing a 1/48 scale of an F-15 or F-16, havent decided just yet as I want to make sure im happy with the kit quality and decals included without being disappointed down the line aftr making a impulse decision.

I am also looking to purchase an airbrush kit as well as I have a small compressor that will make painting much much easier, so any suggestions on a good entry level kit to look at are welcomed. Not wanting to break the bank but also dont want to shoot myself in the foot with something that isnt adjustable to what id need down the line with nozzle sizing or spray intensity etc.

Thanks in advance and will use this thread as my build log to help anyone in future looking to do the same and need similar advice 🍻

 

[AshenAcrobat]

Well hello there. Welcome back to the world of plastic scale modelling. My favourite hobby by far. If time constraints weren't a thing I would be building models all day long. Here is my tips.

Paints: Use the paint that are easily available to you and that fits your application style. If you are intending on spraying, Tamiya and Mr Color range of Acrylics are lacquer based, which means that they spray quite easiliy, and even better when you use Mr Levelling Thinner to then them out to the consistency of skim milk. Ammo by MIG is good due to the vast colour range they have, but the paint is difficult to spray out of bottle. Its water-based, but it still sprays surprisingly well with Mr Levelling Thinner (Which is meant for lacquer based paints). I use Ammo myself because of the colour range and the lack of fumes.

Model: Don't buy a good quality model yet. Just.... Don't. Buy a cheaper model. One with gaps and shoddy decals and all that crap. Buy as cheap as possible in the scale you are settling into. Practice on cheap models first. It saves you the butthurt when it goes to crap while experimenting with paint to thinner ratio's and how to airbrush etc., on using an expensive model first. My first model was cheap. My models now go into the R 1000-00 to R 2000-00 range ( I mostly paint ships, but also do aircraft and tanks every now and then)

Airbrush: Here I can give sage advice. I use a Tamiya Sparmax 0.3mm Airbrush. Its a great model that is priced reasonably well. Stay away from chinese knockoffs (Like Aircraft's range). They aren't worth the headache. It is also adjustable to an extent., but that comes down to using your trigger finger gently.

Finally, Good luck and happy painting.

 

[AshenAcrobat]

Oh, and as for putty and panel liners, it depends on what you want to do. Tamiya basic putty works fine, but you can go more expensive if you want.

The poster boy for panel liners these is days is using oil paints and mineral spirits. It gives beautiful results without the stress of using enamel based panel liners. But its also a bit of a hassle as it takes long to dry. On my personal preference I would say to go for oil paints. Mig makes them in small bottles called Oilbrushers which is overpriced. Get them from a Craft shop. It will work you out cheaper in the long run. You will just need to drain the linseed oil before applying the oil paint

 

[Shad.O]

@AshenAcrobat greatly appreciate the advice!

The cheap model to start off with already changes my original plans 🤣 will def look at the R5-600 mark for the 1/48 scale size im looking to do and experiment accordingly with affects etc.

I will certainly look into the Tamiya Airbrush to ensure I have a good kit from the get go an not end up pulling my hair out in the long run 😅

Oil paints and spirits is something completely new to me and I can see how its much cheaper than the pre made variants that the model brands offer in the long run as well as having a greater colour variety to work with depending on where youre wanting to add the line affects