Time to build some models...

[1964slotnick]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself and thank everyone in advance for access to this wonderful community. I recently retired after 38 years as an aerospace engineer, and am excited to revisit my childhood passion of building plastic models. My first project is the Italeri 1/72 scale XB-70, easily the coolest airplane ever designed and flown. I could use some help in getting oriented (after 40+ years of inactivity). I am in the process of acquiring the basic tools in general, and also the specific supplies for the model. Several questions:

At the moment, I am at an impasse with the required paints. For this model, several ITA ModelMaker (MM) paints are called out, but I cannot find them anywhere online. Specifically, I'm looking for:

Model Master 1401 Aluminium Plate (Metalizer)
Model Master 1405 Gun Metal (Metalizer)
Model Master 1728 Light Ghost Gray FS36375 (Matte)
Model Master 1550 Flat Red (Matt)
Model Master 1402 Stainless Steel (Metalizer)
Model Master 1749 Black (Flat)
Model Master 1596 White (Semi-gloss)

Since this model is predominantly one color (white), I will order a large can of white acrylic enamel from LVP powder and paints (https://www.lvppaints.com/Cardinal-...int--White-27875--12-Oz-Spray-Can_p_8853.html). The flat black I'm sure I can find at hobby shops. For the others, I'm scratching my head. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a preferred brand/type of clear coat to use? If so, what should I get?

Is there a preferred brand/type of gap filler? This particular model will have some significant gaps that will need attention. I have no idea of what is available today.

I think that's all for now. Can't wait to actually get started. So nice not to have to wake up at 6am every morning!

Jeff

 

[urumomo]

Welcome Aboard !

here's a good source for supplies -- > https://www.scalehobbyist.com/index.php

 

[Jim62]

Welcome to the addict. Much has changed since you last assembled plastic. Most kits have improved greatly over what we built 40 years ago. If you are into aircraft I recommend you give some Tamiya kits a try they are top notch in my book. Academy is pretty good too they just lack in the instruction department, at least the ones I've built have. I rarely use filler but the one I prefer is Perfect Plastic Putty. Very easy to use.
Getting an airbrush is a game changer and you don't have to jump right into an expensive one. Get a cheap combo brush and airpump kit and go from there. We all have our preferred paints we use and you'll just have to figure that one out for what your tastes are. I use Tamiya Acrylics they spray great but take time to get the hang of brushing. Enjoy your journey back into the land of plastic.

 

[Jakko]

Pretty much all of those colours are generic, so all you need is to buy whichever brand of model paint you think you can use. Just about all of them will have colours like flat red, aluminium, etc. in their range.

 

[Eagle-1]

How y'all are!

Rob.

 

[BarleyBop]

wake up at 6am every morning!

You'll want to, just to work more on your builds!

Welcome!
If you have a local shop, like I do, that may determine which paint brand you start with... even if just to see what they have, and easily accessible should you run out, etc.
Check out if they have brand compatible thinner, primer and clear coat too. I'm just experienced enough to know they don't all play well together...there are a few threads with many opinions on that here as well.

Have fun!

Oh, and even if you buy an airbrush or use rattle cans, you will still need brushes for detailing: I think you are better off getting better brushes at a craft/art store, than the branded 'modeler brushes' which may not be as good, for the price.

 

[Down Time]

Welcome!!!!! Many great people here, post pictures of your builds, we like to see.

 

[TimM63]

Welcome to the madness

 

[Belugawrx]

great...another glue sniffer..

Welcome aboard, don't sweat the small stuff..
take the colour chip sheet ( downloadable on the interwebs) to your hobby shop and match them up to whats there ..

 

[plastickjunkie]

Welcome to the most relaxing hobby around. I highly recommend to get an air brush, moisture trap and compressor. Shop around and you will see different set ups. This way you can custom mix colors and produce outstanding paint finishes and effects. Go to YouTube and search for the subject. You will find tons of tuts and info.

