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[XGRaViSmOrSX]

Finished up another custom. This time I did some shaving off the original casting and changed the paint color. Detail work was a good test this time and the results were, ok. Not perfect but good for my first time doing projector style headlights/tails.

Original casting:

Custom:

Working on a Nissan 180sx type-x next. This one will be more of an original custom with some details and wheel swap but not hellaflush style.

 

[NEO0MJ]

I'm amazed you took the time to detail the headlights. I would have just mono-colored them.

 

[lastplayed]

Finished the Big-E, here she is next to the other Big-E.

 

[Risible]

Dear mother of God.

 

[lastplayed]

Ha, thanks

 

[anonymous_abc]

Very cool indeed!

 

[schroddycat]

This is the first kit I bought as I started my foray into plastic model kit. I know it was posted in last page but since I'm totally a beginner to this, can someone introduce what are the best Youtube tutorials that touch on the very basics of painting, weathering, the do's and don'ts etc. You have to treat me like a complete noob.

I also read somewhere that the plastic kit needs to be washed with soap before painting to remove the dirts & oils? Is this true or latest plastic kits are cleaned enough to be painted straight away?

Thanks in advance.

 

[seb]

Hi, I'm also starting my first model and have the same question. I wonder if we saw the same video where the guy started by cleaning up the kit
I'm starting with this kit:

except I want these colors:

We will see how that turns out but at the moment I just feel completely overwhelmed when I open the box. I don't want to mess it up but I have no idea how to get started :S

 

[30yearsofhurt]

This is the first kit I bought as I started my foray into plastic model kit. I know it was posted in last page but since I'm totally a beginner to this, can someone introduce what are the best Youtube tutorials that touch on the very basics of painting, weathering, the do's and don'ts etc. You have to treat me like a complete noob.

I also read somewhere that the plastic kit needs to be washed with soap before painting to remove the dirts & oils? Is this true or latest plastic kits are cleaned enough to be painted straight away?

Thanks in advance.

I got one of these kits at Yodobashi Akihabara for my friends son. He hasn't touched it yet. Prefers the PT. ugh

I would learn to paint first before you worry about weathering. Painting is one part skills and one part project management. Allow yourself to fuck up one model before you attempt something you want to really do well.

 

[NEO0MJ]

I also read somewhere that the plastic kit needs to be washed with soap before painting to remove the dirts & oils? Is this true or latest plastic kits are cleaned enough to be painted straight away?

It still holds true so wash it if you plan on painting it.

 

[RalliArtEvo]

I got one of these kits at Yodobashi Akihabara for my friends son. He hasn't touched it yet. Prefers the PT. ugh

I would learn to paint first before you worry about weathering. Painting is one part skills and one part project management. Allow yourself to fuck up one model before you attempt something you want to really do well.

Agreed 110%. Buy some cheap models, at least 1-2 to practice on before starting projects you truly care about. Scale modelling takes a bit of practice + lots of trial and error before you start feeling more comfortable and confident.

 

[spolle]

Watched the movie Fury, bought two totally unrelated 1/35 tanks.

Tracks were pain in the ass as always.

 

[lastplayed]

Watched the movie Fury, bought two totally unrelated 1/35 tanks.



Tracks were pain in the ass as always.

Very nice! Which brand were these? I really want an Easy 8 but they're quite hard to find in my local hobby shops.

I've been chipping away as usual. Just completed my M1131 Stryker.

Now just started the Bandai Y-Wing (finally)

 

[spolle]

Very nice! Which brand were these? I really want an Easy 8 but they're quite hard to find in my local hobby shops.

Thanks! Tiger was Zvezda and Easy 8 was some Korean repackaging, originally by Tasca. I wish I had waited on buying the Easy 8 because Italeri recently put out M4A3E8 SHERMAN "FURY" which is cheaper and easier to find plus it has all the Fury stuff.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

I've been chipping away as usual. Just completed my M1131 Stryker.

That thing looks super rad!

Just finished up a detail/wheel swaps on a couple of nsx's. Went with a more oem look for them both.

Still working on a Datsun 620 pickup, 180sx, and a couple of wide body porsches. Might also start a civic tonight. I like to have multiple cars going at once so I can get them done in small steps and let things properly dry/cure.

 

[lastplayed]

Thanks! Tiger was Zvezda and Easy 8 was some Korean repackaging, originally by Tasca. I wish I had waited on buying the Easy 8 because Italeri recently put out M4A3E8 SHERMAN "FURY" which is cheaper and easier to find plus it has all the Fury stuff.

Hmmm... brb off to ebay.

That thing looks super rad!

