What’s the best way for an individual such as myself to pick up a new hobby of creating plastic models (such as cars and planes)? How expensive is the hobby? What are some good websites where I could purchase some supplies?
I’ve looked at some videos on youtube about things concerning gluing and other odds. What are some general tips that an experienced model maker could give me?
I agree that before messing around online, you should check your local area. Assuming you live in the United States, once upon a time, model kits were available at places like Toys R Us, Walmart, Kmart and so on, but nowadays you really need an actually hobby shop to find them. Try Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Hobbytown USA or even local “Ma & Pa” shops. Any of these will carry kits, glue, paint and the like.
The hobby is a bit expensive at first as you build up a collection of tools, and can get even more expensive if you decide to invest in things like an airbrush. Basic starter tools are things like glue, paint, brushes, X-acto knives and maybe putty and sanding papers. There again, there are many “snap together” kits that don’t require any of these, some even pre-painted. Kits themselves have become a bit pricey…perhaps do to the expense of the molding process. They tend to be in the 15 dollar range on up.
As for tips, that’s really easier if you have specific questions. In general, take your time and follow the instructions, though you’ll later learn it’s sometimes better to build or paint things out of order of what the instructions say. There’s some some basic painting techniques like drybrush or washes you might want check the web for. As others have mentioned, model magazines are also a great source for tips, tricks and ideas.
Then of course you may want to consider a hobby like Warhammer 40k or Fantasy, you put together models and then your army of models beats up the other army of models. its a fun and pretty entertaining hobby. Sadly to start it can get pretty expensive (A force of infantry comes close to $20) but if you hang around your local hobby store that sells them, they may be able to tell you of any people selling their miniatures and you could cut a deal
http://www.micromark.com is a great site for tools. Pick up an issue of Finescale Modeler at a local newsstand. It has nice articles depending on what your building. Check out finescale.com as the site is nice too, as well as the discussion forum. Don’t try to do too much at first. Try a straight build out of the box and use spray paint(tamiya or Testors) for color. Start out with Testors orange tube glue at first, but you may want to switch to liquid glue later. Most of all, take your time and have fun.
Hobby Shops are your #1 choice to get information on this topic but I’m guessing that this can range from $50+. Use the link below (Sources) to find a local hobby shop near you. That link can only search for hobby shops in the USA. (If I’m correct)
So, if your not in the USA… Use a search engine like http://www.google.com/ to help you find a local hobby shop near you.
model rockets are very fun and some are built in an hour.
rockets can reach 1500 ft+
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