 

[BGilbertSound]

Like Jim62 said, an airbrush is a game changer. Cheap ones are fine to start, ebay isn't a bad place to look, though some of the used ones can get really expensive. I have an old Paasche single-action that I bought many years ago that I still use & I love it, but it's only good for broad, even color coats, not so much for superfine details. A quiet airbrush compressor with a tank was a nice upgrade for me... I'd put your $$$ in the compressor first and get a cheaper airbrush to start, then upgrade the actual airbrush later.

 

[Steve Ski]

Wow, Jeff, welcome to the time warp, jet lag, whatever ya wanna call it, lol. It won't be so painful, some of us have been thru it too, no worries. Once you get a chance to explore all the changes over the decades, you'll find we've acquired quite a few really cool tools, kits, aftermarket accessories, etc. Just have fun, that's the key.

Paints for birds, check "Alclad II", among others. Many bird builders love that stuff, me too. Decent airbrush kits can be found for a reasonable price at Andy's Hobby HQ, as well as other places. I just bagged some paints from here at a really good price; https://www.scalehobbyist.com/index.php

Youtube will get you up to speed with almost anything you'll need to know. Like starting your new job, you've got some learnin to do, so have fun and enjoy the journey; it's just too much fun otherwise.

Feel free to ask questions, we'll do the best we can to get you going in the right direction. Just keep "sniffin paint and gluin them fingers together"!

Cheers, Ski.

 

[Pantherman]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself and thank everyone in advance for access to this wonderful community. I recently retired after 38 years as an aerospace engineer, and am excited to revisit my childhood passion of building plastic models. My first project is the Italeri 1/72 scale XB-70, easily the coolest airplane ever designed and flown. I could use some help in getting oriented (after 40+ years of inactivity). I am in the process of acquiring the basic tools in general, and also the specific supplies for the model. Several questions:

At the moment, I am at an impasse with the required paints. For this model, several ITA ModelMaker (MM) paints are called out, but I cannot find them anywhere online. Specifically, I'm looking for:

Model Master 1401 Aluminium Plate (Metalizer)
Model Master 1405 Gun Metal (Metalizer)
Model Master 1728 Light Ghost Gray FS36375 (Matte)
Model Master 1550 Flat Red (Matt)
Model Master 1402 Stainless Steel (Metalizer)
Model Master 1749 Black (Flat)
Model Master 1596 White (Semi-gloss)

Since this model is predominantly one color (white), I will order a large can of white acrylic enamel from LVP powder and paints (https://www.lvppaints.com/Cardinal-...int--White-27875--12-Oz-Spray-Can_p_8853.html). The flat black I'm sure I can find at hobby shops. For the others, I'm scratching my head. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a preferred brand/type of clear coat to use? If so, what should I get?

Is there a preferred brand/type of gap filler? This particular model will have some significant gaps that will need attention. I have no idea of what is available today.

I think that's all for now. Can't wait to actually get started. So nice not to have to wake up at 6am every morning!

Jeff

Hi and welcome to the forum. Pantherman

 

[BarleyBop]

Hello there. Kick your shoes off. Put your feet up. Stay a while!
But show us stuff!

 

[Droopy]

Welcome! Good to see you!

 

[Bodeen]

www.spraygunner.com is a fantastic place to get paints and painting supplies. I use them and have never been disappointed. I use strictly acrylic paints for pre-shading and painting, and oils for washes. Do some research and determine what is best for you. I build armor so I use Tamiya, AK. Ammo by Mig, Vallejo and some other brands. I'm not sure what the best paints are for aircraft or ships. Good luck and welcome home.

