Hints/Tips for starting out...

Go for the airbrush!

I'm in same situation as you. Haven't built a model in a long time but now with a 7yr old I'm getting back into building models. Always wanted an airbrush when I was a kid and never did get one. Now I have one and built our first model, a Nascar. Paint job turned out great and we had alot of fun building the car. Really wish I'd had an airbrush when I was a kid!

Anyway here's a few tips from my experience (remember I'm new at this too)

-recommend a good quality brush -I bought testors aztek 370 which is ok but has developed an air leak inside the brush so I'm likely going to buy a Passche VL or VLSTPRO.

-avoid using canned air especially with your son. I found fumes pretty noxious and sometimes liquid spewed out which would burn your skin if came in contact. Air compressor from HD or similar store works great and I think it is safer as long as you set it up properly

-acrylics are alot easier to use than enamels in terms of cleanup and fumes

-make sure you've got a well ventilated area to work in.

-I know your son's still a little young, but I bought my son one of those snap together models -66 vette, and let him paint the body with the airbrush. He loved it. He also loves painting with it on paper.

Anyway go for the airbrush. You'll have a blast building the models you wished you could have built when you were a kid. You son will love the models in his room and when he's a little older you'll be able to build together.

I would go for an airbrush. It's not too difficult, and the results are *so* much better.

If you are looking for building, painting and weathering techniques, you can take a look at my modelling pages (URL below). I try to decribe the building process in detail for many of my projects.

Rob

My models:

Me 163B site:

Thanks all for the advice. I went out and brought the Revell airbrush starter kit for ~£40 and a Tamiya Universal Carrier MkII plus associated acrylic paints. Just a kind of a test model more than anything.

Any hints before I start? The shopkeeper told me to wash the parts in water with some washing up liquid to ensure they are dirt free.

How about thinners to thin the paint? Is that necessary? If so, what ratio?

I would like camoflage as well, so I do this by using masking tape? How do you get the 'fuzzy' edges? Should I leave the camo for another model and just practise painting the model in a green?

Thanks for the hints and tips all.

Kevin

There is an excellent FAQ for this group that covers a host of beginner's topics as well as advanced topics.

Don't have the address at my hand. Someone help me out here and post it for Kev.

Art

Is that the 'starter class' airbrush or the 'standard class' airbrush? On this page they are the last and one-but-last photos:

If you bought the 'starter class' airbrush, may I be so bold to suggest you return it and spend 10 pounds more on the 'standard class' model? The 'starter' is a very crude type of airbrush, that consumes a lot of paint and has no option whatsoever to spray a multiple-color camouflage free-hand. Judging from the looks, the 'standard' is a single-action (possibly double-action) airbrush with a lot more potential.

I would also suggest you arrange an old exhaust hood. It works vey well to create a simple painting booth.

I use enamels, but I keep reading that windscreen wiper fluid (the blueish stuff for your car) is a very good universal acrylic thinner! I guess I would add some 50% thinner as a start.

On my web site there are examples of both camouflages. Check out the Stuka for 'hard edge' camo done with tape, and the Super Etendard for 'soft edge' camo done with Blu-Tack 'sausages'.

Have fun!

Rob My models:

Me 163B site:

While I can't remember if it's the official site or not ...

Its only the starter class :( I will see how I progress at the moment, perhaps my wife might buy me the one you suggest for xmas ;-)

Anyway, I have spent several days on the bren carrier, and am almost finished. I only airbrushed the hull, and cut masking tape for some (very poor) camo. Next kit I build (yes I did thoroughly enjoy making this) I will experiment with blue tac.

I also did a small bit of dry-brushing for the weathering effect, around the wheels. Not sure what you think of it, but I think considering I have not built a model for some time, its came out pretty good.

Some pics here:

Thanks for the FAQ as well,

Kevin

I can echo Rob's advice. After six sessions with the starter you'll wish you would have got the higher grade. The cheaper ones are good for wide spray only which is fine if you're painting one colour subjects but if you want to get into complex camouflage subjects you should get a double action airbrush.

hth

The Keeper (of too much crap!)

If you considering buying a more sophisticated airbrush, shop around a little if possible. There are many brands and models available. You could also check Ebay or similar sites, since many people buy an airbrush, use it a few times, and then let it gather dust.

The paint (and wheatering) job looks very good to me!

Rob My models:

Me 163B site: