# Any other modelers out there? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 11, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227 "2011-01-11T16:27:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/21 "2011-01-12T16:39:19Z")
I did a diorama of the Boston Tea Party: a sailing ship placed into a cutout cardboard box (paited to look like a dock), with little paperdoll protesters on the deck holding/throwing crates. My dad helped me with the rigging (black colored thread from the sewing kit). This was for a book report on some novel of an apprentice silversmith who ends up joining the rebels in the Revolutionary War. (Probably by some famous author. I suck at names.) My English teacher loved it, and showed it off to other classes. My shining moment in modeling, and I wanted to crawl under a rock. (I didn’t want the attention.) ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/22 "2011-01-12T16:50:22Z")
> [@mlees](#): > > This was for a book report on some novel of an apprentice silversmith who ends up joining the rebels in the Revolutionary War. [Johnny Tremain](http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Tremain-Esther-Forbes/dp/0440442508/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294850910&sr=8-1)! I loved that book as a kid. But I grew up near Boston, so our history education was very Revolutionary War-focused. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/23 "2011-01-12T17:59:56Z")
I built a lot of WW2 models as a kid - mostly 1/72-scale aircraft and tanks - so that I could then play with them. For awhile I had a dozen warplanes hanging from my bedroom ceiling on wires. I also spent a few years in high school when I was crazy into D&D and tabletop battles, creating a medieval army, but that was just painting and not so much building. Haven’t built anything in 30-some years now, and my sons have shown no interest, alas. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/24 "2011-01-12T19:33:05Z")
> [@Rocketeer](#): > > Gosh, thanks! 😃 > > When I was in college, I was taking an Honors class on Medieval history, and my final project was a little model of a torsion-sprung (Roman) catapult. I actually made two arms for it: one was the classic spoon-shape, and the other had a sling. The sling improved the range dramatically (like doubled it); very surprising to me. :eek: So: Put a sling on your trebuchet. 🙂 > > Of course, that was long ago, and I was able to interview veterans of the Roman legions and get my data firsthand…😉 Hmm - now I gotta think about that… ---
**Author:** ![gregorio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/fbc32d/32.png) [@gregorio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gregorio)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/25 "2011-01-12T20:19:17Z")
> [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](#): > > Fan-TAS-tic!! > > I’m actually going to look for a Mosquito once we finish our current round of horror/science fiction models. I think it’d be cool to build the plane that Grandpa Mac flew in World War II. And the scale is a little larger than you’re used to but the folks in Calgary would [rather see](http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Brit+remains+confident+land+vintage+aircraft/4089814/story.html) [this one](http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.canada.com/business/3947878.bin%3Fsize%3D620x400&imgrefurl=http://www.canada.com/business/British%2Baircraft%2Bcollector%2Bremains%2Bconfident%2Bland%2BCalgary%2Bvintage%2BMosquito/4092290/story.html&usg=__xYXWB2zFp417TKxf7XXoAOPXOkg=&h=400&w=620&sz=44&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=oJoCiZu1p8KfZM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3DCalgary%2BMosquito%2BSociety%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26biw%3D1035%26bih%3D672%26tbs%3Disch:1%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=656&ei=BgsuTaPMJozmsQPM9pn1BQ&oei=BgsuTaPMJozmsQPM9pn1BQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0&tx=68&ty=55) built in country rather than out. Back on topic, my crowning acheivement in modelling was a [Pershing missile](http://www.apollomissionphotos.com/special/pershing3.jpg) model rocket (picture not my actual model). I mistakenly swapped the upper and lower fins, d’oh! My dad said that the right thing to do would be to fix the mistake. I figured no one in my group would even know what the real thing looked like and all I wanted to do was see it blast off. I should have put an oversize engine in it. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/26 "2011-01-12T20:23:57Z")
I build sci-fi and horror kits as well - really got into it last year again after many years of not doing it. I have a bunch on the shelf waiting for me to start up again - all of the Monster Scenes and the new repops of the trek stuff. building comes in waves - I built about a dozen kits last year, then got frustrated in my paint skills and havent touched one in months. The urge is back upon me again. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/27 "2011-01-12T20:33:40Z")
This is something I want to get back into when I retire. I did them in school, including the first Enterprise model while TOS was still on. (A Klingon ship model also.) Nothing as good as **Rocketeer** does, of course. In my garage I have an opened kit of the Space Shuttle Challenger which my brother gave to me for my birthday before the explosion. Maybe I’ll check the price on EBay before I start. The closest I come now are [3-D jigsaw puzzles](http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=i%3Atoys%2Ck%3AWrebbit%20%2F%20Puzz3D&page=1). I have a disturbingly high percentage of the puzzles on the linked page. They give a lot of the same satisfaction of plastic models, without the glue. ---
**Author:** ![Claude\_Remains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@Claude\_Remains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claude_Remains)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/28 "2011-01-12T20:57:48Z")
I build balsa wood scale model airplanes. My current project is a Guillow’s German Focke-Wulf FW190. Each built is really something to be proud of. After fabricating and assembling the pieces of the fuselage frame and wings then giving the model a tissue paper skin, the fun part is painting, balancing and test flying. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2011, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/29 "2011-01-12T23:12:26Z")
Any suggestions for a sorta “just getting started” would be modeler? Mostly probably WW2 stuff, Soviet if I can find it, is what I want to build. Pricing kits online has shown me that there is a WILD variety in prices. I used to paint miniatures a bit when I was much younger, though I never had the finances to really get into it beyond the basic paints. I always wanted to make a diorama, but never did so, mores the pity… ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/30 "2011-01-13T01:05:42Z")
