Well, almost there with my first model

[calcmandan]

I created an account on the revell website and began looking at cars to build. Found one that interested me but, sold out. Marked it on a wishlist. Continued on and found another car that struck my interest and... Sold out.

So, I'm going to be patient. Meanwhile, I saw onilne how hasegawa has an amazon store selling modelling material like meshing. For a small sheet it's about $10, had to wonder why it's so special when similar mesh can be found at lowes in a large roll you'd never use completely. What's special about it?

Also, there is a fantasatic modeller on youtube who buys special modelling pieces made out of foam and rubber that he crafts for his projects. Is there a decent site yall go to for these things or do you just grab things out of your garage? I"m afraid my creativity isn't trained for this yet. Amazon is a good resource but, one never knows.

 

[Jakko]

What's special about it is that they're marketing it to modellers Seriously, there is quite a lot of stuff that's simply repackaged and sold by big-name manufacturers for a lot more than the price for the same thing as a generic item. Especially for common tools, there's probably a much cheaper alternative. For example, you could buy Tamiya cotton swabs, but on a quick look I see that the Tamiya ones with a point cost around €6 for 50 while with no-name ones, I could get 80 for €2 — that's 12 cents each or 2.5 cents each. Hard choice, that …

The main thing to do is to just keep your eyes open. If something looks like it would be simple to make from common materials, it probably is — though it also depends on how close to scale you want it to be. Some things are hard to replicate with common materials, but you may just have a lucky find and come across material that looks useful. But much of this is experience: if you build a couple of models, you'll probably begin noticing things that may come in handy for the kinds of models you make.

Important is not to get caught up in trying to be perfect from the start. You will not build models that look as good as those YouTube stars do. Maybe in the future if you keep up this hobby, but your first models will not look like theirs do. Possibly, your one-hundredth model also won't come anything close — we'll find out when you get to that point Nobody starts at the top, everybody has to learn the basics first.

 

[urumomo]

great source ,
https://www.scalehobbyist.com/index.php

 

[Ron2]

Many times there is nothing special about materials other than it's being marketed to modelers and is more expensive. When I started out I went to hobby lobby a lot because every other week models are 40% off, the other week artist supplies are 40% off so I pick up brushes that week. What I learned walking around HL looking for materials is that in different sections they would have the same exact supply from the model section but cheaper. Same store same product just a different market!

 

[calcmandan]

What's special about it is that they're marketing it to modellers Seriously, there is quite a lot of stuff that's simply repackaged and sold by big-name manufacturers for a lot more than the price for the same thing as a generic item. Especially for common tools, there's probably a much cheaper alternative. For example, you could buy Tamiya cotton swabs, but on a quick look I see that the Tamiya ones with a point cost around €6 for 50 while with no-name ones, I could get 80 for €2 — that's 12 cents each or 2.5 cents each. Hard choice, that …

The main thing to do is to just keep your eyes open. If something looks like it would be simple to make from common materials, it probably is — though it also depends on how close to scale you want it to be. Some things are hard to replicate with common materials, but you may just have a lucky find and come across material that looks useful. But much of this is experience: if you build a couple of models, you'll probably begin noticing things that may come in handy for the kinds of models you make.

Important is not to get caught up in trying to be perfect from the start. You will not build models that look as good as those YouTube stars do. Maybe in the future if you keep up this hobby, but your first models will not look like theirs do. Possibly, your one-hundredth model also won't come anything close — we'll find out when you get to that point Nobody starts at the top, everybody has to learn the basics first.

I have tools that I bought at a hobby shop from years ago, I just plan on continuing to use them. I do need to find a good set of tools I"m sure can be obtained at lowes or harbor freight. I'm sort of a tool whore anyway. If you only saw my hangar you'd understand.

I have loads to learn. Anyone suggest a good youtube video on airbrush technique? I have yet to start shopping for that type of equipment and want to know a thing or two about it before I start shopping.

 

[Jakko]

I do need to find a good set of tools

The most important modelling tools are a good hobby knife, decent snippers/cutters (for removing parts from the sprue) and pointed tweezers. Everything else is more or less optional, though frequently or occasionally useful. Don't buy exotic tools unless you find you have a need for them, though: not every modeller needs sculpting tools, a punch-and-die set or a motor tool, but if you find you regularly need to do things that these are useful for, they'll probably be a good investment.