New video: Scale model figures 'how to' guide - Part 1 Construction and building

In this new multi-part video series I will show you how to build and paint scale model figurines, mostly concentrating on 1/35 military miniatures. The series is mostly aimed at beginners, but I hope there is something of value to more experienced model makers as well.

In this first part I go step by step through construction: what tools, you'll need, how to clean flash from the mouldings, how to get limbs attached as cleanly as possible, and how to fill the inevitable gaps when they sometimes don't come together as nicely as you'd like.

I'm doing a group of 1/35 German figures at the moment, as part of my ongoing Krupp Protze diorama, and I figured it was a good chance to cover off some basics and really get deep into the detail of model figurines. I know a lot of modellers struggle with figures - they can produce absolutely stunning armour or aircraft, but when it comes tome to prop the machines with people around them for a sense of scale it can be a bit daunting for some.

Like most things in life, it all comes down to practice (as I regularly tell my 6 year old daughter) but there are a couple of hints to take on board and some traps to avoid which do make it a lot easier, and more of a pleasure, to build and paint model figures.

The video is embedded below, but in case that doesn't work here is the link:
Scale model figures 'how to' guide - Part 1 Construction and building

Cheers,

Dave

New video: Is it time to upgrade your beginner airbrush? Cheap v intermediate examined.

I've been using the same cheap airbrush for the last ten years. The generic Sparmax DH-103 airbrush and compressor cost me $100 Australian back in 2007, and it has never given me a moment's trouble in all that time. Everything you've seen me produce has been painted with that rig. But I recently decided that it was time for me to upgrade, to lift my game and get a better airbrush.

Don't get me wrong - you can get by for a long time with a cheap beginner airbrush (hell, I did). If you're considering your first foray into airbrushing scale models, I would most definitely recommend you pick up a cheap one to learn on. I promise you, once you try airbrushing you will never go back to only using paintbrushes - I guarantee it.

But there are compromises involved in a cheap airbrush, and eventually you will want to get a better brush. It took me ten years, your results may vary (or you might be less of a tightwad than I am!).

So I got a new, higher-spec airbrush from SprayGunner.com - it's a 0.2mm Mr Hobby Procon Boy FWA Double Action Platinum. It is a bit of an eye opener to me. I can't put it any other way - it is just a lot better than my current cheap airbrush.

If you're interested in picking up one for yourself, here is a link (I get no commission, BTW!) - and even better, if you are a member of The MOD Squad you get a 10% discount. Win / win!

The full details are in the video below, but the main difference is the control of how precise you spray. For fine work, like say freehand airbrushing 1/72 scale camouflage, it makes a huge difference. Watch the video, you'll see what I mean.

Now I need to think about if I ever want to pull the trigger and buy one of the really expensive airbrushes, like a Badger or Paasche. Those are in the US$200+ range, and I've been told that the results you see in a jump to an expert airbrush is the same as the jump from a beginner's to an intermediate. I'm not ready for that expense yet, but it would be interesting to see. Maybe a future video, who knows?

Video is embedded below, but in case that doesn't work here is the link:
Is it time to upgrade your beginner airbrush?

Cheers,

Dave

I'm back, and 2019 is going to be BIGGER than ever!

I'm back from several weeks' holiday, and it's good to be thinking about model building again! All that time spent lazing in the ocean and on golden beaches, I was missing my solitary indoor nerdy hobby... ;)

I can't believe that 2019 is already two weeks old. And I have some big news to share with you guys.

Please excuse the self portrait, but I couldn't come up with anything better for the video thumbnail...

I'm going to be a full-time modeller next week! Check the video for more info, but it's all very exciting indeed.

Video is embedded below, but in case that doesn't work here is the link:
Welcome to 2019 - lots of big news for the new year!

Cheers,

Dave

Summer beach action

I'm a lucky man. Today I got to belt the Sand Scorcher around a huge, empty beach.

Summer holiday bliss.

Cheers,

Dave