Trumpeter 1/32 Scale A-10A - Beginners Guide?

[Hoddo]

This weekend I received an early Christmas gift, a Trumpeter 1/32 Scale A-10A. I have not assembled a model in 17+ years and back then it involved lots of glue and no paint (I was an impatient child).

Web builds I have found:
http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/mod/robertoa10....
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Fea1/801-900...

I would like to do this thing justice but have no idea where to start. I wanted this thread to be a build diary and, if PH members are willing, a place where I can post questions and draw advice from you all.

I think the question I have first is, where do i begin?

Prime the whole thing while still on the spurs? Remove all parts and prime? Do I paint before assembly? Do I assemble before I paint? What primer should I use?

I have no idea where to start and am aware this first model will be a learning platform but I have the patience and space to do a reasonable job and would like to give it a good go. I will need to some help though.

Thanks

[Hoddo]

Eric Mc said:

Wow - a very big project to get back into modelling.

My advice would be to put it to one side and build something much smaller and cheaper to get your modelling hand back in.

Not a bad idea.

My questions still stand. Is there a guide somewhere or perhaps an old post with useful information for beginers?

[Hoddo]

dr_gn said:

If you're still going ahead with this project, I've just been reading this book:

http://www.crowood.com/details.asp?isbn=9781861264...

Which I would highly reccommend to you or anyone wanting to build a plastic model using contemporary methods. It takes you through all the basics and covers some advanced techniques too. What you will also probably find useful is an overview of the use of current paint types, adhesives and tools, and a fairly comprehensive review of airbrush types.

Thank you, I've got it ordered, I have Christmas with the in-laws in Switzerland and this will give me a distraction.

I'm not overly concerned about making this perfect, I plan on taking my time, learning on the job and giving it a good go. I can always do another model once this one is finished and watch myself improve (hopefully).