What kind of equipment do I need?

[Scholar81]

Hiya, this is my first post ;-) hmm, I just recently discovered the world of modding and I am so excited to jump in the deep end.

I already ordered some models on-line but... I want to be completely prepared to begin when they arrive so... could anyone give me a basic to moderate list of things I should have to make a Bad-ass model. 8) (and where to get it if possible)?

thx

[Kylwell]

Well, the basics are something to remove the parts from the sprue (like sprue cutters) and something to glue them together (like Tenax 7R).

After that it gets fancy. Helps to have something to fill seams like black CA, Aves, or Mr Surfacer 500. Then something to sand them down, sandpaper, flex-i-files, files, etc.

Then there's paint. Airbrushes are a godsend to painting but can be a bit pricy.

One thing. Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve. You won't be producing perfect models first rattle out of the box, but we'll definately try to make that curve as shallow as possible.

[Scholar81]

I just checked out tenax 7R and everyone said it's the best out there so I got two bottles and the applicator. 8) Also, I got a cheap Spruce Cutter. I got filers but I am not sure what kind of sand paper I should use for models.

The problem with the airbrushes is that I need an air compressor and I cant find any that is at 2 gal, mositure trapper and regulator under 70 bucks. ARGH

[LindaSmile]

This might help:

http://starshipmodeler.net/cgi-bin/phpB ... hp?t=23913

[Scholar81]

This might help:

http://starshipmodeler.net/cgi-bin/phpB ... hp?t=23913

I checked this one out and man it helped a lot. they recommedned a lot of stuff to get and they are horribly expensive. this hobby is expensive to start up. I am praying that after the start up phase, it should be cheap? or am I dreaming

[Schadenfreudian]

Don't be faint of heart!

Most of the tools will last forever, and even stuff like sandpaper lasts an age. Only the putties, cements and paints will need regular replenishing (or not, if you're as slow as I am...).

[Scholar81]

[quote="kylwell"]
Helps to have something to fill seams like black CA, Aves, or Mr Surfacer 500. Then something to sand them down, sandpaper, flex-i-files, files, etc.


Hmm, Ok, I have read up on Mr. Surfacer 500 and I am impressed by it's performance. You also mentioned Black CA, Aves…

I don’t want to buy several different kind of stuff just for filling seams. So which one is best for the price and performance?

[Kylwell]

Mr 500 is for small, tiny imperfections. Little divots, ejector pin marks, etc. Can be used for larger stuff but takes multiple coats.

Black CA is for larger imperfections and seam filling/strengthening. Can be used for smaller stuff but sanding it down can tkae more time that it's worth.

Ave, sculpting, seam/gap filling. Thin it with alcohol and you can fill panel lines too. Adhesion not as strong as Mr Surfacer or CA but still mighty strong with a properly prep'd surface. Roughen the surface with some 100 grit for some real adhesion.

[Scholar81]

Whew, now I know the difference between them. I figured Aves is not necessary unless I do sculping. Mr. Surfacer 500 and Black CA is on my shopping list for tmw. Thx

[Mark Yungblut]

You may want to hit an autoparts store and pick up some Bondo glazing putty. It is a main stay for spot filling, sands easily and is cheap for the ammount you get (much cheaper than Squadren Green stuff).

Hope this helps,

Mark