Just finished up a detail/wheel swaps on a couple of nsx's. Went with a more oem look for them both.

Thanks! Oh cool, do you have a DC5? That's my car.

 

[Accoun]

This is such a gimmicky model, but... I haven't really seen something like it yet (I'm not that much into models, though). Interesting.
https://www.hlj.com/product/BAN45594/Sci

 

[NEO0MJ]

This is such a gimmicky model, but... I haven't really seen something like it yet (I'm not that much into models, though). Interesting.
https://www.hlj.com/product/BAN45594/Sci

Haha, looks like it's built to ram things.

 

[Accoun]

From what I understand, it's OK to paint over enamels with acrylics? I have an old Anakin's podracer my dad bought me some time after episode 1 came out and it's been left after only a bit of work, since for some reason he bought enamels to paint it. Obviously, the long wait for them to dry doesn't really work for kids, so I only painted a few pieces before stopping. Thinking (again) about resurrecting it.

 

[NEO0MJ]

If I remember right it's enamel can be placed over Lacquer and acrylic can be placed over enamel.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

Thanks! Oh cool, do you have a DC5? That's my car.

There isn't a dc5 casting from hot wheels afaik. They did just come out with a dc2 casting though. Managed to get a few of them the other day so i'll likely be stripping one down for paint and detail work.

 

[Leunam]

I'm following the Y-Wing build from earlier on tumblr. Looks like a really impressive amount of detail on the body. Good squad marking color choice too.

 

[lastplayed]

This is such a gimmicky model, but... I haven't really seen something like it yet (I'm not that much into models, though). Interesting.
https://www.hlj.com/product/BAN45594/Sci

You should check out the 1/350 scale version. I've never seen the show (movie?) but even I'd buy that!

If I remember right it's enamel can be placed over Lacquer and acrylic can be placed over enamel.

I use acrylics over Tamiya's lacquer primers all the time. I'm not sure what Tamiya's clear coats are, but I use those over acrylics and it seems to work out ok. :/

There isn't a dc5 casting from hot wheels afaik. They did just come out with a dc2 casting though. Managed to get a few of them the other day so i'll likely be stripping one down for paint and detail work.

Sweet, I've got a 1:43 diecast version of the DC5, although it's the R version, which my real one isn't sadly.

I'm following the Y-Wing build from earlier on tumblr. Looks like a really impressive amount of detail on the body. Good squad marking color choice too.

Thanks! I thought the red looked a big stronger than yellow... I assume you're talking about mine, if not then ignore.

 

[Leunam]

Thanks! I thought the red looked a big stronger than yellow... I assume you're talking about mine, if not then ignore.

Definitely yours. The Y-Wing is my favorite Rebel ship so I always follow those project logs with great interest.

 

[Accoun]

You should check out the 1/350 scale version. I've never seen the show (movie?) but even I'd buy that!

Yeah. I actually took a look in the SBY section on HLJ after watching Doctor Faust and TrekWars' series about building the different scale versions of the ship. That 1/350 really looks great (but damn, almost $600).

 

[lastplayed]

Definitely yours. The Y-Wing is my favorite Rebel ship so I always follow those project logs with great interest.

Well thank you! It's almost done now, it should be ready to show off by this time tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's the smallest R2 unit ever.

 

[NEO0MJ]

I use acrylics over Tamiya's lacquer primers all the time. I'm not sure what Tamiya's clear coats are, but I use those over acrylics and it seems to work out ok. :/

Oh, I didn't mean that you can't put acrylic over lacquer, just that you have to follow that chain to avoid bad reactions.
Shouldn't that coat can/bottle include a code that indicates what its based on?

 

[lastplayed]

Oh, I didn't mean that you can't put acrylic over lacquer, just that you have to follow that chain to avoid bad reactions.
Shouldn't that coat can/bottle include a code that indicates what its based on?

Ya I know, I'm just saying I follow that chain a lot.

Not sure about the cans. They have the usual warnings and chemical ingredients, but nothing that says what type of paint it is.

 

[NEO0MJ]

Ya I know, I'm just saying I follow that chain a lot.

Not sure about the cans. They have the usual warnings and chemical ingredients, but nothing that says what type of paint it is.

Not even the letters/numbers on top/side? That's very strange. I thought it was standard practice from tamiya to include all the details of the paint.

 

[lastplayed]

Oh yeah, TS.

 

[NEO0MJ]

Looks like TS is a code used for lacquer based paint.

 

[lastplayed]

Well there you go then.

I use them over Vallejo acrylics a lot, doesn't seem to cause any issues.

 

[Megasoum]

So I had a bit of time to kill at the shopping center today and I ended up walking through the toy shop.

