Airfix

greengiant · 14 Dec 2011 at 07:39

I'm currently working on a Tamiya 1:12th Scale Yamaha YZF-R1:

All brush painted (bike frame was already chromed by Mr Tamiya).

Interestingly I find Tamiya Acrylic paint a lot easier to brush paint if I add about 0.5ml of Windowlene to the pot. I found that this makes the paint a lot easier to brush, it dries slower, and a second coat won't peel off the first. I didn't have much luck with Tamiya thinners, as I found this made previous coats of paint start to come off.

Skii · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:37

Lifecolour Acrylics are by far my favorite paints, thin them with tap water, no smell, huge range of colours, easy cleanup afterwards, and unlike Tamiya acrylics the screw cap isn't welded shut after a couple of spray sessions.

This is my airbrush - H&S Evolution, really nice bit of kit. I've also got the newer CR+ model but I'm so used to the EVo the newer brush doesn't get a look in !

philstanbridge · 14 Dec 2011 at 09:52

I've got a fairly decent range of Tamiya acrylics but I might have to give the Lifecolour a go myself after what you say. Thinning with tap water is a really nice option. I have to say I have got some Vallejo Model Air colours too - and they're even better than Tamiya. I picked up a Luftwaffe RLM colours pack as it was convenient, and they have such a good finish on them. Really vivid colours but authentic looking. But they are quite thick that's the only downside.

I think I invested in my Evo after your recommendation, and it is indeed a great airbrush. But the compressor is just as important isn't it.

BeeP · 14 Dec 2011 at 10:09

We were in Dobbies (sp?) a few weeks ago & I saw a pile of Airfix kits, if only my lad was a bit older I would have bought "him" one.

pieman109 · 14 Dec 2011 at 16:39

BeeP said:
We were in Dobbies (sp?) a few weeks ago & I saw a pile of Airfix kits, if only my lad was a bit older I would have bought "him" one.

How old is He? If He's very young maybe you could try one of those "snap fit" kits that don't require any glue, and in some cases I believe no painting either.

Hank_Marvin · 14 Dec 2011 at 17:05

revell do snap together star wars kits.

pieman109 · 15 Dec 2011 at 10:34

Picked this up at scalemodelworld back in November, gonna make a start on it shortly

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

philstanbridge · 15 Dec 2011 at 10:47

Ah I'm very envious. Those Tamiya 1/32's are really good quality models. I read nothing but praise for them, apart from the cost of course.

pieman109 · 15 Dec 2011 at 12:03

philstanbridge said:
Ah I'm very envious. Those Tamiya 1/32's are really good quality models. I read nothing but praise for them, apart from the cost of course.

Luckily I got it about £30 off (prices at the end of the show with traders just wanting to shift their gear). I've had a look at it and its every bit as good as the Mustang Tamiya do. I'll be starting it over the weekend.

Incidentally, it amazes me how this thread keeps resurfacing

Vanquish-Storm · 18 Dec 2011 at 22:45

I have two Star Trek models from Revell coming for Christmas! Can not wait!!

Made a few little airfix plane models when i was younger

I need to invest in a craft matt that i can do all my work/painting on. Any suggestions would be very welcome

pieman109 · 19 Dec 2011 at 08:25

Check out that certain auction site and type in cutting mat. Theres loads on there mate

KnightStalker · 19 Dec 2011 at 08:53

A normal A3 sized one from any arts and crafts shop, or even an office supplies type place.

Still not got my models out, will get them out for some pictures tomorrow.

agnes · 19 Dec 2011 at 08:55

I am rather impressed with this thread of mine hehe.

Anyway, can anyone source a Ducati 916/748 model or a Ducati 1098S.

Both factory, not racing.

Thanks

KnightStalker · 19 Dec 2011 at 08:57

Cant find a 1098S in kit form, plenty of diecasts out there.
Ducati 916 Kit http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/tamiya-112-ducati-916/

pieman109 · 19 Dec 2011 at 09:05

I built that Ducati a good few years ago, really nice kit to build, went together really well as do all tamiya kits.

@ Agnes, hope you don't have a fracture in your foot mate, it takes yonks to heal!

agnes · 19 Dec 2011 at 10:15

pieman109 said:
I built that Ducati a good few years ago, really nice kit to build, went together really well as do all tamiya kits.

@ Agnes, hope you don't have a fracture in your foot mate, it takes yonks to heal!

Thanks, will buy the kit then

And same! Everytime I quick shift up a gear on my bike it kills lol

KnightStalker · 19 Dec 2011 at 10:20

Still cant find any 1098s only diecast in a factory style and yea most of the Tamiya bike and car kits go together without much fuss and have incredible detail in places, Kinda makes me want to buy one aswell, although i dont know why as im not that into bikes lol.

Vanquish-Storm · 19 Dec 2011 at 14:35

pieman109 said:
Check out that certain auction site and type in cutting mat. Theres loads on there mate

KnightStalker said:
A normal A3 sized one from any arts and crafts shop, or even an office supplies type place.

Still not got my models out, will get them out for some pictures tomorrow.

Thanks, I tried the auction site and found lots of kitchen chopping boards!! :eek:

Changed my search and found loads as you said. I went to my local arts and crafts store they only had a4 sized ones for £24.99 did not want to spend than on a a4 one.

The Funktopus · 19 Dec 2011 at 14:40

KnightStalker said:
Trying to work out what that is, Destroyer of some sort, possibly a Fletcher? US?

That's a Soviet/Russian Sovremenny Class Destroyer.

......I'm such a terrible, terrible geek.

Bennie-Mac · 19 Dec 2011 at 16:09

Since you all seem very knowledgeable on this subject, who generally makes the best quality kits at A reasonable price? Specifically I'm after a Harrier for my dad, budget of £30-40 would be ideal and would like to get him something of a reasonable size. Although any British planes would do really, would anyone have any suggestions?

Much appreciated, thanks