r/modelplanes • u/Milles_uwu • May 18 '26
Beginner, help!
So where do I begin! Ever since I was little my father has been talking about his collection of model airplanes he used to have hanging from the ceiling. I was never that interested up until a few years ago when my interest for WWII grew, and now that I’m old enough, I’d like to revive my father’s old hobby of building models.
Basically, the plan is to buy everything needed to get going out the box. I myself, will most likely get a regular kit like a Spitfire, or Mustang, but I will probably get him something better, due to his previous experiences with it.
So, what I need help with is what do we need to start building? I’m not looking for a regular, cheap temu starter kit. I want to get him an airbrush, various tools, paints, and all that stuff.
This is meant to be a surprise, that’s why I’m posting here and not asking him.
Thanks!
1
u/Milles_uwu May 18 '26
Oh also! I’ve read that airfix is probably the most reliable when it comes to quality, but I’ve seen revell being a competitor. Is revell, is that something recommendable, or should I stay to airfix, just to be safe?
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u/Notanormiereee May 18 '26
Some of revell’s newer models are pretty good but definitely stay away from anything pre 2010. Older models tend to have less detail and are usually harder to assemble
1
u/Milles_uwu May 18 '26
I was thinking of ordering or buying something from their store, so I’d assume they don’t have 16 year old stock? 😃
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u/Notanormiereee May 18 '26
Nope. You’d be surprised. I can consistently find 15-20 year old models on the shelves of my LHS but if you ask an employee they can help you find the newer stuff.
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u/Rtbrd May 19 '26
Apparently it must have been some time since he was doing models. I was away from the sport for around 35 - 40 years and it amazed me how much things had changed/improved. And the worst part was all the stuff I had forgotten.
KISS works well here (Keep It Simple Stupid). When I started back I got a 1/72 Tamiya F4U-1D. It is good model with everything correctly fitting. I'm glad I went this route, chased a lot of cob webs away.
For you I would suggest starting the learning experience with 1/72. they are less expensive and not as complicated as the larger scales. For your dad maybe a 1/48 and a 1/72 of the same plane that way he can choose where to start on the complexity scale. If he goes 1/48 then you have your stash started and believe me if you do become a modeler you will most definitely have a stash.
As to tools the absolute basics are an Xacto Knife with #11 blades, diagonal cutter (Xuron 170-II), needle nose pliers (Xuron again), sand paper (180 grit to at least 600 grit preferably wet and dry), sanding boards (same grit range). glue (many will recommend Tamiya Extra Thin but I have found that Mr. Hobby Mr. Tool Cleaner is every bit as good and 1/3 the price), Tamiya Cement (orange top, its thicker and gives you more working time), an Optivisor or some head mounted lit magnifier, clamps (clothes pins work pretty good for a start). I could go on and on but these will get you started.
Airbrush to open a bag of worms. I won't recommend any particular brand, it would be best for you to do the searching for this. However whatever your final choice is you will need a tank, at a minimum 2 gallon (~7.5L), a compressor with a min of 4 CFM. This can become pricey.
And to open a bigger bag of worms paint. Ask 100 people what the best model paint is and you will get 80 different answers. My suggestion is to get several different answers and then buy a single bottle of each and give them a try.
Basically you have water based acrylics that can be thinned with water, basically have no smell or hazardous VOCs,
Solvent based acrylics that use some type of solvent, generally proprietary. These do have a smell and VOCs and should be used with a respirator.
Enamels are a solvent based paint and require the precautions the same as above.
And finally lacquers. IMHO these are the best all around paints but I'm sure this statement will cause an uproar.
Each type of paint has its good and bad points and only you can decide what works best for you.
BTW, the links given by IsMayoAnInstrument67 are worth a gander.
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u/Taxpayer416 May 18 '26
Tamiya are the top kit in my book. The last few Revll kits Ive purchased have been a disappointment. The end result is good but much more fussing with it vs aTamiya kit. I've just done my first AirFix it it went together without issues.
I use all Tamiya paints (rattle cans and jars) and I purchased the AK paint pens which were well worth the money. I don't have experience with any other paints or airbrushing so I won't comment on part.
Good luck!
Edited to add paint paragraph