New guy on the planet

[tjsexton]

I was browsing through the hobby shop looking for a piece of train track and I saw this great looking Panzer IV D model (Dragon 6265). As a student of History I was attracted to the authenticity and as an Engineer the complexity. Models have gone a long way since I built my last Hellcat, 30 years ago. This thing is incredible; I’m going to enjoy this.

The one thing I know nothing about is painting and weathering. There is a book I saw called “FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on AFV Painting Techniques (Modeling Manuals)”; Is anyone familiar with this? It's a little on the pricy side so I'd like some feedback before I invest. Thanks.

By the way, I’m Tom

[T140]

Hi Tom.

I'm in a similar situation having recently come back to model making. Things have certainly moved on and painting methods and techniques certainly have. There's a lot of info out there on the net and you don't necessarily need to buy the book. I was pointed by someone on here to a coupe of good links, which are :-

http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/other/awpaint/awpaint.htm

and :-

http://www.missing-lynx.com/rare_world/rw02.htm

Definately worth a look.
Welcome to the mad house that is model making !

[gordy]

Welcome aboard!

[pwranta193]

I started back again about - hmmmmm, has it been that long - five years ago. I left when about the time the Krupp Protze was all new and cool. Gads, what a difference. THe thing that is still amazing to me is the amount of precision data and history available now - compared to twenty years ago (I wonder if aircraft modellers think the same thing). So many of the things we took as gospel have been cast aside.

There are a number of great "free" places - here (check out the V benches the step by steps are great tools), M-L, etc.

As to your specific publication (the one from MiG, no?), I don't own it, but have heard great things about it. I don't know if it encompasses a broad range of techniques (it may have a slant to what some have called the Spanish school - heh) but MiG has a terrific style and method that a lot of the younger/current guys love.

Welcome to the Planet and anticipate a number of quality answers from the denizens.