I'm seriously thinking about starting playing around with model kits. I've had a bit of a creative itch for a while and I feel this could scratch it.

I read the three posts for beginners in the OT which are great but I'm still lost a bit.

The only time I've ever touched a model kit I was like 10y old, I never finished it and it looked terrible lol.

Any suggestions for a good starting kit? Something that is not too expensive and difficult.

I'm mostly interested in space (not scifi) and aviation.

I was looking at an amazing SaturnV model today but I'm obviously not gonna start with that lol.

 

[Sectorseven]

So I had a bit of time to kill at the shopping center today and I ended up walking through the toy shop.

I'm seriously thinking about starting playing around with model kits. I've had a bit of a creative itch for a while and I feel this could scratch it.

I read the three posts for beginners in the OT which are great but I'm still lost a bit.

The only time I've ever touched a model kit I was like 10y old, I never finished it and it looked terrible lol.

Any suggestions for a good starting kit? Something that is not too expensive and difficult.

I'm mostly interested in space (not scifi) and aviation.

I was looking at an amazing SaturnV model today but I'm obviously not gonna start with that lol.

I just got into it myself and from what I've discovered in my short term experience, get something with as a large a scale as possible, e.g. a 1:48 plane rather than a 1:426 ship. The ship is still fine, mind you, but the inherently large size of a ship means a lot more fine detail which can be more tedious and may frustrate you. That being said, anything in the $20 range at your local craft store and you really can't go wrong.

Also, spend the extra three dollars and get the brush cement. That tube stuff is shit.

 

[Megasoum]

I just got into it myself and from what I've discovered in my short term experience, get something with as a large a scale as possible, e.g. a 1:48 plane rather than a 1:426 ship. The ship is still fine, mind you, but the inherently large size of a ship means a lot more fine detail which can be more tedious and may frustrate you. That being said, anything in the $20 range at your local craft store and you really can't go wrong.

Also, spend the extra three dollars and get the brush cement. That tube stuff is shit.

Thanks

Any good online stores to buy them from? I'm in Canada and Amazon.ca doesn't have much. Amazon.com has more options but not everything ships to Canada.

 

[lastplayed]

Any scale model can have fiddly bits, it just depends really. I'd go for a nice Tamiya kit if you're looking at planes. They go together well without being overly complicated.

And as Sectorseven mentioned, brush glue is the way to go. Try and find Tamiya Extra Thin. The best way to apply it is holding the pieces together and brushing the glue over it. It's so thin the capillary action will find the gap no problem and it evaporates quickly meaning it's less messy.

 

[Megasoum]

I finally made the jump and bought my first model!

Ended up picking a Revell Supermarine Spitfire Mk V

Reading through the instructions right now trying to figure out how everything works.

A bit of a bummer that there's 3 paint colors mentionned on the box but then there's like 7 in the actual instructions? I guess some of them are optionals?

Also... They should really make color instructions... At least for the paint page. The different variants of dot patterns in the legend doesn't really work.

I get they want to save on printing but fuck.. At least make the pdf on the official website in color!

anyway... Looking forward to actually starting building it, probably tomorrow.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

I finally made the jump and bought my first model!

Ended up picking a Revell Supermarine Spitfire Mk V

Reading through the instructions right now trying to figure out how everything works.

A bit of a bummer that there's 3 paint colors mentionned on the box but then there's like 7 in the actual instructions? I guess some of them are optionals?

Also... They should really make color instructions... At least for the paint page. The different variants of dot patterns in the legend doesn't really work.

I get they want to save on printing but fuck.. At least make the pdf on the official website in color!

anyway... Looking forward to actually starting building it, probably tomorrow.

I always tend to use the real thing as the reference for details and such anyways (just pull up some high res pics on google). Most model instructions fail to put variations that are found in different versions of the same vehicle.

 

[Megasoum]

So I'm not 100% sure where to start?

I assume I should put primer on everything before starting the paint? But then I should also paint the smaller pieces (and there's a lot of them since it's a very small model to begin with) while they're still on the sprue so.... Should I just start by priming the whole sprue and then go from there?

 

[NEO0MJ]

So I'm not 100% sure where to start?

I assume I should put primer on everything before starting the paint? But then I should also paint the smaller pieces (and there's a lot of them since it's a very small model to begin with) while they're still on the sprue so.... Should I just start by priming the whole sprue and then go from there?

Don't paint while they're still in the sprue! Painting should only be done after preparing all the pieces.

You first step should be to actually remove the parts and then sand them. Some people like first attaching the parts and then sanding them, though I imagine that mostly depends on how the parts fit. Sometimes it's better to sand later if you plan on using plastic cement to bind the parts and remove seam lines. After that clean the parts by dumping them into a bowl with water and soap. After that prime them and then paint them. You don't have to build the full model itself, just split it into its parts so you paint it better, though with a plane I don't think you have to split it. You'll want to use masking tape to cover the canopy while painting or when you plan on spraying a kit multiple times.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

Been working on a few hot wheels at once as usual. I finally finished this 70 Celica GT that I have spent the past month or so working on at various stages.

Still working on a 933 Porsche Widebody, Datsun 620 truck, datsun 510 wagon, integra typer, civic si coupe, porsche 934. Hopefully I get one of em done in the next month.

 

[BearChair]

So I finished my first model in about a decade. I had some time off work and decided to try it again. I'm already hooked and thinking about trying another.

I'd love a critque. I know it's not perfect, but I'm still quite proud of it. I need to add most of the decals yet after screwing the one up for the shield. That's something for tomorrow or later in the week.

 

[Stumpokapow]

Been working on a few hot wheels at once as usual. I finally finished this 70 Celica GT that I have spent the past month or so working on at various stages.

Still working on a 933 Porsche Widebody, Datsun 620 truck, datsun 510 wagon, integra typer, civic si coupe, porsche 934. Hopefully I get one of em done in the next month.

Looks cool! My Dad and I used to do this occasionally when I was a kid, so really cool to see.

 

[ponpo]

for boatfans

https://twitter.com/risaandryoder/status/723442308465594368

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

So I finished my first model in about a decade. I had some time off work and decided to try it again. I'm already hooked and thinking about trying another.

I'd love a critque. I know it's not perfect, but I'm still quite proud of it. I need to add most of the decals yet after screwing the one up for the shield. That's something for tomorrow or later in the week.

I think it looks great! The one thing I always expect to see on gundam is some kind of dirt/weathering, seeing a clean shiny gundam is weird lol.

 

[Jim_Cacher]

So I finished my first model in about a decade. I had some time off work and decided to try it again. I'm already hooked and thinking about trying another.

I'd love a critque. I know it's not perfect, but I'm still quite proud of it. I need to add most of the decals yet after screwing the one up for the shield. That's something for tomorrow or later in the week.

Nicely done! My first MG is also Zaku II, what a coincidence! I think you can try shading which usually look really well on Zeon's MS. You can find an useful tutorial here.

Another suggestion, which is perfectly depending for your preference, is to buy a set of MS Hands for your MG gunpla. Personally, I think MS Hands look much better than movable hands. Remember that there are two types of Hands for purchase as the appearances of the hands between Federation and Zeon's MS are different. You can have a look at their appearances here. Each package is sufficient for two MG grade gunplas.

for boatfans

Gorgeous! The level of details is insane.

 

[NEO0MJ]

Looks cool! My Dad and I used to do this occasionally when I was a kid, so really cool to see.

Reminding us that this thread is still being watched, eh?

for boatfans

Someone has too much free time.

Though seriously, that's mighty impress. I wonder how they detailed it.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

Started yet another hot wheels while working on 6 others at the same time. This one is my first time chopping the body up, luckily with a plastic body.

i'm gonna be doing a full detail, wheel swap as well as the conversion into "roadster" mode, similar to this https://youtu.be/8KiBnxmDtXc?t=50s

Gonna have to make the rollbar and some interior cover pieces to complete, it should only take me a few months at my pace lol.

 

[Leunam]

Damn, damn, damn, that is too cool. Do you mind sharing your most common tools and methods? I've been thinking about your work and was considering buying a box of Hot Wheels and making some Mad Max style cars.

 

[XGRaViSmOrSX]

Damn, damn, damn, that is too cool. Do you mind sharing your most common tools and methods? I've been thinking about your work and was considering buying a box of Hot Wheels and making some Mad Max style cars.

Tools I use are pretty basic:
- x-acto knife
- sanding sticks (100-1800grit)
- curved needle nose tweezers
- dremel with some cutting/grinding bits
- tamiya masking tape 6mm
- set of hand files
- tamiya putty/epoxy (both wet and soft)
- toothpicks and pins
- some styrene rods/tubes
- tamiya paints
- decocolor paint pens
- xtra fine tip black pens

The stuff you will need depends on what you want to do. But that's the stuff I tend to use most for construction.

The methods I use vary depending on the type of car i'm going to build. Most of the time I go for a more realistic type of build. I tend to take my time and use good reference pics to make sure I get the details right. I use paint pens for the most part and when I need really fine details I use the head of a pin or a toothpick. I check out some blogs and sites to get ideas sometimes but they tend to do most custom jobs that I have skills for yet.