Hello all,

I’m very new here (1 day). An extraordinary resource, excited to learn from you guys!

I’m returning to modeling after 40 years away. I’ve built a couple models, and have 3-4 in progress (sigh). I have some basic tools and a bunch of Tamiya paint pots (and have spent way too much on Tamiya rattle cans..). I’ve watched a bunch of build videos on YouTube from some extraordinary builders (some of which are here), truly helpful and inspiring. These videos have led me to throw out this request to the community here – would there be an interest in creating a group related to tools of the trade?

What are your favorite tools? On the hardware side:
Airbrush and compressor, brushes, knives and cutters, scribes and riveters, templates, etc

On the consumables side:
Paints, thinners, sandpapers and abrasives, puttys, adhesives, tapes, decal chemistry, etc.

I know a large part of learning is experimenting, but my dilemma is where to go after the basics. I understand the subjective nature of tools and craft, yet I find these opinions priceless. A common dilemma for me is to go to the hobby shop and get overwhelmed by the options available. You might remember those days?

Thank you for reading –
Curtis

Hi Curtis,
Welcome!
Like you I came back to the hobby after a break of nearly 40 years.
In that time number of new 'tools' have transformed the way in which kits are built, compared to the way I used to do it!
My top three:-

1. Glues - hot glues such as tamiya extra thin, and super glue, parts can be secured in minutes now , this used to take hours;
2. Air brushes and compressors - new to me this time around, but a big leap forward over the old style brush painting I was used to. I do of course use brushes for the fine detail work for speed and accuracy some times there is no better way, but the airbrush gives you a much wider range of options;
3. Paints - goes hand in hand with the Airbrush thing really, I am a big fan of the new lacquer paints - MRP both for camo and the metallics (AK xtreme metals) they do stink but the idea of being able to handle parts minutes after they have been painted is unheard of from the days of enamels when you painted stuff and left it to dry over night.
   I still use humbrol/ revell and model master, you can't beat them when it comes to painting small areas or detail - also for those projects when drying times are not such a problem. Tamiya paints I also like for their ability to be thinned almost infinitely, XF-2 white for its ability to cover just about anything.
4. Mr Hobby Self Levelling Thinner - makes just about everything spray better.
   I could go on but there's a start.

Best wishes
David

Craig, David, Pedro, thanks very much!

David, the info on paints and thinners is especially useful for me. I have a better idea of what to look for and why on the next hobby shop visit — cheers!

Pedro, I concur on the Tamiya paint with a brush, ouch. But the Vallejo and other brand info, so helpful, thanks. A new arrival to the local hobby shop, next to the huge Gunze and Tamiya walls is an AMMO by Mig Jimenez display, that name is new to me. Looks like a focus on weathering and acrylics. Have you used these before? Unfortunately I have not seen MRP, AK or Mission paint here in Tokyo.

Thank you, Paul! Noted on the paints and cutter.

On the airbrush end, pls tell me about your compressor – is this also from Iwata? The price range in compressor offerings are confusing me. An Iwata Smart Jet Pro retails around $350, yet a similar spec’d compressor can be found on Amazon for $75. I assume that the cheaper option won’t last forever, and I am not a fan of buying something with a planned obsolescence of a couple years – there’s enough trash on this planet already – but, the price disparity has me scratching my head. What did you do?

Cheers!

Pedro's right, in Tokyo you might struggle to find the European and US brands such as MRP and Mission but you have Mr Hobby, Mr Color (Gunze) and Tamiya - great quality and performance I am sure you won't have too much problem.

Airbrushes/ Compressors - I started with a cheap chinese set which worked well for a couple of years and died - but it got me started, while I got the hang of the basics.

You are in Japan so I suspect Iwata is probably your best bet and probably a lot cheaper than they are overseas - start inexpensive and experiment - it won't take long and you will start to work out what you want/need out of your gear and what suits you.

The best money I ever spent on airbrushing was a one day beginners course for a £100.00 when I was new to it . Best of Luck Curtis and Enjoy Yourself