Support NeoGAF

[Mik2121]

Hey there GAF!. I have decided to start working on some plastic models to use as reference for my 3D work. After searching around and going to a couple stores around here that sell them (fairly cheap, too), I have decided to go with mainly 1/72 scale models of military planes mainly.

I would ask for best places to buy and whatnot but I live in Japan (where the plastic model scene is pretty big btw) so I don't think many of you would be able to help me. I'll be buying mainly Hasegawa and Tamiya stuff.

Anyway, I'd like to use this thread more as a place to post the stuff we do or have done, and maybe some tips on how to apply the colors and all that. I'm still a newbie (hell, haven't even bought my first plane yet!), but I've done some painting and gluing together work before when I was hooked to Warhammer 40k back many years ago.



I don't expect many people to post here so I'll probably have to bump this thread in a couple weeks when I do my first shopping (model + all the basic tools). If not, please go and post pics of your own stuff!

 

[SiegfriedFM]

Oooh, models. I don't do plane models but mostly figures that aren't popular enough to be factory made.

Soul Edge: Seong Mi-Na -

Basic resin kit, painted and assembled by hand.

(transforming) Datsun 280ZX -

Custom Transformer built on existing figure, Lego pieces and a Tamiya RC car shell.

If you've done Warhammer I guess you know the basics. Having a primer base coat is essential, as is painting with fairly thin paint so it doesn't show a bunch of brush strokes. Also, an assortment of pins, needles and various wooden skewers can be useful to apply small details that are hard to do with brushes. I bought a pack of barbecue skewers that I cut up into small pieces to stir or mix the paint, and I use the thin points to paint tiny circles like in the eyes of figures.

 

[ReaperXL7]

This seems like it would be as good as any a place to ask. I am considering getting into modle building, and if I do it's going to be mechas more than likely. I've been looking around mostly on amazon, and i'm curious if anyone has any advice for a starting point?

So far i'm most interested in the Super Robot Wars, Armored Core, and Gundum kits, but which ones would be best suited for a beginner? Some of these things look pretty complicated, so i'd like something cool, but low tierd enough to get my feet wet with it.

I'm thinking something likes this:

Also, when they send these kits they are not pre-painted correct? Do they normally come with a guide on which pieces should be painted what color?

 

[sixteen-bit]

Gundam models are pretty good places to start, ReaperXL07. They'll need to be painted to look presentable though. Typically in the instructions you'll have a color match guide.

 

[SiegfriedFM]

I got some cheap 1/144 scale Destiny Gundam figures, and they're pretty cool. You can assemble them without glue if you want, and they're extremely posable and come with a metric ton of accessories. I didn't paint them but obviously they will look much better.

 

[ReaperXL7]

Gundam models are pretty good places to start, ReaperXL07. They'll need to be painted to look presentable though. Typically in the instructions you'll have a color match guide.

I got some cheap 1/144 scale Destiny Gundam figures, and they're pretty cool. You can assemble them without glue if you want, and they're extremely posable and come with a metric ton of accessories. I didn't paint them but obviously they will look much better.

Thanks to both of your for the answers. One other question I have is that some of the descriptions on the kits themselves talk about a "Grade" like Master Grade, Real Grade, etc.

What does the grade mean? Is it basically just how diffcult to build, or detailed the model is?

 

[S. L.]

Thanks to both of your for the answers. One other question I have is that some of the descriptions on the kits themselves talk about a "Grade" like Master Grade, Real Grade, etc.

What does the grade mean? Is it basically just how diffcult to build, or detailed the model is?

the grade is mainly for the detail level
all (bandai) gundam kits can be snap-fitted without glue, so if you can read a manual you are already on the winning side. they are also color molded and come with stickers, so even without painting they will look alright

 

[Leunam]

One of the guys I'm currently working on. Mclaren-Honda MP4/5B.

Engine for my Yamaha YZR-M1'09.

Master Grade Wing and J. Ridden Custom. Wing was basically out of the box with some additional decals. No paint besides wash for the seams. Zaku was all painted, some modifications and after market bits.

 

[mingus]

Thanks to both of your for the answers. One other question I have is that some of the descriptions on the kits themselves talk about a "Grade" like Master Grade, Real Grade, etc.

What does the grade mean? Is it basically just how diffcult to build, or detailed the model is?