I was into 1:35 scale military stuff big time in high school. I even joined the IPMS for a time! I was into super accuracy so lots of scratchbuilding and modifications of Tamiya and ERTL stuff. I think about the time I spent making accurate workable tracks for WWII German Panzers and suddenly the lack of dates doesn’t seem so mysterious:) ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2011, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/31 "2011-01-13T01:17:05Z")
> [@Tristan](#): > > Any suggestions for a sorta “just getting started” would be modeler? > > Mostly probably WW2 stuff, Soviet if I can find it, is what I want to build. Pricing kits online has shown me that there is a WILD variety in prices… Tamiya’s 1/48 armor series are excellent kits; they go together with little trouble and everything fits like it should. The series includes a couple KV-1s, a KV-2, and a T34/76. They are pricey, however. If I were you, I’d buy a couple Revell 1/32 armor kits for practice; they’re 1970-vintage kits recently reissued. There’s a Sherman and a Lee. Not too many parts, fairly accurate, not too expensive. Then, when you’re comfortable with assembling and painting and weathering, move on to the more expensive Tamiya kits. ---
**Author:** ![Jaguars](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaguars/32/5879_2.png) [@Jaguars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaguars)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/32 "2011-01-17T20:28:30Z")
I stopped when I moved out of home a year ago. **Claude Remains** , I made a few of those - But I got incredible warps on the wings! I had no idea why - possibly because I doped the skin twice? - How do you do that part? (From building frame to hardening skin) Also, do you know of any good sites for that type of model building? I still have a wingless piper cub at home - I never had the courage to finish it! ---
**Author:** ![Claude\_Remains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/898d66/32.png) [@Claude\_Remains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claude_Remains)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/33 "2011-01-17T23:14:26Z")
> [@Jaguars](#): > > I stopped when I moved out of home a year ago. > **Claude Remains** , I made a few of those - But I got incredible warps on the wings! I had no idea why - possibly because I doped the skin twice? - How do you do that part? (From building frame to hardening skin) > Also, do you know of any good sites for that type of model building? > > I still have a wingless piper cub at home - I never had the courage to finish it! I always start with a fresh piece of drywall and avoid wrinkles when taping down plans and wax paper. Fabrication and assembly is pretty straightforward. Pin everything down flat and square and Allow plenty of time for glue to cure. My first build was comical. I think the problem was that I did only one coat of dope. Now I’ll dope the fuselage/wings/tail three times sanding and removing build-up in corners(that will cause ballance issues). I think that if you’ve done a good build and three coats of dope, the skin should have no issues. I like to use lots of smaller pieces of tissue for the skin instead of trying to get larger ones to conform. Grain of tissue always running front to back (side to side for wings). shrink the skin with a super fine spritz of water and a good dry. If you do get a warp, best thing you can do is relax the skin with steam(not another spritz, that’s too wet) then give it a twist to actually over-compensate just a tad and let it dry. When released it should become taught and straight. At this point I’ll give the whole plane two coats of dope before paint and decals. Ya know, I’ve never looked for sites. I’m gonna see what I can find this evening. That Piper Cub sitting idle would drive me bananas. Whip it out and good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Jaguars](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaguars/32/5879_2.png) [@Jaguars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaguars)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2011, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/34 "2011-01-18T19:24:03Z")
Thanks **Claude** That’s Great! Reading your comments, I think I always painted the water on with a brush - which is probably way over doing it with the water. I loved how wetting the paper transformed it from some wood with paper glued on to an Aeroplane part. ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/35 "2011-02-03T03:23:37Z")
Any suggestions for a fairly inexpensive starter airbrush kit? I’m trying to stay within $50, and I already have an air compressor, so that’s not so much the concern. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/36 "2011-02-03T04:45:35Z")
Well, if you just want to cover a surface with paint, I think Testors offers a simple siphon-feed airbrush for about that. > **[Amazon.com: Testors Amazing Air Airbrush Paint kit, 13 Piece Set, Multicolor :...](https://www.amazon.com/Testors-4030-Amazing-Airbrush-Set/dp/B0013MURE8)** > > Amazing Air Activity Set is a simple to use airbrush system that you can use on just about anything from models to craft projects. The set includes 5 cool acrylic colors. But if you want to do any fancy stuff at all: German squiggly camouflage, figure painting, flame jobs on cars; you’re going to need more than that. I just bought a Grex Tritium, and it’s just great. Big areas, fine lines, anything; and easy to use. But it’s also $210: > **[Amazon.com: Grex Tritium.TS3 Double Action Pistol Style Trigger Side Feed...](https://www.amazon.com/Grex-Tritium-TS3-Double-Trigger-Airbrush/dp/B002XQ2K66)** > > From the Manufacturer Part of our Tritium Series - premium line of double action pistol style trigger airbrushes, the TS combines ease-of-use, comfort, superior detail control and the versatility of using the perfect side reservoir for your... The guys over at the [Model Clubhouse](http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/index.php) do all sorts of airbrush work; register at the forum and ask some questions on the message boards. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/37 "2011-02-03T04:52:34Z")
I just did a quick search on the Model Clubhouse forums, and here are a few representative threads: [http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=80778](http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=80778) [http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=81366](http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=81366) [http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=77386](http://theclubhouse1.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=77386) The last thread looks most pertinent. I started life with a Badger 150. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227/38 "2011-02-03T05:51:18Z")
I used to build anything as a kid. Now, I only build Tamiya 1/20 Formula One cars and 1/12 motorcycles. _Very_ infrequently. You could say I’m more of a “collector” of the kits than a builder. But I’ll pull one off the shelf and build. Modeling cuts into my drinking time. Also easier to store the boxed kits than the built models, unfortunatly. I have a beautiful Senna Lotus with a 1/4 inch of dust on it, while the box is pristine in the closet. ☹ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-modelers-out-there/567227.md?page=1)