Airfix

Hi guys, iam looking for a model of a british s class submarine.

i tried googling but it seems much like tanks if your not after the complete german set tough luck.
 
Angus02 said:
C'mon get the photo's up ;)

I really want to get an airbrush before doing some of my bigger stuff but I am scared of spending £200 and not be able to use it.

About 50% of my way through the 1/32 Zero atm so I will see what it is like once I have finished prior to deciding which way to go.
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have a look on ebay as there are plenty of kits for around £100 that are said to be quite decent to start with, will probably get one myself as I already loath brush painting :D
 
I don't know about the cheaper airbrush kits to be honest - they might suffice for a short while, but I've read some horror stories. I am intending on using mine a lot - and they need to be able to absorb some punishment. I've already discovered a few little things with mine - I definitely need a stand for it, and I have already ordered a new .15mm nozzle kit as the .2mm doesn't seem intricate enough for the tiny detailing. But it's not as daunting to use as I was told it would be! Maybe I'm not very good at the moment, but I'm sure I will improve in time.

Here's a shot of my current build - my first model in years and my very first airbrushing. It's not 100% accurate I realise, and I have made some schoolboy errors but it is 100% better than hand painting, and significantly quicker too. Oh, and use acrylics over enamels as they are so easy to work with. I need to add some weathering, (which I have already started) and varnish/decals etc. But I am learning a lot and it's fun.

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Edit: Something else to add, the Tamiya colours I use dry darker - thus effecting the overall finish. That camo is too dark for my liking so I think it's back to the drawing board!
 
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You can't compain about that for a 1st attempt.

It does seem a bit dark which is strange as I always use the tamiya paints
and they have always been a good match.

Any chance of answering the following -

Do you need to thin the paint ?

Do you get a lot of overspray as I only really have my Computer desk to
build on so I dont want everything covered in paint ?

Is it a pain to strip and clean ?

How big a bit is it worth going to the airbrush rather than brushing ?
 
This has got me wanting the get that Saturn V appolo mission rocket kit I had when I was about 6. Along with all the Dambusters, spitifres etc, I used to have them suspended from my bedroom ceiling on bits of string. Nowhere to put them nowadays though, and I think I'm too old for string :(
 
I've suddenly got the urge to make a model.

Im really into cars and not boats or planes. Are Tamiya the best for this? I don't want anything really easy even though I have never made a model before :o

I'm sadly excited about this...:D
 
Angus02 said:
You can't compain about that for a 1st attempt.

It does seem a bit dark which is strange as I always use the tamiya paints
and they have always been a good match.

Any chance of answering the following -

Do you need to thin the paint ?

Do you get a lot of overspray as I only really have my Computer desk to
build on so I dont want everything covered in paint ?

Is it a pain to strip and clean ?

How big a bit is it worth going to the airbrush rather than brushing ?
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Cheers mate appreciate it :D I have resprayed it this morning! I found a colour reference chart for the RAF online and have gone with that. I could have simply removed the existing paint with thinner but I decided that if any of the darker paint comes through it would potentially act as shading/shadows and look quite cool!

Right to answer your questions - Yes you need to thin the paint - I was advised against using water for this, (with acrylic), even though some manufacturers recommend it. I use Tamiya thinner at present.

There is a little overspray but I was expecting more! I was amazed as I am spraying right next to my computer! No spots or anything. I obviously point the airbrush towards the object, but make sure I'm holding it away from my screen. I tend to spray the model within the box where I can. But it can be messy when you are mixing paints etc obviously. But that's the beauty of acrylic - easy to clean lol..

It's not a difficult job to strip down, and cleaning so far has been easy. I just fill the container with airbrush cleaner and spray it through until clear. Once a month, (or after every model etc) you should strip it and clean it thoroughly. I have yet to try this.

I was reluctant to buy the airbrush because of the costs but I am so glad i did! It's so much better than brush work! What a great hobby!

Edit, there is the respray. It took ten minutes or so. I masked the original paint job and sprayed the rest. You can see the liquid mask. Apparently that's the accurate brown!

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mr tommo said:
I've suddenly got the urge to make a model.

Im really into cars and not boats or planes. Are Tamiya the best for this? I don't want anything really easy even though I have never made a model before :o

I'm sadly excited about this...:D
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Get yourself a tiny model first, they are not expensive, and practice! :)
 
mr tommo said:
I know my local Toys 'r us sell these models. Do I get pretty much everything I need in these kits?
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If you get an airfix then you may get a brush, some glue and a few paints, but generally all you get is the plastic and decals, and maybe a few little extras. The aftermarket stuff for models is a huge business. If it's just to see how you get on, don't worry about painting it, just see how you get on building it.
 
ripperOFflesh said:
get a tomcat http://www.modelzone.co.uk/tomcat-details.htm quite cheap
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lol don't get that, that's what i got and am currently doing for practice before I start on the bigger kits I've got and it could easily put you off modelling it's that annoying with some silly small pieces, especially if you build it gear down

you definitely want something a little bigger to start imo, something like this

http://www.modelzone.co.uk/aifix_club_spitfire_mk_xvie-details.htm
 
Modelling sites you might want to look at

Might I suggest a few sites that are well worth a visit if you are getting back into the hobby or even just starting off.

First off http://www.promodeller.com/. Run by a professional model maker. Costs £2.99 a month but has loads of full video aircraft builds and the best 'how-to' instructional vids I've seen on the net - canopy polishing, air-brushing etc. Has a busy forum with some very talented modellers posting. Also makes an excellent clasy based weathering wash.

http://www.britmodeller.com/. Good forum. The info found on it is UK based obviously which maks it easier for tracking down certain items or kits.

http://armorama.co.uk/ Invaluable resource for info on anything from starrting up to 'rivet counting' on individual vehicles if tanks and apc's are more your thing

And check out a bloke called Scalemodelmedic on YouTube. Has a few excellent instructional vids up.
 
Thanks for the links Tribune, will have a look. I would just say that it really is trial and error all of this. You will make mistakes, like I have just done :D
 
Anyone recommend me an air brush for ship/sub models 1:72 scale .

Have been getting reasonable results with airfix paint but has taken 3-4 coats and certain colours give a better finish .

thanks
 
romperstomper said:
Anyone recommend me an air brush for ship/sub models 1:72 scale .

Have been getting reasonable results with airfix paint but has taken 3-4 coats and certain colours give a better finish .

thanks
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You can't really go wrong with what I have here - although I guess it is reasonably expensive. Harder & Steenbeck Evolution. One thing I was told on the phone, the spare parts and replacement parts for H&S are significantly cheaper than the likes of Iwata for comparison. Just make sure whatever you go for has a pulse tank and a teeny nozzle capability. Spraying a 1:72 will not be fun with anything about .2mm +.

My first ever airbrushed canopy! I am so pleased with that.

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