Grade can also reflect difficulty. Most of the 1/144 kits don't have that many parts so it's relatively simple. If you skip a step or put something in backwards by mistake, it's not hard to undo the mistake and separate the pieces. Master grade kits aren't harder per se, but mistakes can be pretty unforgiving. These things fit together pretty snugly and if you do make a mistake (which I have plenty of times), it's a chore to separate the parts without damaging them. A quick and dirty run down of the scales:

1/144 - The smallest; when a new series comes out, they'll come out with a really cheap and simple version with various names (Fast Grade, First Grade, etc). These are crap. Wait until the High Grade version comes out, as they are more detailed. For the long-running Universal Century timeline, there is the tried-and-true High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line that has decent detail. Real Grade reflects the new line of 1/144 scale models with ridiculous detail and complexity, I haven't bought one yet so I can't comment on difficulty.

1/100 - These usually come in two flavors: for the current running series, these are the larger, more detailed version of their 1/144 counterparts going again by various "Grade" types; or they are the Master Grade (MG) version, which are I guess reissues of past and current models with very good detail. If you can't decide on which type to go with, go with Master Grade.

1/60 - I've never bought any of these, so my knowledge is limited here. Two types again; Perfect Grade and High Grade. The Perfect Grade (PG) ones are few, usually the main gundam from a series will be released with the highest detail and some metal parts. A newer addition is the High Grade, which from what I've seen, is just a 1/100 random grade except bigger.

I like to characterize the core of the gundam models as HGUC, MG, and PG; you can't go wrong with either of them. Since detail goes up with grade, there is less painting to be done for correct part colors if you just build vanilla as you go up in grade. I'm probably gonna get crap for assembling mine without painting at all, but I don't have the time or the materials. If you want a cheap model for practice or if it's not ever issued in the aforementioned grades, then the other versions are ok too I guess.

EDIT: a great site for straight builds of almost every gundam model released is http://dalong.net/. Before you click, chrome is telling me "dalong.net contains content from www.gundamshop.co.kr, a site known to distribute malware." I've never had an issue with the site but just a heads up.

 

[Orayn]

I've been thinking of picking up some model tanks, but the nice ones I've found all require a lot more painting experience than I currently have. I mean, I get the general idea of what needs to be given a solid coat, what needs to be ink-washed, and where to drybrush, but it just seems a bit much.

 

[ReaperXL7]

Grade can also reflect difficulty. Most of the 1/144 kits don't have that many parts so it's relatively simple. If you skip a step or put something in backwards by mistake, it's not hard to undo the mistake and separate the pieces. Master grade kits aren't harder per se, but mistakes can be pretty unforgiving. These things fit together pretty snugly and if you do make a mistake (which I have plenty of times), it's a chore to separate the parts without damaging them. A quick and dirty run down of the scales:

1/144 - The smallest; when a new series comes out, they'll come out with a really cheap and simple version with various names (Fast Grade, First Grade, etc). These are crap. Wait until the High Grade version comes out, as they are more detailed. For the long-running Universal Century timeline, there is the tried-and-true High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line that has decent detail. Real Grade reflects the new line of 1/144 scale models with ridiculous detail and complexity, I haven't bought one yet so I can't comment on difficulty.

1/100 - These usually come in two flavors: for the current running series, these are the larger, more detailed version of their 1/144 counterparts going again by various "Grade" types; or they are the Master Grade (MG) version, which are I guess reissues of past and current models with very good detail. If you can't decide on which type to go with, go with Master Grade.

1/60 - I've never bought any of these, so my knowledge is limited here. Two types again; Perfect Grade and High Grade. The Perfect Grade (PG) ones are few, usually the main gundam from a series will be released with the highest detail and some metal parts. A newer addition is the High Grade, which from what I've seen, is just a 1/100 random grade except bigger.

I like to characterize the core of the gundam models as HGUC, MG, and PG; you can't go wrong with either of them. Since detail goes up with grade, there is less painting to be done for correct part colors if you just build vanilla as you go up in grade. I'm probably gonna get crap for assembling mine without painting at all, but I don't have the time or the materials. If you want a cheap model for practice or if it's not ever issued in the aforementioned grades, then the other versions are ok too I guess.

EDIT: a great site for straight builds of almost every gundam model released is http://dalong.net/. Before you click, chrome is telling me "dalong.net contains content from www.gundamshop.co.kr, a site known to distribute malware." I've never had an issue with the site but just a heads up.

This is great information, thanks alot.

Since you seem to have quite abit of knowledge on this, just out of curiosity have you ever done models for other series? like the super robot wars, or armored core modles? I'm curious as to their difficulty in building compared to the gundam stuff, or if it's all pretty much based on the grade of the model.

