Question for Model (Car) Makers

GreenMint

GreenMint

GreenMint

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Hey all, just got a quick query, I used to bluild airfix planes but haven't done anything modeling wise for a while now, my girlfriend bought me a model of my favourite car

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for christmas, and it looks really good, nice and complex but not too so :) Its a Fujimi model and has recommended the following paint colours, but I'm not sure where I can get the corresponding paints for the car (Car itself was bought from ebay) as its been a while :) and any recommendations on the best way to paint them? before building? after? Airbrush? brush? Just thought I'd have an ask around here before I make a start, any advice would be great, thanks :)
 
Thanks very much mate, but any other ideas on forums/places where I could ask about these? The site you linked, although appearing to stock a lot of things didn't seem to have any forums or an easy way to locate what I was looking for, any help appreciated, cheers :)
 
Lots of model car builders use spray cans from Halfords.

The key to a good model car is the bodywork paint finish and as in real life it's about careful preparation of the plastic and patience. It's worth washing the car body (and all parts actually) with washing up liquid to remove the mould release agent. If you use halfords paint then use their Plastic Primer first then follow up with whatever colour paint your going to use, then finish with a good clear lacquer. Again, as with real cars you may want to sand lightly between coats. And you can finish with a good quality car wax.

Whatever you do, make sure you give the body plenty of time to dry before assembling it - a week in a warm airing cupboard should do it.

Happy Modeling.

EDIT: when using spray cans it's worth putting the can in some warm water for about 20 minutes before spraying as this well help the paint flow. And please make sure you spray in a well ventilated area!
 
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I would use Tamiya acrylics or Humbrol enamels to brush paint the smaller components and detail bits.

Use Halfords Plastic Primer to prime everything first (aerosol)

Use Halfords Satin Black (aerosol) for the majority of the underside and suspension parts

For the actual body, Tamiya do a TS range of aerosols. The paint goes on VERY thin and it's easy to get a nice shiny finish out of the can.
 
Good call from Lopez on the Tamiya TS cans - they are quite expensive and you will need to go to a model shop / rc car shop to get them but they do give an excellent finish
 
I have a question for the modellers ... which kit manufacturers are deemed to be the best/most realistic looking? Tamiya? Fujimi?

Im looking to buy a couple of 1/24th scale cars at some point (i used to build airfix planes as a kid, it was ace!) but just wondering which manufacturer kits i should buy?
Ta
 
Poppy said:
I have a question for the modellers ... which kit manufacturers are deemed to be the best/most realistic looking? Tamiya? Fujimi?

Im looking to buy a couple of 1/24th scale cars at some point (i used to build airfix planes as a kid, it was ace!) but just wondering which manufacturer kits i should buy?
Ta
Click to expand...

Look at my previous post:

Many good incredible builds on those forums. You can buy after market detail kits to really do justice to the models. You can detail them as much as you possible can, limited only by you!

As for kits: Well depends on money, Studio 27 and Model Factory Hiro are perhaps the best. But your looking around £150+ for 1/20 or 1/24 scale.

Anyhow, browse Hiroboy web site and Forums. You will amaze yourself what is possible out there. I certainly did.

Oh and when you are gob smacked at the work of some of the models out there. Then look at 1/43 scale. That really does blow me away. About the size of a packet of cigs! and the details on them (Tameo) etc are outstanding.
 
hmm, not causing a stir or anything but every model kit you can get seems to be quite.. old? Theres no major "new" stuff..

Although its tempting to pickup a Nissan Skyline kit from browsing them at hiroboy..

I want an elise kit!
 
in terms of matching colours, I dont think there is any need to match colours from the destructions. use what you think is right, paint it whatever colour you wish.

for brush painting, avoid tamiya, and only use enamel if you must. the best paints to use are vallejo acrylics. it's advised to prime all parts before brush painting. never brush paint onto bare plastic.

example:
http://www.relishmodels.co.uk/paints-and-washes/vallejo-model-color.html



use halfords primer, it's pretty good most of the car guys who dont have an airbrush use halfords paints.

if you are goign to fill and sand parts (reccomended) always prime beofre you fill!


if you can, avoid 'plastic cements' or plastic glues and opt for a liquid plastic weld such as 'plastic weld' :P or MEK. using super glue where needed.

don't get any glue on clear plastic parts like windscreens also on chrome parts. dont even let them get a whiff of superglue! plastic weld is normally okay but if you can get hold of 'mirco kristal klear' do so. If you plan on doing more cars you will need it.
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/images/mskklear.jpg



as for best brand of kit, it depends from model to model. it's easy to point out the worst though, airfix being one of them!
a good modeler can make any kit look great though, just helps to have a good head start ;)
 
Magic_x_uk said:
mmmm cheers for that website, didn't know about that one myself.

any more hidden in your bookmarks ?
Click to expand...

http://cammett.websds.net/index.htm

Robin at cammet usually has some very specialist stuff on board for scale ships and aircraft. Don't forget that most model shops have access to almost anythign their distributors can give them, and should be able to order just about anything in that is not ont he shelves.


btw OP, I'll have to show you how to make some aluminium boi racer exhausts with rolled tips :P
 
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