Forum: Scale Models - F-16, F-35, F/A-22, F-2

Hi guys....

I recently came across Tamiya's 1:32 scale Lockheed Martin F-16CJ Blk 50 - Fighting Falcon model kit and out of sheer love and joy, bought it online. I don't live in the US so it is not possible for me to pop in at a hobby shop and buy all the tools I need to build this fabulous kit.

Points to note:

1. This is my FIRST model construction attempt. What are my chances of achieving an acceptable to good result?

2. I understand the kit does not include any tools or paints. Can you point out to me the bare essentials that I MUST have in order to start building it and then completing it?

3. The Tamiya page for this kit lists almost 50 suggested paints. Do I need all of them, or only some of them? Which ones? .: link :.

4. Since I do not live in the US, I will be ordering all these supplies online and getting someone to bring them to me. There may be a time lapse till I get them. Does the cement/paint dry out, even if it is unopened?

5. How many bottles of cement should I buy, keeping in mind that I do not have access to hobby supplies? Is the Tamiya Extra-Thin cement recommended?

6. Can anyone point me towards some resource that clearly guides someone like me on building, putting together and then painting techniques to achieve the stellar results that you guys have on your models? I am so impressed!

7. Is there anything else I should know? I realize its totally silly of me to start off the hobby this way, but I have always wanted to get into model construction but never got around to it. I saw the 1/32 F-16 and lost all control.

PLEASE HELP ME! I'd be grateful.

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1. Very good, it's an excellent kit that poses no real problems.
2. Follow the Tamiya paint colors for now, and get some good brushes. Get thinner/brush cleaner. Sandpaper in 320, 400 and 600 grits is essential. Xacto knives-get as many as you can.
3. Get as many of them as you can. Black is essential. So is white, the grays, greens and metallics. Look thoroughly through the instruction sheet and see which colors are needed less, and prioritize. See if you got friends who have some of the colors you need.
4. No danger, order whatever your need.
5. Yes, Tamiya extra thin is recommended, get two bottles at least.
6. http://zone-five.net/showthread.php?t=231
http://zone-five.net/forumdisplay.php?f=35
7. If there's anything you don't know just ASK! We;re her to help. As you go through your build, ask specific questions and we'll help you out. I highly recommend the Zone-Five site, we're pretty well versed in Viper over there Wink

Habu:

Thanks a lot for the answers. I will take your advice and ask questions as necessary. I will also browse the link you provided, thanks again!

Btw, about the brushes: how do I choose between pointed and flat brushes? How are they used differently?

Small, round brushes mostly. You will be using them for detail painting only. Have you got an airbrush?

Nope, that is also on my shopping list. What do you recommend? Single or double action? Internal or external mix? Any preferred brand? What about the compressor?

Crap! Sorry for the delay! I dunno if you figured it out already....
Anyway, have you ever used an airbrush before? If not, start with a single action, external mix. I recommend the Paasche H. It's a rock solid design that's over 80 years old and still going strong. It's also cheap at $43, average. Compressor, yes, highly recommended. Home Depot, Lowe's...they have small ones for cheap as well.

7. I'm pretty sure the Tamiya instructions show the paint scheme having the vertical tail and the upper nose section (not the radome) painted Medium Gray AS-28. The color is closer to Neutral Gray, XF-20. The only medium gray on my F-16's is the seat, inside a dark gull gray interior. I have much better luck working with the Testors Model Master Enamel Paints that the Tamiya Acrylics (http://www.testors.com/category/135894/Enamel_Paints) they have most of the colors. The Tamiya Spray paints are way better than the Testors paints, especially the white for the HARM's. To get an even exterior coat, an airbrush is essential-along with careful masking (an art in itself). The canopies have that mold line right down the top, that need to be lightly scraped off with an exacto knife and then wet sanded with 600, and at least 1500 grit sandpaper, then I use a q-tip (since you can't stick them in your ears anymore) to apply coats of Future floor polish until they shine and are transparent-works great!

You have found a really good reference right here! Just use this thread to ask questions as you go along. There's enough of us who have built many F-16's (we may not always agree, but hey, its only modeling)and are more than willing to get you good results.

proudpop wrote:

The Tamiya Spray paints are way better than the Testors paints, especially the white for the HARM's.

HARMs aren't actually painted white. They're a very light gray. I use FS36495 Light Gray. It's the oxidation of the paint that makes them look white, but they are in fact gray.

Forum: Scale Models - F-16, F-35, F/A-22, F-2

Total newbie in trouble! Need help with Tamiya's 1:32 scale!