Newby question/help :=)

For general question aabout modeling please see the

rec.models.scale FAQ

I think that u have to decide wether u are going to paint with acrilics or enamels first......

As far as glue, if you are doing any PE work you will need CA, usually a thicker (gel) form for the PE. You can also use the CA on plastic-to-plastic. I use both plastic cement and two forms of CA, and keep all of these handy. I also keep some white glue around for canopies, windshields and stuff.

I find the CA from the hobby shops more expensive, and only sold in bigger quantities. This stuff ages, so I like to buy it in smallest size possible. I buy mine at the hardware store. Forget the brand I use for the thin stuff- I use Elmers gel for the thicker stuff.

Don't buy paints as a set, buy what you need for each kit. You have a choice of enamel vs acrylics. I personally use mostly enamels, but have many modeling friends that use acrylics mostly.

The thing I don't like about acrylic is the very fast drying time. If someone calls me on phone, by time I get back to brush or airbrush the acrylic is dry, making for a horrendous cleanup problem. You have to ignore phone and entire outside world- don't allow any interruptions when you are using acrylics.

you can leave the entire airbrush laying in a container of water , you can leave it overnight if you don't feel like cleaning it or submerge it between colors you can operate it under water and backflush while your at it..just be carefull of splattering For me atleast the fast drying time is a benefit rather than a hinderance.

Thanks to all for all the great info. BTW-I am located in Philadelphia PA in The States.

Well, I'm just down the road a piece in Lancaster. No, there aren't any good shops nearby. :(

Bill Banaszak, MFE

Scott:

What the guys have said is great, but I'd add two more things: (1) Most Importantly, get in contact with your local modelling club and join it! If its not listed in the phone book or local newspaper, your local hobby store will put you in contact or you could try the IPMS; and (2) get a hold of a recent edition of Fine Scale Modeler or Scale Aviation Modeler and have a read - they have club listings plus a heap of good articles with great tips, plus store listings etc. This will help you, but the main thing is the club - find one, join it and talk to others who enjoy the hobby, it'll help you no end.

Andrew

OK Thanks, Andrew. Will do :=)

Well, Bill, maybe not near Lancaster (as you know, I tried like all get out to find a decent shop in Lancaster (did Smitty's finally close?)), but Herb's Hobbies in Doylestown and Penn Valley Hobbies in Lansdale might be worth Scott's time to check out. He's a lot closer in Philly than we were in Lancaster.

Don McIntyre Clarksville, TN

Smitty's has been gone for a long time now. Smitty sold it to a couple who wanted to run a shop. Smitty was burnt out from dealing with the public. As it turned out only the husband wanted to run a shop and when he went in the hospital the wife ran it right into the ground, went bankrupt, sold out and ran off with a boyfriend with the now-deceased husband's insurance money. I personally hope she develops a rash.

The shop at the airport expanded to another site but their model selection is paltry. The owner is a practitioner of the Walmart religion. He has one line of paint for cars, another for military and pleading will not get him to order anything else. Most of the shop is given over to whatever die-cast crap will turnaround quickly, kites, R/C plane supplies, videos and G-rated adult toys.

If you're into model railroads there are several good shops and some of them stock paint that the 'hobby shop' won't. We also have a Michael's now as well as the AC Moore. For models and supplies, Michael's is the better bet.

Bill Banaszak, MFE

who gets a lot of his paint from Squadron now...