New (returning) to modeling

[rjkardo]

Hello,
This is my first post. It is great to see such a fantastic forum for help, inspiration and awe!
These are going to be a few newbie questions. I have tried to research as best I can, but I understand that some of my questions are opinion type and hard to get a answer on, as opinions differ.

As I child I enjoyed building plastic models, but I was never patient enough to do them right and often destroyed them after building them. Now, I would like to return to the hobby and do it right.

As a present, I got a Heller 1/400 model of the Scharnhorst. I have only opened it up and looked at it (directions are in French! I was able to find English copies online).

This will be my 'test' kit, to see how I want to proceed. One thing I would like to do is get better with painting the ships. In the past, I only did some basic painting and only by brush. Now, I would like to do some airbrushing and make the models really nice. I also have never done things like drill out the port holes, or used putty, or made a diorama. These are all things I have to learn, and I am aware that it will take time. But no time like the present to get started.

The problem is, of course, I don't have an airbrush or the paint or the other tools. Thankfully, I am in a position where I can afford to buy the things I need. I just don't know what to buy.

I have been reading the site for a few days now, doing searches for airbrushes and reading up on other modelers and how they do things. I guess I want someone to say, 'buy this, it will be fine...'.
Of course, I also need to know what accessories to get.

I do have a small compressor that I was planning to use. It is a Husky, and you can see it here.
http://www.amazon.com/Husky-Inflator-In ... B0085X4IZM

This is the airbrush I am looking at.
http://www.amazon.com/NEO-Gravity-Feed- ... =Iwata+Neo

If I were to get this airbrush, would it need extra accessories?
Will the compressor work, or do I need something else?

I have a ton more questions, but will try to ask them in smaller doses.
Thanks to anyone who can help!

Rod

[sgtryan13]

First, WELCOME!

You are on the right track, realizing that the goals you have set will only be achieved through patience and practice.

that being said, when you are asking for airbrush advice, that is like asking car guys or truck guys weather they prefer Chevy (if they are smart) or ford. each one of us has our own favorite for our own reasons. I started with a badger 150 double action brush about 10 years ago, and have stuck with it ever since with zero complaints. I have achieved award winning results with it, but then again, so have many others with other brushes.

with that particular airbrush, the pros are dependability, quality of parts (never had a single one break or malfunction) and not that I have needed it, but I hear that badger has great customer service.

the only con I can think of after using this brush for 100s of hours, is that compared to some others, it is harder to clean. When I say harder to clean, basically I mean that if you are a lazy SOB, then this brush is hard to clean. but if you do not mind 2-3 minutes of clean up after a spraying session, then this brush is not hard to clean.

So I can tell you with confidence, "buy the badger 150, you will be fine!"

A big tip that will be very helpful is to use a quality primer! I prefer floquil spray can primer, but tamiya is also good. it wil greatly improve your paint finsihes.

Finally, remember to have fun, that's what it is all about. It is NOT a competition with any other modelers on here, just challenge yourself to make a build you are proud of and had fun with.

Ryan

[KevinYoung]

Thanks for the input Ryan for the past month I've been looking into airbrushes and I decided that the 150 was the best bet it's been around forever, got good feedback, and the company seems to have great quality service. I haven't even started on my model yet [Graf Spee] just been buying tools and doing a lot of reading .Hopefully within a month or two I'll be ready to go. Regards Kevin

[MareNostrum]

And at some point you'll want (need) to get a basic set of tools, and then some. Files and a hobby knife with at least a #11 blade. A Dremel tool with a nice range of small diameter drills (#60-#80?) would be a nice Xmas present.

[rjkardo]

Thanks for the response, Ryan.
The Badger 150 seems to be siphon instead of gravity. Is that OK for items like ships where you may do a lot of painting? Looking at Amazon, there seems to be more than one 'Badger 150'. Is there really a difference?

How about the compressor? Should that be OK?

Thanks again. I wish I had just bought the first airbrush that came up on a search. The more I look into this the more complicated it gets.

Plus, now my wife likes the idea of an airbrush for makeup and cake decorating.
Is the Badger ok for those things, too?

Thanks!
Rod

[rjkardo]

And at some point you'll want (need) to get a basic set of tools, and then some. Files and a hobby knife with at least a #11 blade. A Dremel tool with a nice range of small diameter drills (#60-#80?) would be a nice Xmas present.

I have a dremel tool (Ok, not by Dremel but a similar type tool).
Are there kits that I can buy that will include what I need?

How about the putty and sandpaper?
What should I look for?

I am having second thoughts about building the Scharnhorst. I am thinking that maybe I should start with something easier to practice painting. Maybe a submarine?

Thanks,
Rod

[Timmy C]

A submarine will be a good start for learning how to work with the plastic and how to paint and putty. However, it would be of minimal use in learning how to prioritize construction order (e.g. painting or gluing first, painting horizontals or verticals first). It may be better to practice on a destroyer or similar small surface vessel.

[gott_cha]

That comp is a constant pressure type....(no reserve tank and no regulator) while its great for inflating bike tires and beach toys , I stay away from that for hobby use........you wont be able to control air flow with it and if you try to install a regulator on that unit you will eventually burn out the comp. due to excessive air pressure and seal rupture in the unit or the AB.


Sandpaper; wet/dry type.....120 grit up to 600 grit , fingernail boards....etc etc.
Files; (not required but good to have) small rifler types with fine cut.
Putties; Tamiya, Squadron green , 3M automotive spot/glaze putty....each type has its own uses so you will need to experiment a little bit to find the "right" one for each app.
Glues; Testors tube,...Liquid types ,.....Super Glues,...white glues or PVA's..
Knifes; Xacto types........buy plenty of blades (bulk is cheaper in the long run) and replace often.......not unusual to burn up 10 to 15 blades or so on a 1/350 ship.......

Also......6 inch stainless steel ruler or straight edge
Pin Vise and micro-bit set
Dividers
Rubber bands and small hobby clamps....(dollar store)
Tape,..masking, cellophane, and also office post-it notes will come in handy.

Welcome back friend and have fun!!

[rjkardo]

Thanks! I appreciate your help a lot!

Rod