Hello everyone,
Back when I was around 14 I worked exclusively on aircraft models as a hobby. I haven't been in the modeling scene since and I'm wanting to start again. I'm so out of the loop I don't even know where to start.
I know I want to work with seaplanes and civil/military transport planes mostly. Since I’m older and have money to spend I’d like to try airbrushing to weather my aircraft models as well.

Back when I was a kid we just picked up models at the local hobby shop with ease. Now hobby shops practically don't exist and I have to find them online.

Here's a few questions I have to start modeling again, if you don't mind helping me out.
What’s a good aircraft modeling site to buy from?
I'm going to need a good starter kit for paint/brushes/knifes/airbursh. Any recommendations?

I found these two aircraft I really like. What should I expect with these scales? One is 1-144, the other is 1-48 and lastly how is this site mentioned in the links below credibility to purchase from?
http://www.megahobby.com/hu-16cdalbatrossusnavyamphibianaircraft1-144amodel.aspx

http://www.megahobby.com/jrfgrummangooseutilityflyingboat1-48czechmodels.aspx

Thanks again in advance, and sorry for all the questions.

Steve,
Welcome back to the hobby. I just recently got back myself after more than 25 years away and I have been buying many of my kits from guys here on line, Check out the blog Good sellers and traders

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/132833&page=1

Or i have also been using this hobby site store

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/?gclid=CI6IkvWasZQCFQNfFQodkHdttA

They have a large selection, easy to use site, fast shipping and all the other stuff you might need.

As far as kits go I build Armored Fighting Vehicles from WWII now so I dont know about the quality of the wingy things but I have found you get what you pay for. Inexpensive models usually means bad quality


Hope that helps

Hello there Steven. Good to see you have found Aeroscale! I think you will find this is a great site, with much helpful advice and plenty of support from other modelers.

As to sites to buy models? Have you tried Squadron? Just google the name and it should come up. It is based in Texas and has an extensive line of aircraft, ships and armor. It is a well used and trusted place to buy kits from. I just used it myself last week.

Airbrushes, well, some may disagree but I really think the Aztek line from Testors is the easiest to use and gives you great results. I have a single/double action Testors 4709. You can pick one up for around 200 dollars, maybe less if you look around. A basic compressor is a must which can run you around 150 dollars.

The Aztek give you screw on, screw off heads which shoot various widths of paint. The bodies are replaceable as well. If there every is a problem, contact Testors, send them the body of the airbrush, they will send you a new one free of charge! A pretty good deal. Take a look at my gallery, if you want on here, all of the models I have displayed were painted with an Aztek.

Paints, well, Polly Scale is going to be discontinued. I really liked them, so the next best is Model Master Acryl in my estimation. You should be able to find those, not from Squadron, they don't carry them, but at any Hobby Store which is well stocked. You can even order them directly from Testors. I find the acrylic paints are easy to use, safer to use and give a good finish as well.

Scale is up to you really. I am largely a 72 scale modeler with some 1/144 scale thrown in as well for the really large stuff like airliners.

If you have any more questions just ask. If someone on this site doesn't know the answer I would be surprised. Take care, Russell

Hi Steven

Can't comment on the site you mention, as I've never dealt with them. Also can't comment on the first kit you mention, but I don't think the Czech Models Grumman Goose would be your best choice at this stage getting back into the hobby. Don't get me wrong--I'm not knocking Czech Model kits, but a limited run kit is a little more challenging, something best left for later after you've gotten your sea legs back under you by building a few easy kits. I'd suggest something by Tamiya, perhaps.

As for airbrushes, if I were just getting back into the hobby and knew what I know now, I'd probably end up with an Iwata HP-CS.

HTH;

Automaton