Posted: 7/5/2014 10:17:43 PM EDT
 I know we have a few members here who are into scale aircraft and armor modeling. I have not built a model in quite some time and have a few questions . I have located an Aircraft model for my father that I want to build as a present for Christmas. He was an air medic for nearly a decade and this will mean a lot to him. I have debated having the kit done by a professional or doing it myself. If anyone could provide links,tips or advice I would appreciate it,So far I have to make a custom paint (dark green)-no idea on how .I assume paint thinner and black mixed with green Custom tail numbers-Do I need to paint these in or can I order vinyl decals premade. I need to make a deck that resembles a cement landing pad I also need to learn to weather and texture. With that being said do I need to send this off? I would have to worry about shipping and damage /cost On a scale of 1-10 with modeling I would be around a 6 I would guess Thanks Update 1 I have started on an M1 to practice weathering and other styles I never knew about.To answer some questions the final model for my father will be a BO105 BoKow in the form of an air ambulance. I will post regular updates on progress. So far I have the tank and apache to complete before i begin.  " /> " /> |
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I have been to this shop and know they do seriously professional work. Im sure there are many but this is one I know. They may already have the model, too. Check the detail they put into their people.
They also do dioramas (a setting into which the model fits). The Soldier Gallery in Cambria, CA 
You have to understand these figures are only about 2" to 2 1/2" tall. They are amazing. They get used in their dioramas using figures, vehicles, scenery - really top notch, cool stuff. ambulances, medics, 
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| I looked up the formal definition of diorama. Dioramas have a painted background. I've never seen one of those at the Cambria shop but I have seen arrangements of men, vehicles and gear displayed in a life-like scene. I think they have Civil War battlefields, WWII scenes, etc. |
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I looked up the formal definition of diorama. Dioramas have a painted background. I've never seen one of those at the Cambria shop but I have seen arrangements of men, vehicles and gear displayed in a life-like scene. I think they have Civil War battlefields, WWII scenes, etc. If you are ever in Atlanta GA, don't miss the Cyclorama. http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/gallery.php?gallery_id=15 |
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If you are ever in Atlanta GA, don't miss the Cyclorama. http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/gallery.php?gallery_id=15 Quoted:
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I looked up the formal definition of diorama. Dioramas have a painted background. I've never seen one of those at the Cambria shop but I have seen arrangements of men, vehicles and gear displayed in a life-like scene. I think they have Civil War battlefields, WWII scenes, etc. If you are ever in Atlanta GA, don't miss the Cyclorama. http://www.atlantacyclorama.org/gallery.php?gallery_id=15 Wow, that is something else. Truly, it is a museum. The Cambria, CA shop is just a small hobby shop. The sell high quality plastic models and have display cases highlighting their models and what you can do with them. They sell unfinished soldiers and models and some of the finished stuff is also for sale (but not all). |
| Thanks for the help guys. I decided im going to "Do it yourself" A buddy and I are going to get models to do this weekend at the fire station and I will see where i am at skill level wise.I will just have to get better.I will knock a few out before I attempt it . I guess I will start a progress thread here . Let me see if I have pics for the Helicopter I have to do . |
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On you question about custom paint, either start with a dark green and lighten it, or a light green and darken it.
In both cases, different shades of green would be needed (and maybe some other colors). Dark green will darken a light green better than a black, same the other way. |
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Thanks for the help guys. I decided im going to "Do it yourself" A buddy and I are going to get models to do this weekend at the fire station and I will see where i am at skill level wise.I will just have to get better.I will knock a few out before I attempt it . I guess I will start a progress thread here . Let me see if I have pics for the Helicopter I have to do . Good for you! The bottom line is do not rush this. Take your time doing it. You will find you should buy some very fine sand paper. When you pluck the parts off the "tree" sand the spot the were connected. Pre-fit the parts. Sand them flush. Between the sandpaper and a exact knife, get it smooth. Don't go heavy with glue. In fact, I recommend using super small q-tips, that are sold at model shops to apply it. Some parts are better painted before gluing. That is something you will have to figure out. I would buy three of the same models. Do the first and see how it goes. Practice painting after it's together and take notes what should have been painted first. Do the second model considering what you learned with the first. Finally, do the third and you will breeze right through it. Time and patience is your friend. |
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I used to build a lot of models when I was a kid, but haven't in years. But I do some window shopping on line now and then.
Here's Tower Hobbies' website for plastic scale models like you're looking for: http://www.plastic-models.com Tower Hobbies was always my favorite mail order hobby store. Also, I used to have a how to book that came with a high end Testor's paint set. It was very informative, but I don't have it anymore or remember the title. But it doesn't matter, they've put all the info, plus more here: http://www.scaleworkshop.com/workshop.htm |
| What aircraft are you building and in what scale? Numbers can be painted on but you can get decal sheets with just numbers, letters, for specific aircraft, squadrons, etc. You can also get detail kits that will really get your model to stand out. I used to do a lot but went on to other things (shooting) but now that I'm retired looking at getting back in or into RC. In any event fit your pieces carefully, the less putty the better, a good airbrush will really make that piece of plastic look like a scale model and not a toy. Practice with your airbrush and learn to mix and thin paints to get good results. Do some research, I used to take good detail pictures of aircraft at airshows for reference. Its a good hobby but does require patience and attention to detail for great results especially if you want to present it to someone. |
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Quoted: What aircraft are you building and in what scale? Numbers can be painted on but you can get decal sheets with just numbers, letters, for specific aircraft, squadrons, etc. You can also get detail kits that will really get your model to stand out. I used to do a lot but went on to other things (shooting) but now that I'm retired looking at getting back in or into RC. In any event fit your pieces carefully, the less putty the better, a good airbrush will really make that piece of plastic look like a scale model and not a toy. Practice with your airbrush and learn to mix and thin paints to get good results. Do some research, I used to take good detail pictures of aircraft at airshows for reference. Its a good hobby but does require patience and attention to detail for great results especially if you want to present it to someone. |
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1/48th was my preferred scale for jet fighters and 1/32nd for WWII fighters. I wanted to try my had at helicopters in a 1/32 since there's a lot of space for some good detailing work but just never got started.
Years ago, before the internet, I used Squadron models, haven't looked to see if they're around but a local hobby shop also had a selection of decal sheets. I cant remember the brand name (scale master?) but they used to have a very nice assortment of decals for different aircraft, in different scales, but I'm sure there are other makers out there right now. |
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Squadron is still in business. There is also Sprue Bothers for supplies, pretty much everything For more obscure detailing supplies look into Victory Models.
As far as helo models there is a small business called Cobra Company that mostly sells helicopter detail sets in resin http://cobracompany.com/ There was, maybe still is, a decal mail order company out of canada called flightdecs. Maybe they are out of business because when I tried the website it says server is not working. They had decals from many obscure companies that you wouldn't find anywhere else. |
