Modelling supplies

[robemcdonald]

I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I'm thinking of having a crack at a scale model kit. It's been a while and I need a new stash of paints etc. Can any of you advise a good uk supplier? I've used hobbylink Japan in the past, but long waits, high shipping costs and import duties are a pain.
Also a lot of you use photo etch and other extra detail parts. Where do you get these? Google hasn't yielded any good leads so far and I'd always rather go with a recommendation anyway.

Thanks in advance.

[dr_gn]

For aircraft, AFV's etc:

https://www.hannants.co.uk

Modelling tools/supplies:

http://www.modellingtools.co.uk/

For cars, Hiroboy:

http://www.hiroboy.com/

or GPM:

http://www.grandprixmodels.co.uk/

There are dozens of others of course, but it depends on the specifics of what you're looking for.

Better still, go to the Telford model show next month and you'll get pretty much anything you can think of.

[EagleMoto4-2]

www.hiroboy.com

Bought loads of stuff of these guys, had no issues and are reasonably priced. Only annoyance is when you realise something you want to buy is no longer in stock.

[robemcdonald]

Thanks guys I'll check them out.

[robemcdonald]

Thanks for the links. I was actually thinking about building a tank, so might need a bit more helps with the right site.
My plans have taken a bit of a hit this morning though. In anticipation of visiting my parents later today I called and asked if I could get my old airbrush and compressor out of their loft. Unfortunately a couple of years ago they decided I didn't want it anymore and sold it at a car boot sale, along with all my old Lego, limited edition vinyl and vhs tapes naturally. They thought they had done well getting about £200 for the lot. No mention of me seeing any of that. I am a little miffed to say the least....
So I also need an airbrush and compressor as well. Recommendations would be gratefully recieved. Can I get anything worth using for less than £100?

[Brigand]

I've been using these guys for a few years now https://www.emodels.co.uk/ and has been very good. They're my default company for buying things unless I need something a bit more specialist like detailing kits or aftermarket parts. Hannants (as already mentioned) are just as good, but their website has a somewhat archaic look to it!

[mcdjl]

No use at all to you, but I'm currently in Tokyo. I've had a walk a few department stores and hobby shops. The range of models, add ons, paints and tools, available off the shelf in such a wide number of places is amazing.

[Eric Mc]

Just shows how much model building is still part of the mainstream culture in Japan.

[dr_gn]

robemcdonald said:

So I also need an airbrush and compressor as well. Recommendations would be gratefully recieved. Can I get anything worth using for less than £100?

For double that you'd get a good quality airbrush, compressor 8 mask (see link below). Of course there are much cheaper options, but if you want guaranteed performance (and you do - airbrushing can be a very tempramental process with even the best equipment), then £200 is about the minimum you'll get away with IMO.

http://www.modellingtools.co.uk/airbrushing-set-br...

[lufbramatt]

Talk to Paul at Little Cars, very helpful and knowledgeable guy, they do some great airbrush sets

Edit- same link as above, they have changed their website URL!

I got my Grex from there, he threw in some freebies (hose, cleaner etc.) and let me trial it to make sure I was happy, top guy.

As Dr_Gn says though £100 isn't really quite enough, you'll end up getting frustrated and either spending twice as much again on better kit or giving up in annoyance.

Edited by lufbramatt on Monday 24th October 15:33