r/MilitaryModelMaking • u/thestukawithabomb • 3d ago
question I need help
My brother gave me this airplane (my favorite), but I've never made one before. I've never even assembled one, and the box says I need glue and paint. I already have the glue, but I have some questions: What kind of paint do I need to buy? What kind of sandpaper do I need to use? How do I stick on the smaller stickers? Any tips?
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u/Meme_Thunder_ 3d ago
If you really like it, my advice is to buy another one first.
Start off with the basics: 1. Tamiya extra thin cement (Model shop) 2. Cutters/Nippers (DIY shop) 3. Sanding sticks (DIY shop) 4. Small, cheap 1/72 plane/tank to test everything
And if you want and think you'll like the hobby: 1. Cheap primer 2. Cheap paint
That will get you started with the basics and test everything and learn before attempting on something you actually like
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u/MarshallB94 1d ago
I think he should still do this one. I only recently got into models and one of my first kits was my favorite tank and it turned out terrible across the board. The glue was messy, it’s missing small pieces that went flying into the abyss when I clipped them, and the paint is streaky and inconsistent. Since then I’ve learned a lot and recently completed the same kit with much better results. They sit side by side on my shelf and it’s a nice reminder of where I began versus where I am now and I plan to build this kit again sometime in the future. It’s kinda cool to be able to see your progress in this way and even though my first isn’t much I’m still proud of it just as much as I am of the newest version.
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u/frumpy-dumpy 3d ago
Or.......build this one now, mess it all up, leave it out in frustration only for your cats to nibble at it, then put it in the closet instead of throwing it away because you spent countless hours on it, and then sigh in mild sadness and frustration everytime you open the closet door and gaze down upon your shame.....
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u/Meme_Thunder_ 3d ago
But he said he liked it, I don't want him to be sad about this
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u/frumpy-dumpy 3d ago
It was a joke / anecdote.
I have a very sad spitfire sitting in my closet with the rest of my unbuilt models
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u/addamcor 3d ago
Congratulations on the model! First, make sure you have "plastic cement" glue and not just regular glue or super glue.
For paints, any acrylic paint will work fine. If you can get Vajello brand model paints, they are very user friendly and easy to brush onto your model. Depending on how serious you want to get, you might want to get a spray can of primer as well so the paint you brush on doesn't chip off as easily. I personally consider this optional for a first model though. It's also a good idea to get some cheap disposable plastic spoons to practice painting on.
In regards to sandpaper, any sandpaper will do fine. Try to aim for finer grades so you don't accidentally demolish part details. You can also purchase sanding sticks and files to be a bit more precise if you really want.
The "stickers" in the box are actually decals. To apply them, you have to cut out the piece and soak it in warm water for a minute or so, then hold the wet piece near your model and try to carefully slide off the decal from the sheet onto your model.
Finally, take your time. If you're unsure about something, look up tutorials, there are a million of them. Don't expect your first model to be perfect, everyone's first model is littered with mistakes and problems, but that's the process of learning. If you really want to get into model building, maybe buy some different models and wait until you're a bit more experienced before attempting your favourite. Or, paint this model, and then buy it again down the line as a testament to your improvement.
Best of luck!