What equipment do I need to start modelling and painting?

Hello, I bought a box of Flames of War vehicules and soldiers and I have to assembly and paint them. I would like to know what do I need in order to properly paint them? What kind of setup do I need in my little room for storage, assembly, painting ...?

Thanks for your help!

 

Some glue, a few small modelling brushes (size 1 and smaller) some modelling paint (Humbrol or other brands) , a razor blade to cut of the bits of unwanted plastic, a pair of scissors, a glass of water for the decals and of course patience and skills. Wash pegs can help to hold parts together while they dry. This is for the beginner only, for the experts you'll have a list that is longer than a line in front of a Soviet Bakery.

 

The line in front of the Soviet bakery would be short by comparison! A subscription to FineScale Modeler would be a great start.

 

Skipper is correct...you first have to decide what "level" you are looking for...are you going to simply assemble them or "re-model" them? Change their stances, arms actions etc etc or just paint whats there...I would suggest some small brushes, even snip some hairs off to get a finer point...and a magnifying glass to do the eyes and other tiny areas...One modellers tip i have is paint as much as you can "before" construction...there are places that become difficult to reach once assembled...

 

"Testors" makes some nice 'introductory' model finishing sets available at hobby stores. Think small....it takes practice.

 

Give some real thought to your workspace. Coffee table is a no no, probably the Kitchen table as well. If you have pets, remember they investigate funny smells and Dogs at least have a fondness for chewing things.

Ideally you need a separate room you can close off, with a large work area that is well lit and well ventilated.

If you have a wife/girlfriend.....better invest in things she likes also or your a dead man walking.

 

Also keep both box parts to separate spares and possibly to protect the model when you are not working on it

 

And beware of the Carpet Monster !

 

Not trying to take over this thread, (also first time posting in YEARS today, hello gentleman)

I've had these two sets for a few years now, but have been too intimidating to do something about them. Should I start smaller or more amateur or just begin and use patience and skill to give life to this plastic. I am just overly worried of making a crappy model, low confidence in such an endeavor!

Here's a photo, apologizing for the iphone quality; my favourite tanks of the second world war. Boom!
http://puu.sh/28Wq6

 

Hawkerace - Depends on how expensive and how precious you are about these things...I would say to a young modeller to write off the first 5-10 models...they are for learning what "not" to do aswell as what to do...You can go for it...but you may look at it in years to come and shake your head..."should have waited"...I stuffed a 200 dollar F/18 years ago because i dearly wanted to make it...but i hadnt perfected my painting technique and its about a 5 tone gray.. : (

 

Crud, you're right. I ought to frankenstein assemble a few inexpensive models before I break in these. Good thing plastic doesn't go bad over years of storage.

 

I also recommend a subscription to e.i Fine scale modeller. It contains a lot of tips and techniques. I chose for the digital subscription. Right now i have a few 1/76 scale Airfix models to build and practice. They are small and funny. And also contain a piece af diorama. They are easy to build, though not for people with large hands..

 

I will keep that in mind.

 

Maybe these tips from an old Italaerei magazine can be of use to you: http://ww2colorphotos.webs.com/making_of.htm

 

Thanks everybody for the info.

I just bought a magnifying lense. Very useful for tiny parts.

What do you mean exactly by keeping both box parts to separate spares? Sorry but english is not my first language.

I decided to build my models in a little room I use for my computer. I need a little table, a chair, some lights and a lot of equipment.

Thanks again!

Oh and by the way I just subscribed to FineScale Modeler's Magazine.

 

I also did renew my subscription to FSM. I chose to receive printed magazine and also the digital version. So i can read it on i.e. Ipad when i enjoy my hollidays.