 

[Littlemarten]

Hi all,

Just wanted to introduce myself and thank everyone in advance for access to this wonderful community. I recently retired after 38 years as an aerospace engineer, and am excited to revisit my childhood passion of building plastic models. My first project is the Italeri 1/72 scale XB-70, easily the coolest airplane ever designed and flown. I could use some help in getting oriented (after 40+ years of inactivity). I am in the process of acquiring the basic tools in general, and also the specific supplies for the model. Several questions:

At the moment, I am at an impasse with the required paints. For this model, several ITA ModelMaker (MM) paints are called out, but I cannot find them anywhere online. Specifically, I'm looking for:

Model Master 1401 Aluminium Plate (Metalizer)
Model Master 1405 Gun Metal (Metalizer)
Model Master 1728 Light Ghost Gray FS36375 (Matte)
Model Master 1550 Flat Red (Matt)
Model Master 1402 Stainless Steel (Metalizer)
Model Master 1749 Black (Flat)
Model Master 1596 White (Semi-gloss)

Since this model is predominantly one color (white), I will order a large can of white acrylic enamel from LVP powder and paints (https://www.lvppaints.com/Cardinal-...int--White-27875--12-Oz-Spray-Can_p_8853.html). The flat black I'm sure I can find at hobby shops. For the others, I'm scratching my head. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a preferred brand/type of clear coat to use? If so, what should I get?

Is there a preferred brand/type of gap filler? This particular model will have some significant gaps that will need attention. I have no idea of what is available today.

I think that's all for now. Can't wait to actually get started. So nice not to have to wake up at 6am every morning!

Jeff

First off, for an air brush, I don't recommend starting with an inexpensive one. Neither do I recommend going for an expensive one. Shop around for good prices. Spraygunner.com has already been recommended. I can also recommend merriartist.com and airbrushingwood.com. "The only tool you can afford is the best tool you can find." About two years ago I bought a GREX airbrush, and since then my Thayer & Chandler has been gathering dust. Easy to use, very easy to clean.

Paints: I hate Model Master, always have. I'm a retired materials scientist who has worked in the paint industry. They are inferior to many of the newer paint lines. For metallic paints, I've only found one real competitor (so far) for Alclad II—great paint, but you absolutely need a spray booth (and a decent air brush). The other metallic line that has impressed me is Vallejo, and I use their other model paints almost exclusively, but that's my preference. Tamiya paints are also very good, though they are alcohol solvent based and require a spray booth for airbrushing. If you go with Tamiya, be sure to get their paint retarder, even for brush application.

Clear coat: For gloss: Holloway House® Quick Shine® Multi-surface Floor Finish. Yes, I'm serious. I've tried most of the other scale modeling ones, and this produces a finish as good as any, and is often easier to use. Surprise! You don't need an airbrush for this one! Just use a quality broad artist's brush. It levels beautifully.

Gap filling: There are almost as many preferred ones as there are scale modelers. Medium viscosity cyanoacrylate glue (commonly called CA among modelers, "super glue" more commonly) is very useful, especially with an accelerator. I prefer Mercury Adhesives, but there are very many others. Research the technique online.

Some use automotive body filler (Spray booth!) If you try it, get the fine finish coat type.

For minor defects and thin seams, I use Mr. Surfacer® 500 and 1000. (Spray booth!).

White glue, particularly Micro-Crystal Clear®l is occasionally useful, especially for attaching clear parts. Crystal clear can also be used to fill small windows.

Spray booth: I cannot recommend a commercial one. I bought the best one I could find, then had to re-engineer it. I'd have been better off (and spent less money) building it from scratch. Either build it to fit in a convenient window, or vent it through a removable window panel. Aluminum sheet and angle, sheet metal screws, and a blower motor suitable for flammable exhaust are all you need. Be sure to design in good lighting.

I've one more recommendation: Get some small, cheap kits that you won't care about to practice on, "get your hand back in," and learn new materials and techniques. Do this before building a kit of something you really love. I'm sure a lot of people here are looking forward to seeing your XB-70. I certainly am. Fantastic aircraft. I built the Revell kit in 1972 (long lost, alas) so if the Italeri kit isn't a dog, I may get one.

And welcome to one of the nicest places on the interwebs!