However looking at different models and what not stuff like this

and this

look awesome, but also look like they could be insane to piece together.

think I might go with Master Gundam for my first as it doesnt look too complicated for a first go, and G gundam is my favorite so think I might pick this one up next week.

 

[Dead Man]

I made a lot of 1/72 aircraft when I was younger, and some bigger ones too, I made a great 1/32 F14 as well, that sucker was beautiful. Lost them all over the years though, don't really have the money or time to get back into it these days.

 

[S. L.]

ah what the hell,
i did build a few kits some time ago

and some others, check my blog if interested

 

[Log4Girlz]

Hey there GAF!. I have decided to start working on some plastic models to use as reference for my 3D work. After searching around and going to a couple stores around here that sell them (fairly cheap, too), I have decided to go with mainly 1/72 scale models of military planes mainly.

I would ask for best places to buy and whatnot but I live in Japan (where the plastic model scene is pretty big btw) so I don't think many of you would be able to help me. I'll be buying mainly Hasegawa and Tamiya stuff.

Anyway, I'd like to use this thread more as a place to post the stuff we do or have done, and maybe some tips on how to apply the colors and all that. I'm still a newbie (hell, haven't even bought my first plane yet!), but I've done some painting and gluing together work before when I was hooked to Warhammer 40k back many years ago.



I don't expect many people to post here so I'll probably have to bump this thread in a couple weeks when I do my first shopping (model + all the basic tools). If not, please go and post pics of your own stuff!

Its been my dream to collect military aircraft models.

 

[NEO0MJ]

look awesome, but also look like they could be insane to piece together.

http://www.geminihobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/armored-core-nobelesse-model-kit.jpg

think I might go with Master Gundam for my first as it doesnt look too complicated for a first go, and G gundam is my favorite so think I might pick this one up next week.

Don't worry about those Kotobukia kits, even my lil bro managed to build the very armored core above. I put them at master grade level of dificulty. But they do require more paint than gundam kits. Anyways check this site to see unpainted versions of model kits.

http://www.dalong.net/

He usually puts the uncolored version at the bottom of the model's gallery.

 

[panda21]

is this thread relevant? not sure if its the same kind of thing you are interested in:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220268

 

[Alex Connolly]

Mik, I beseech you - for yourself and for the planet itself, get yourself some Maschinen Krieger models, only for the fact Kow Yokoyama is a god-tier mecha designer.

Do you want toys for boys, or do you want MODELS FOR GRIZZLED MEN?!

And living in Japan is a bonus, because you can nab a few freshly re-released models. I'm able to find a decent range down in the boondocks of Kagoshima, including the delicious Groberhund, and despite not being as cheap as some Gundam models, they can be found for around 3000 yen a pop. They are awe-inspiring and unlike 99% of the usual mecha models found about the place.

MaK is a hellishly awesome franchise. As much as Dust and Gear Krieg are cool, MaK reigns supreme in the junky, sci-fi WWII/Cold War pantheon.

 

[Wubby]

is this thread relevant? not sure if its the same kind of thing you are interested in:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220268

Yeah sorry but that figure toy thread is completely different than scale modeling. All they do in that thread is buy dolls, open the box (or not) and pose them. You won't find a dual action airbrush or an open bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement at all in that thread. The Gundam thread is actually the closest thread to scale modeling we've had on here as they deal with Gunpla as well.

I would ask for best places to buy and whatnot but I live in Japan (where the plastic model scene is pretty big btw) so I don't think many of you would be able to help me. I'll be buying mainly Hasegawa and Tamiya stuff.

Don't be so sure on that. There are a number of us here in Japan. For kits from any of the Japanese manufacturers (Tamiya, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Finemolds) I've personally found the best place to pick them up are in big electronic stores. If you are in Tokyo then hop over to Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara. Other places such as Yamada-denki and Bic-Camera also have modeling sections but depending on the store the selection can be hit or miss. Yodobashi in Akihabara has a big section though I think it was on the 6th floor.

Unlike a lot of hobby stores the electronics places will sell hobby items 30% off retail. I also suggest to get all of your paints and common supplies there. A ¥150 bottle of Tamiya or Mr. Hobby paint will only cost ¥110 per bottle at these stores. Hobby shops being that is there only business will for the most part always sell at list price.

If you also want to find good deals on kits but don't mind that they aren't really 'new' then check out used stores such as kanteidan and Off-House/Hard-off. I've bought a ton of kits over the years from these stores. They are 'used' but not built and can usually be had for half the price of new kits. In fact I've been able to find a number of rare out of production kits at great prices from these places. But it all depends where you are and what kind of stores you have close by. Yahoo Japan auctions is another great place.

