Hello all,

I am just looking for a bit of help really. After browsing the internet I came across some amazing 1/35 scale dioramas, notably ‘Hey Slav, Take a Look’ by Vladimir Demchenko and Nemours dioramas by Robert Doepp. These things are phenomenal and I am looking forward to starting with my modelling past time and hopefully get to a point were I can produce some amazing works like these!

I have a keen interest in WWII from a historical point and I am going to start with a Dragon made T-34/85. Bearing in mind I am kind of struggling at the moment getting used to terminology etc, if somebody could give me a break down of the modelling essentials (tools) I would appreciate it. I have the kit, just don’t have the equipment. Any recommendations for a newbie?

Thanks

Welcome to the hobby. A short list of equipment.

Needle files- Usually available in a set (different shapes) 5-8
Glues- I use bottle (thin) and tube (thick) for plastic and CA (super glue in various thicknesses) for resin/ metal parts
Flush cutting cutters- For removing parts from the sprue (tree) made so that there is minimal "stubs" left on the part.
Hobby knife- Often referred to as "X-Acto", #11 type of blade (get spares)
Sand paper- I use emery cloth in various "grits" extra fine to coarse and emery boards (for doing finger nails etc)
Filler- closing up those minor gaps etc.

I think this will be enough to start you off. I shop around at electronic supply, craft shops, automotive supply and bargain shops for the tools. Far cheaper and usually just as good. Not sure what is available in your area and of coarse once you are ready to paint that is another area altogether.
Hope this helps and I know others will jump in with other recommendations.

Doug

hello neil
i started modelling about six years ago and my first attempt's were 1/72 scale aircraft wich ended up in the bin. then i tried out 1/35 armour and had a lot more fun and still six years down the road i feel as if i have just scratched the surface.when i first started i bought a lot of modelling magazines mainley back issues of tamiya model magazine wich helped me understand the main process to complete a half decent model.also you can't beat armorama for the help people are willing to give you. i think verlinden produce the best books to buy, try out building military vehicles1,2&3 they may be a few years old now but they explain the painting and weathering process simply.
good luck and enjoy the best hobby on the planet!!
all the best
NEIL.

Excellent, thanks for that - looks like i will be out on a shopping spree tommorow - my turn to boor the wife!

Check out Poundland if you have a branch close to you. They do all kinds of stuff and I've found lots which translate over to modelling needs.

Craft knife sets, battery operated power tool with grinding heads, spray primer, and of course it's all for a £1 per item.

http://www.poundland.co.uk/pages/default.aspx

Look out for cheap storage to put all your new tools and glue into.

Also look in Maplins if you have a branch near you, they do a good price on a cutting mat (saves the dining table) and on the side cutters. These are for wiring, circuit board stuff but work great for modelling. They do needle files also, and pin vices, small drill bits. They have a web site which you can check out for stuff.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/?DOY=12m10

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=4247&doy=12m10

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?MenuNo=11776&MenuName=Self+Healing+Cutting+Mat&FromMenu=y&doy=12m10

Alan

Excellent - thanks very much for this

Neil -

Welcome to the hobby, hope you find it relaxing and learn some things about the vehicles/items you are going to tackle. For me I thoroughly enjoy learning some "useless trivia" while building and finishing a kit. The previous postings listed a bunch of things, just have a few more to add to your "list" -

Tweezers - may want to pick up a few different types
Rubber bands / tape - for holding the parts together after glueing
Tooth picks - a wide range of uses
Light - a benefit when building/finishing, a detriment when the work area is poorly lit

Like Doug mentioned, I like to poke around at different places and see what may work, can find things in just about every store.

Enjoy! Cheers!
Tim

Hi Neil

New myself, other than what has been suggested I would add:

Pin chuck (about £4) and small dia' drill bits (£6) for opening out barrels etc, we also got an old dremel which we had for years, and only now is it seeing any use
Needle tweezers.

I also work in a lab so "borrow" loads of small glass screw top bottles for paint mixing and storing, pipettes and tips (perfect for protecting brushes) syringes, scalpel blades.....oh and the wife's nail kit usually ends up missing a few bits as well

First and foremost welcome to the best modeling web site on the planet. There are allot of great people who know allot about are great hobby. They'll all HELP as much as they can. They will improve your skills allot they helped me dramatically.

I would recommend and airbrush, and a compressor. That is what I got first when I got back into the hobby.It helps allot with painting and weathering.

Happy Modeling
Tom

Neil,

An excellent tool carrier / holder is a fishing box or tackle box. Especially the plastic type that has adjustable drawers that you can section off to suit the different sizes of tools you will be using. The plus side is if need or want to take them with you some where they don't add much to the weight.

Welcome to the community and have fun.