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

[Eric Mc]

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.

[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?

[Eric Mc]

All I can do is recommend looking at the various modelling websites. You have already seen Modeling Madness and there is also Britmodeller, The Unofficial Airfix Forum, the Airfix Tribute Forum, Hyperscale etc to name just a few.

Alternatively, there are lots of modelling "how to" books out there. Osprey do quite a few.

You could do no worse than following Dr Grn's build of the 1/32 Matchbox 109E.

Edited by Eric Mc on Monday 13th December 12:02

[Shar2]

A nice kit, but as Eric has said rather a large one to start with. Thoroughly receommend the Britmodeller forum, very helpful and friendly modellers with a wealth of experience.

[The_Jackal]

Yep I would agree and say get a couple of smaller quick to build kits, so you can get your sanding/filling skills back up to scratch.
A 1/32 Trumpeter it is quite a special kit really and you will only be disappointed if you dont do it justice.
As above there is plenty of info on forums and website about scale modelling tutorials. Even YouTube has a vast amount.
Personally I prefer to see videos to help how to do something.

[dr_gn]

That's a nice model!

I'd also buy a much smaller kit first, to get back into it. I agree it would be a good idea to buy a couple of books too - why not read them in front of the fire on Christmas Day. All very agreeable

There are some good guides on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlNWxwtqjdc

And this is a pretty good .pdf article too (follow the download instructions very carefully in post #7 here - it *does* work!):

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showt...

Good luck with it. Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

[dr_gn]

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.

[Eric Mc]

And to get you in the mood for all things A-10 related, the latest edition of Scale Aircraft Modelling has a feature on teh A-10.

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

And to get you in the mood for all things A-10 related, the latest edition of Scale Aircraft Modelling has a feature on teh A-10.

Almost bought myself the 1/32 Revell(Hasegawa) F-5 I've had my eye on; got official permission and everything. Despite this, and it being difficult to find in Patrouiile Suisse colours (which I really want), and winning £25 on Premium Bonds this month, I drove straight past the shop.

It seemed a bit expensive at £26, and I knew it would have led to a Verlinden detail set at £25, and another 10 months of sanding raised panel lines off and rescribing, plus I've already got 2 models in the stash.

It's almost like I've started to think like an adult. Quite proud of myself TBH. I can now spend that £50-odd on something useful, like petrol.

[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).

[dr_gn]

Hoddo said:

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).

Good.

If you have an idea of what you want to realistically achieve there's nothing wrong with that approach.

Have a good Christmas (and post a build log when you make a start).