If you are new to the hobby then I would also suggest stopping by a bookstore or Amazon and picking up a few books. Personally I like the series by Nomo-ken. He has three books out plus a gundam special. Pick up Nomo-ken1 and Nomo-ken2 at least and give them a looking through. Nomo-ken3 is great too but has more advanced tips. These books detail the common tools and techniques used for building in Japan.

Nomo-ken1
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4894256371/

Nomo-ken2
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4894254514/

Oh gosh what else... I was actually planning to make a mega thread for scale modeling myself with links and tips up the wazoo but I have to wait until I'm no longer a junior member. Someday.

1/72 is a great scale (aka 'the gentleman's scale) and popular in Japan. The number of subjects you can get in this scale is phenomenal. Tamiya has a new tool 1/72 Zero slated for release next month. It's looking to be a fantastic kit. Are you more interested in modern planes or WWII subjects?

One thing to note about the Tamiya range of 1/72 scale aircraft kits is that the majority of them aren't actually Tamiya kits. Tamiya reboxes Italeri kits for the Japanese market in Tamiya boxes. But these are easy to spot. On the front of the box in the top left or right corner it will note that the kit was made in Italy. It's not that Italeri kits are necessarily bad (well some are), it's just that they aren't on par with the quality one can come to expect from Tamiya. Tamiya does have some 1/72 kits in their own tooling and for the most part when Tamiya does their own tooling you get the best kit in that scale. Some may argue otherwise and sure there are some bones you can pick about in a few kits (Tamiya BF-109e4 has a fuselage which is a bit short for the scale) but by in large they are the best. Tamiyas own tool 1/72 include the P-51, F4U, and P-47 to name a few.

For paints if you are just starting out then I'd stick with using Tamiya Acrylics (Or Mr. Hobby aqueous) and Tamiya Enamels (small square bottles). The enamels will brush paint much better than the acrylics. The acrylics are much better suited for an airbrush but they can be brush painted as long as you use Tamiyas own thinner as it also as a paint retarder mixed in that will help level the paint. For big surfaces though stick with the Tamiya/Mr. Color spray cans. Also be sure to get a can of either Mr Surfacer 1000 or Tamiya Surface Primer. Primer helps the paint stick to the plastic as well as point out any flaws in your prep-work that need to be addressed before you start painting.

There's a number of forums out there and they all have a wealth of tips on them. I recommend searching for the ARC forums, scale model addict and the 72nd scale aircraft forums. Hope this helps and happy building! Also if you are still in Japan come mid-May then try to come down to Shizuoka for the Shizuoka hobby show. It's a great show and Tamiya also runs a bus to their HQ which is open to visitors.

Edit: I just saw that you are in Osaka. Only been there once myself but you can head over to Denden town (nipponbashi) and visit Volks and Super Kids Land Joshin.

 

[Dead Man]

Mik, I beseech you - for yourself and for the planet itself, get yourself some Maschinen Krieger models, only for the fact Kow Yokoyama is a god-tier mecha designer.

Do you want toys for boys, or do you want MODELS FOR GRIZZLED MEN?!

And living in Japan is a bonus, because you can nab a few freshly re-released models. I'm able to find a decent range down in the boondocks of Kagoshima, including the delicious Groberhund, and despite not being as cheap as some Gundam models, they can be found for around 3000 yen a pop. They are awe-inspiring and unlike 99% of the usual mecha models found about the place.

MaK is a hellishly awesome franchise. As much as Dust and Gear Krieg are cool, MaK reigns supreme in the junky, sci-fi WWII/Cold War pantheon.

Holy shit, that stuff is awesome.

 

[Major Williams]

This seems like it would be as good as any a place to ask. I am considering getting into modle building, and if I do it's going to be mechas more than likely. I've been looking around mostly on amazon, and i'm curious if anyone has any advice for a starting point?

So far i'm most interested in the Super Robot Wars, Armored Core, and Gundum kits, but which ones would be best suited for a beginner? Some of these things look pretty complicated, so i'd like something cool, but low tierd enough to get my feet wet with it.

I'm thinking something likes this:

Also, when they send these kits they are not pre-painted correct? Do they normally come with a guide on which pieces should be painted what color?

I highly recommend reading up on all of the kits available. An MG for gundam is a great place to start. Check my blog for helpful pointers on building stuff (The panel on the right called "Gundam Building 101). The link is http://majorwilliams.blogspot.com

 

[mingus]

This is great information, thanks alot.

