I built my first model in 20+ years, and OLD Revell P40. I had fun, but it was a struggle! I have a Tamiya F4U, and an OLD Revell P61 in stash. Should I keep practicing with the OLD and cheap models, or build the Tamiya next?
Problems encountered…CRAZY amount of flash on every part, it is hard to impossible to clean up small parts!..LOTS of gap filling…and raised panel lines make everything tougher! I was most concerned about the decals than anything and it was the easiest step! lol
Welcome to the forum.
You may as well practice on those old kits first. All it’s going to cost is a bit of liquid cement.
I feel your pain on the P-40. I was building the AMT P-40 for a while and it had tons of flash. Something about fixing up those old kits though.
Raised panel lines are so bad - you can sand them off. Recessed panel lines are usually way overdone. I tried filling them in on a Revel MH-47E and it sucks.
I’ve found that sanding of the raised panel lines and drawing them on with a pencil can yield really nice results.
Even flash can be your friend sometimes. If you’re having problems with gaps, and the happens to be some nice flash there, fold it into the gap and hit it with a liberal dose of liquid cement. Instant filler!
If you don’t have a nice set of files yet that would be a good investment. You only need one or two to start - flat and round. They’re great for removing mold seams and other unpleasantries.
For some bad looking flash, scroll down a bit:
Welcome aboard!
Lots of helpful and knowledgeable members around here.
As @18bravo writes: Get some small fine grade files.
Small side cutters will also be useful to remove parts from sprues.
There are fancy ones that will cut almost totally smooth but I use
the cheap ones from AliExpress or similar. They don’t cut quite
as clean but they are cheap so I can take risks with them, grind
down the cutting edges to “customise” them. The files will take
care of the little remaining stub. Same end result as with a pair
of top notch quality expensive side cutters …
Sanding sticks from the cosmetics department (used to file finger
nails) will also be useful for polishing. Fine grit sandpaper glued
to ice cream sticks will also be useful. Small bits of sandpaper
can be glued to angled ends of sprues to make special purpose
sanding sticks to get into awkward spots.
Ask questions in the forums, if someone doesn’t have the answer
already it usually turns into a group effort to figure it out.
P.S. Use the knife blades as little as possible, definitely not for
removing parts from sprues or flash from parts. (side cutter + files)
Welcome aboard. If your only choices are the F4U or P-61 and the things you disliked, I would recommend the F4U. The P-61 will be more of the same and it has known fit issues.
Overall, I think starting with the Tamiya kits will help you enjoy the hobby as your just getting back into it, than take on some of the older kits and other brands if you want to expand your skill sets. Going to contests you can get kits cheaper than retail in most cases.
Afternoon Racer, and welcome to the forums and the normal following madness that ensues lol …
Great points from all the chaps thus far, and I get where Rob is coming from to get the old kit out the way, but I (personally ) would lean in towards a newer kit like Ryan suggests. I guess aircraft are your preferred poison ?? Maybe do a quick online / forum search of decent aircraft to build that are easy on the eye and go together well with few issues, as if your returning, you maybe want to have an enjoyable first few builds before you maybe tackle the old kit and then put into practice ways to improve from things you pick up here and various newer methods on enhancing kits. Like Robin pointed out, get a decent set of base tools to work with and that will really help. I had a break for many many years, and after lurking in here in the shadows I started asking questions and just picking up new techniques with every new read, and my builds kept getting better and better.
Hope to see some of your work soon 
Sources of models and supplies are mostly done on the internet these days due to hobby stores evaporating into thin air. I would recommend Scale Hobbyist and Sprue Brothers. There are others but this is where I would start my search.
Thx to all for the advice! I went a little overboard on good tools, so building skills is my only hinderance! I am intrigued by the “weathering/panel line highlight” process and did not even try that on the P40 so I believe I will go for the Tamiya F4U next. Recessed panel lines should make that easier for a first timer.
I interested in Armor models also,but really want to look for a Russian P39 in 1:48 after that!.
ONE OF my biggest issues with the P40 build was my clamping devices were too strong, and squished or deformed glued parts. I will address that before starting the F4U.
Welcome abaord!
I agree with Ryan (Tank_1812) and John (Jonhhych01)–I would build the Tamiya Corsair, then buy some cheap, modern kits and practice on those.
