Hello Everybody

It's been quite a while since I've built any models but I've been finding it harder to resist picking up a kit when I visit the local hobby store. Then I found this great website and forum group and thought I would give it another try. As far as my skills go I would classify myself as an experienced beginner. I thought I did a good job on the models I built, but most of the detailing and weathering type techniques I tried didn't really turn out like I wanted. Not having someone to ask when things didn't turn out as expected was quite frustrating and probably the main reason I stopped. I hope you guys can put up with my questions until I get the hang of some of this, because all the good information on this site is turning out to be a little overwhelming.

My main interest is WW II AFV's and if somebody could recommend a couple of decent lower priced kits to practice on I would appreciate it. I don't really know which ones are on the less challenging side and which ones to stay away from. I also like the group build idea and plan on trying something for the Operation Barbarosa build. I'm leaning toward something on the Russian side. Maybe one of the light tanks.

On the personal side I'm 31 and live in Dallas, TX. My other hobby is flying small electric r/c planes.


Thanks
Jeff M.

welcome to armorama! any of the older tamiya kits are good to practice on. In fact the big "T"'s T-34 kit is super easy, relatively cheap, and could also be used in the group build. Anyway, once again welcome to armorama dude!

Jeff,
welcome on board. I think you've just landed in the right place, where you can find lots of things to get always better at any level in the hobby. There's also lot of nice people always ready to help in case of need...
Ciao

Welcome, Thor. Italeri's M-4A1 is a relatively easy, decent kit. I've built the hull twice now for Israeli conversions (M-51 with a Verlinden turret) and a turretless highly modified combat ambulance). I recently got another for about $15 that will finally be a simple Sherman. The new Academy M-3's are getting a lot of good press. They're about $25 retail, but you can get them discounted on line and at shows. Note, however if you chose these, the Brit M-3 should not have the interior basket under the turret and the M3-A1 American version has a 50 star flag decal which should not be used. :-)

Hi Thor64 welcome to the best site on the net
I know what you meen about techniques not working. Articles in magazines and books usually tell you what to do, but not how to do it. They never explain what can go wrong or why either. Yep there is a lot of information on this site and finding the answer to a particular question can be a difficult search. That's why similar questions get asked over and over again. One of the great things about this site is that your question will either be answered, or you will get a link to where the answer can be found. Unlike many other sites where some know it all rivet counter wastes the space by just saying "oh no not this tired old question, again", as if he ever answered it in the first place!
Anyway, I'm sure the armour boys will answer all your questions. I'm building my first piece of armour for a million years, for the Barbarossa campaign, they have given me lots of help with the subject matter already. If you ever want to ask questions about aircraft us fly boys are ready to help :-) Remember; you can't have to many Spitfires :-)
Mal

Hello and welcome! Don't be afraid to ask questions here. You're among friends who are all more than willing and able to help you in any way possible.

Hi Jeff..welcome to armorama...AFVs of the WW 2 is the main interest of many people here.believe that there are lots of thing that we will share here

Hi,

A warm welcome to the best site on the net.


For the Barbarossa Campaign you can check at the topic Operation Barbarossa Group Build the list of vehicles and models available.

Hey Jeff from Dallas. I'm Steve from Grand Prairie. Hope you are planning on attending scalefest in Mesquite at the end of May. email me at jdeltaarrow@aol. com and we can get together at the event. This is a gerat group of guys here and I'm sure you'll pick up all the info and how to's to expand your talents.

Thor64,

I can only add my warm welcome to the others already stated!! Don't be shy, the only stupid questions come from me :-)

Enjoy!!

Welcome to the best modeling web site around.
The members here will all help with techniques and input an everything you could need.

Do yourself a favor - don't resist picking up the plastic - go with it!

Welcome

Welcome to Armorama Jeff & welcome back to the hobby.

Thanks to everybody that responded to my intro. You guys sure know how to make someone feel welcome.

Thanks
Jeff