Returning to modelling since my childhood in the 1970s

[Andy the Sheep]

Mike, welcome to this forum.
4 years ago I was in your shoes: my last model dated 1987 but my activity had been considerably slowing since 1983. I was stunned by the great amount of new things in the modelling world.
I'm not yet fully up to date, but I'm progressing and, above all, I'm enjoying it a a lot.
I subscribe all the suggestions above and, above all, that this is a very friendly environment where sharing experiences and comments with a fair amount of humor and fair play is a common philosophy.
I'm getting too serious and with an avatar like mine is not credible: happy modelling and "ciao" from Italy.

Andrea

 

[PaulinKendal]

A really good idea is to blog your build on the forum. I can guarantee that on this forum you will will only get polite help, advice and encouragement.
Jim

This!
Mike, I joined here just under a year ago, and posting a step-by-step build diary was the BEST thing I could've done! It means that all the incredibly helpful people on here can see where you're at and offer you the right help at the right time. It really doesn't matter how good/bad/indifferent you think you are, you'll get support that will boost your skills - and critically your enjoyment of the hobby - quite remarkably.

And welcome, of course!

 

[PaulTRose]

welcome

we must be from the same neighbourhood cos i miss Beatties too............opposite the old ABC cinema,......had that train in the window that ran back and forth for years

even GeeDee models in Hockley have gone..........closed last year and went online

 

[scottie3158]

Mike,
It's a warm welcome from me to the mad house. Hope you have fun.

 

[Valeron]

welcome

we must be from the same neighbourhood cos i miss Beatties too............opposite the old ABC cinema,......had that train in the window that ran back and forth for years

even GeeDee models in Hockley have gone..........closed last year and went online

Yeah. Good times. I don't actually live in Nottm any more but still go regularly as I have family there I es actually there this Monday.

 

[PaulTRose]

Yeah. Good times. I don't actually live in Nottm any more but still go regularly as I have family there I es actually there this Monday.

Me neither....... I'm in the NE now

 

[Tworrs]

Hi Mike, and welcome from another "newly returned to scale modelling retiree".
I'm not in a position to offer any intelligent advice yet, so would have to agree with what has been said by the experienced guys.
I have made my start with a Tiger Models Panhard AML-90, which has been fun, yet a little challenging for my present skill level.
Have fun.
Garry

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Mike
Welcome aboard . Nothing much to add to the other advice given Mike, it’s all spot on. If you get stuck, ask away and we’ll all chip in

 

[David Lovell]

Welcome Mike the lads have said it all pretty much the only thing I will add is don't put yourself down ,yes look at other peoples work glean the odd bit of modeling knowledge from them but be yourself and enjoy it ,when I first got back into it comparing my own work to other people's was soul destroying I learnt to be inspired by them but not to compair my work to theirs as long as your happy with yours thats all that counts. One other thing there are a lot of products out there that promise instant results ,most of us have bought into them at some point most will admit they don't do quite what it says on the tin ,but hey all part of the learning curve wich in this hobby never ends enjoy it here your in good company the knowledge help and encouragement never ceases to amaze me. Dave

 

[Mickc1440]

Welcome to the group Mike

 

[Ian M]

Hi Mike and Welcome!
Rule #1 build what you like how you like. lol
Its all been said but basic tool set. knife, mini files, sanding sticks, small scissors, tweezers. All of which can be found in the wife's sewing box.
As an alternative you could look in on the Scale Model Shop, link at the top of the page. If he does not have it, you probably dont need it.
He has very competitive prices and great service and fast delivery! What more could you ask.

 

[boatman]

AN a welcome from me also Mike im the sort of black sheep of the forum LOL as mostly im on one ship build only for nr three yrs now but now restarting the tiger build today if possible after a eye op just before xmas but i have an will build plastic model aircraft kits when ive finished my tiger build but this in my opinion is one of the best forums goin on the web as the guys an gals on here are the most polite an helpfull you will ever find hope you enjoy your time on here an as been said most of all enjoy your builds an have fun an hope to see some of your work on here an please could you fit on full size pics an not the thumbnail pics as im in a low megabtye area an my p/c wont bring up them small pics very well without cuttin some of the pic off cheers
AN ATB to you for the comin year
chris

 

[hirschberg]

Welcome Mike.
I think everything has been said. I started at about 10-11yrs, I am now 66. Even now I still mainly build out of the box.
Little bits of weathering and occasionally a bit of PE.
As others have said, build for yourself, some of my builds are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination,
But I am happy with them, for me that is the key, BUILD FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT.
Have fun.

Stuart

 

[wasdale32]

Hi Mike & welcome,

one useful source of cheap stuff like A2/A3 cutting mats, chalk pastels for weathering & cheap (nasty?) brushes & acrylic paint for groundwork etc is "The Works" - they also often have reduced books on military subjects that can be good for research. I'd spend your budget on the plastic rather than the specialist potions and powders while you're getting used to things....

Mark

 

[Valeron]

Hi Mike & welcome,

one useful source of cheap stuff like A2/A3 cutting mats, chalk pastels for weathering & cheap (nasty?) brushes & acrylic paint for groundwork etc is "The Works" - they also often have reduced books on military subjects that can be good for research. I'd spend your budget on the plastic rather than the specialist potions and powders while you're getting used to things....

Mark

Nice one. We have a Works in St Albans where I live. I'll pop in sometime and have a look

 

[spanner570]

Mark, don't forget our very own shop here on Scale Models. Loads of stuff at good prices....

Ron

 

[Valeron]

Thank you very much everyone for your warm welcome advice.

I've been reading more and I've ordered my first model. I've gone Tamiya as I always fancied doing one of these when I was a kid but never did. It's also a good price and seems and interesting one to build.

I'll also order paints as well after the model has arrived.

I'm planning to hand paint only and possibly using Vallejo acrylics. They seem to get a good review from what I've seen. I'll deal with weathering etc once I've got started.

What are peoples thoughts on Priming? I understand Priming in a Real world sense as I do all the decorating at home but have never primed a model. All the priming I have seen in magazines and online has been via an airbrush which I'm keeping away from for
now.

Another question if I may, I do have some Humbrol enamels for black. This model has a few black parts. Do people mix enamel and acrylics or should I purchase some acrylic black too?

Once the model arrives I'll start a blog.

Mike

 

[Valeron]

Mark, don't forget our very own shop here on Scale Models. Loads of stuff at good prices....

Ron

Good point. I must admit, I wasn't fully aware of that.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Nothing wrong with using acrylic and enamel on the same model, just make sure they are dry before the next coat. As to priming, I always do. Don’t invest in an airbrush yet though. A Tamiya grey rattle can will more than do what you need, just be aware it will pong a bit so do it in the garage. Use fine coats, don’t dwell over the model, and start and stop the spray off the model to eliminate the chance of big drops being splattered on as the spray stops.

 

[Mark1]

Nice one to start with, you don't necessarily need to primesome people do ,some don't but wash all the spruse in warm soapy water to remove any grease/oil from manufacturing , can't really comment on the enamels as I don't use em.