Use ScaleMates to look up each model so you know what you are getting before making a purchase. Some model companies luv to rebox 50 year old junk with new cover art and charge the price of a new tool model. Using Scalemates, it is easy to spot that riff raff. Even when an old model is cheap, the time price to build it may be severe, making the new model cheaper if your time has any value at all.
Another vote for Scale Hobbyist and Sprue Brothers. Scale Hobbyist is very competitive and usually has the lowest prices on Tamiya stuff. Sprue Brothers has daily sales for 50% off specific items (Lightning Deals) and weekend sales for 20% off brands.
The Revell P-61 is over 50 years old. It was a decent model for many years but way behind by modern standards. It can definitely be built into a good model. It can definitely be used as a learning tool. Almost everyone here enjoys taking on the occasional old model and jazzing it up. You need to do what is right for you so if that sounds like fun, go for it.
If you want to try something new and earn your first Campaign Badge, head over to the Shunsaku Tamiya Tribute Campaign and join with your Tamiya Corsair. It is a great way to dive in, show your work, and get advice along the way. Guys around here are very helpful and kind.
Why suffer? The Tamiya kit (if it’s the 1:32 scale) is a technial marvel that fits together beautifully and builds a magnificent model. Practicing on a poor kit, can do as much to be a dis-incentive as build skills. Out of the box, the Tamiya kit is great. You can also do some serious super-detailing and get a show-stopper.
The Tamiya model needed zero filler.
For armor, I recommend the Tamiya Japanese Type 97 tank. Goes together nicely with no real problems.
I would say start with the cheap one. Get your “juices flowing”… Once you feel confident enough to tackle the more expensive kit, you’ll be ready.
In one of my more Captain Obvious statements, I’ll say this: That depends on you.
Yes, that kit goes together very well, but like the SPG that’s based on it, are you going to be happy in the end? While not bad looking, the exhaust grills end up looking toylike, and the rubber band tracks are some up the worst - especially if you want to induce realistic sag into them.
Or, it can be an opportunity to up your game, use the PE as I did, and run some brass rods throught the hull to tame the tracks. I could not on the SPG version due the open compartment - it would’ve looked odd with a brass rod running across it, but I did manage to get the track to settle down on the return rollers, which it doesn’t want to do.
The other plus is it’s less than $20 on Amazon Prime.
My Corsair is the Tamiya 1:48 scale version. I will probably start it this weekend! I will have to do some research, I am not sure a 1:32 would fit into my Amazon special spray booth! it is only 15.25" wide, 14" deep and does a good job! The Engine detail looks amazing in the pic! Great Job! I would like to see you do a Hawker Tempest with that crazy Sabre Engine!
I may get one! The camo pattern would be good airbrush practice!
Almost all Japanese WWII armor was brush painted. But if you want a good airbrush workout, the Tamiya Wespe might be a good choice. Free shipping once again on Amazon Prime.
l should probably finish this one.
Not my best cammo job. But if you’re just getting back into it, the basics are more important, like decaling a model properly. Some folks will tell you the camera magnifies everything. But the camera don’t lie. Basics first, complicated stuff later.
Looks like a good choice! WW2 Germany had some great Camo Schemes! This could be a good skill builder for me.
The 1/48 kit is also a good kit. Tamiya just kicked it up a notch for the 1/32 kit. Which shouldn’t be surprising as that came out later (2013-2017) than the 1/48 version (1996-2002) depending on the version.
Welcome @Racer192 ! 
Man, it’s awesome to have you back! After some time away, dusting off the old workbench and diving into kits again is like catching up with an old friend — familiar, exciting, and strangely therapeutic.
Whether you’re breaking out the airbrush, reorganizing your stash of paints, or just lurking to get inspired, you’re in the right place. This forum is packed with fellow modelers who get the struggle of masking tiny canopy frames and the thrill of finally nailing that weathering technique.
No pressure — take your time, rediscover the joy, ask questions, share your builds (or fails, we love those too). We’re all here for the love of plastic, glue fumes, and detailing madness.
Glad you’re here and can’t wait to see your work!
I’m here for the glue fumes…
The sweet smell of ethyl acetate
