Seconded re the recommendation for dealing with
Scale Model Shop, it was born from this forum and holds the same qualities, honesty, friendliness and great service.
As for what paint, that is one of those modellers eternal questions. Most but certainly not all, prefer to use the cleaner acrylic paints, especially for airbrushing as they are easy to clean up from the
airbrush after use. Many are still dedicated to the pure oil quality of enamels. They do spray well and tend to brush paint better than some acrylics. However, good brush painting is a skill that I have seen demonstrated so well on this forum but I appear to be incapable of achieving.
As Laurie points out, an
airbrush and compressor is a big financial outlay but, assuming you do a lot of modelling over the coming years, a good investment. Spraying models from spray cans is a good way to get a good finish without great outlay. With something like the Titanic, I would be looking at three colours in spray cans; black, white and hull red. Using masking tape these colours could be layered on and then carefully painting the deck with a brush and some buff paint. Ships are not the easiest models to paint.
Try not to get bogged down in trying to get every modelling tool and paraphernalia straight away. All you need is a good knife, a few sanding sticks such as emery boards from the nail section of the supermarket beauty stand. A decent liquid or thicker modelling glue such as Humbrol liquid Poly or Humbrol/
Revell Precision Poly. a few good brushes, paint of your choice and thinners for the paint. This will either be something like white spirit for enamels. For Acrylic, you can use water or the manufactures own thinners.
OK, there will be more to come but initially, try to build your first model for the fun of it. Don't try to build it as a masterpiece. For all the tips and advice you will inevitably be offered on here, you main learning will be by building a kit and learning from your mistakes, it is how we all did it. Maybe you may consider getting something a bit simpler than the Titanic just as something to try out techniques and learn even more questions to ask.
Just take your time, ask as many questions as you want and be prepared to work your way through contradictory answers, we all have our own ways of working as you will yourself as you get into it. Read as many posts as you can on here and try to find patterns of working that make sense to you. Above all, have fun Keith.
