Model Building - What do I need?

[Syxx_Killer]

I would love to start building models again. This time with the right stuff so they don't turn out so crummy. I would love to get an airbrush and compressor but that just costs way too much. My question is, what tools would I need to have that would still give me good results? I don't like painting large surfaces like ship hulls or car bodies by brush, but I don't have much of a choice. I would probably concentrate on ships. I may do a car or aircraft but unlikely. I was browsing around eHobbies, and I'm not sure what brushes to get. Is there a brush that doesn't leave strokes? I haven't built a model in years.

Here's the eHobbies site if anyone is interested.

http://www.ehobbies.com

[Torplexed]

I've found the best way to avoid brushstrokes without an airbrush is to get your ship's base colors in a spray can. Most model paint colors are available in a small pressurized can as well as a bottle. Lay down some newspaper in the garage or some other well-ventilated spot and go to town. Use tape for masking. Really ideal for large models.

[blue3golf]

you could always get an airbrush from testors that uses the can of compressed air, they seem to work well. Pretty good price as well. Here's the site.

http://www.testors.com/

[Abraham]

A pair of tweezers.
And a lot of patience, to wait for the glue to dry, for the paint to dry, for everything.


And take care to tone down the colours a little bit. When you use for instance the original Navy Blue or Battleship Grey on a scale model you'll find that the colours are unrealistic. Because you whatch your model from say one meter, but you expect your model to be on scale distance (probably a few hundred meter). Over this distance the air filters some of the original colours away. Add a bit of White, Sky Blue or Duck Egg Green to the other colours to make them look more realistic...
And if you "weather" a ship, do it subtle. No heavy streaks of rust unless that is historically correct (which it probably won't be).

[Syxx_Killer]

Thanks guys. I'll check out those spray paint cans. I didn't know they made them. I always just used the little Testors bottles.

I didn't know there were airbrushes that could use the compressed air cans, either. I will check those out. I've got a 60 gal air compressor in the garage. Would one of the airbrushes work with that? I never really gave it much thought because I thought the connectors would be different.

Right now, my main goal will probably be to get a good quality Titanic model, but paint it up to look like Britannic. I've always wanted to do Britannic, but since there are no actual model kits of the ship I will have to convert a Titanic model.

I really want to know my options, because I want to do it right this time. I've got alot of model ships that I did years ago when I was alot younger. I looked at them last night for the first time in a long time. My initial thought was, I want to throw them all out and start over.

[blue3golf]

Good hobby knife is always nice to have around as well

[MadMike]

I use acrylic paints for small projects, cleans up (and thins) with water. For large models I use store bought spray cans (base coat with gray, otherwise hand paint). Acrylics can be bought at places like Wal Mart and the colors will match any FS standard.
My basic necessities list includes masking tape, newspaper, adequate ventilation (when using sprays), glue, super-glue, tweezers, sandpaper of various grades, carpet knife blades, etc. Oh yeah, don't forget research- year's ago we didn't have the luxury of the net...

Yours, Mike

[Rockstar]

A model kit would be a good start. Or maybe a block of wood and a whittling knife.

[Godalmighty83]

lego.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Godalmighty83

lego.

You could be onto something there!



Click on the pic for more pictures...I didn't make it...I doubt that in my 22 years on this earth that I'd have had enough time to make that beauty.

[Deathblow]

That's amazing.....
Looks like I need a new hobby. :hmm:

[Linton]

I know it is early but can I have one for Christmas?Is there any more detail on length of build and who it was built by?

Originally Posted by Syxx_Killer

I've got a 60 gal air compressor in the garage. Would one of the airbrushes work with that? I never really gave it much thought because I thought the connectors would be different.

Go to a good hobby shop or look online. There are all kinds of adapters to mate airbrushes and big compressors. That's how car detailers do it. Also, if you end up building a lot, spray cans and compressed air cans end up costing more.

I once had an adapter that let me use a spare car tire.