Since you seem to have quite abit of knowledge on this, just out of curiosity have you ever done models for other series? like the super robot wars, or armored core modles? I'm curious as to their difficulty in building compared to the gundam stuff, or if it's all pretty much based on the grade of the model.

However looking at different models and what not stuff like this

http://plamoya.com/bmz_cache/a/a8cf90afb59872aa05fc58eadc02aa8f.image.500x454.jpg[IMG]

and this

[IMG]http://www.geminihobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/armored-core-nobelesse-model-kit.jpg[IMG]

look awesome, but also look like they could be insane to piece together.

think I might go with Master Gundam for my first as it doesnt look too complicated for a first go, and G gundam is my favorite so think I might pick this one up next week.[/QUOTE]

I've only built gundam, but from the looks of it, the two model lines you posted should be essentially the same.

For that super robot war model, here's [URL="http://dalong.net/review/kotobukiya/srw22/srw22_i.htm"]unboxing [/URL]and [URL="http://dalong.net/review/kotobukiya/srw22/srw22_p.htm"]straight assembly[/URL].
For the armored core model, here's [URL="http://dalong.net/review/kotobukiya/nx06/nx06_i.htm"]unboxing [/URL]and [URL="http://dalong.net/review/kotobukiya/nx06/nx06_p.htm"]straight assembly[/URL].

 

[Ferga]

I have this. Took 8-9 hours to make in total.

So worth it

 

[teiresias]

My boyfriend actually gave me an out-of-print (as far as I'm aware) Star Trek VI Enterprise-A model for Christmas. I suspect he paid a decent chunk of change for it so I'm really wanting to do it right, so anyone that has suggestions on the best cements, paints, putties, etc. to use, I'd be ever so grateful.

I think I'll be using Tamiya acrylics, I just need to buy some brushes, but I'm not sure if these plastic models require a primer coat on top to help the paint adhere better. Then, the thing has waterslide decals - which I've always been horrible with. I'm thinking of buying a cheap $15 model to practice on before going to work on the Enterprise model (there's a cool small Enterprise-E model at the local hobby shop). It's not really intricate, but there's a good deal on the web about how to make the paint job more authentic (ie. filling in the pre-cut paneling pattern and putting on a more true-to-the-ship "aztec pattern" paneling), so it's a bit overwhelming.

Can anyone suggest a good spray system for painting with acrylic? I think that would be the best way to get the base coats down (and the getting the large paneling stenciling done) rather than trying to use brushes for those things.

 

[Lucky Forward]

This is my Tamiya 1/32-scale F-4 Phantom I built a few years ago...I haven't done anything lately, but I'd like to get back into scale modeling one day.

 

[Leunam]

Then, the thing has waterslide decals - which I've always been horrible with.

Primer coat doesn't hurt, and I've always done it on models that I've painted.

As for decals I've had good results with these steps:

1. Apply decals to glossy surfaces. This prevents the silvering you get around the edges.
2. Apply this to wherever you want to apply the decal to.
3. Apply the decal.
4. Soak up excess water and solution with either a q-tip or paper towel. Be very gentle, since you don't want to tear the decal itself. This is also your chance to re-align the decal where you need it, as it will still slide around over the glossy coat.
5. Finally, use this on the decal. This is where you need to be very careful. This will melt the decal to the surface of the model. Because of that, the decal will get super soft. When you go to soak up the excess, be very careful because you may lift the melting decal and completely ruin it which will mean you'll have to start over. If you don't have spare decals, this is obviously a problem.

Take your time with it. Once the decal is set, a gloss or flat coat will give it a seamless appearance, and you shouldn't be able to tell where the decal edge is. Practicing on a cheap model is actually a good idea.

 

[NihonTiger90]

This is my Tamiya 1/32-scale F-4 Phantom I built a few years ago...I haven't done anything lately, but I'd like to get back into scale modeling one day.

I have the same model

... except I built it when I was younger and it loks like crap. D:

 

[Dead Man]

This is my Tamiya 1/32-scale F-4 Phantom I built a few years ago...I haven't done anything lately, but I'd like to get back into scale modeling one day.

That looks amazing.

 

[Leunam]

Yeah that's a really fantastic looking Phantom. Could we get more shots? I'm hoping to pick up some Tamiya aircraft after I finish these next few kits on my queue.

 

[Lucky Forward]

Thanks, here are a few more. I never completely finished it, you can see the unpainted ejection handles and the canopy pieces are just loosely set in place, also I haven't finished the metallic engine exhaust area and the bomb and missile load. Maybe someday I'll get back to it...