Hi there,

Have just been offered a job out in Kal and am leaving the UK behind in three short weeks.
I will not be able to take my stash with me and will just take a select few items and tools/paint that would be too much hassle to have to replace from scratch.

I know Kal is a bit, well, 'rural' and so am prepared for the worst. However, I'd appreciate it if anyone has any tips for me in starting my hobby up again over there. I mostly model 1/35 armour (anything really) and am sometimes tempted by the odd figure.

Even if there are no hobby shops as such, is there anywhere I can get paints/glue/paintbrushes and other bits and bobs from in the town?

I do intend to get out to Perth when I can or Esperance so if anyone knows good places here I can always 'stock-up' while out there.

Otherwise are ther any good WA/National mailorder shops with a decent website you would recommend?

I appreciate any and all help/tips/comments.

Cheers,

James

James, methinks the interweb will be your friend. You might also want to send a PM to Chas Young (username: youngc) who now works at a hobby store in Perth. I'm sure he will do all he can to help you out.

Cheers, D

Thanks Damian,
I have done some specific searches for Kalgoorlie and Perth but not turned up much. Was hoping some local knowledge would be my best bet!

I'll be sure to give Chas a PM, have followed several of his builds on here.

Thanks again,

James

Happy to help out James. There are a number of threads on the Aussie Community forums with lists of hobby stores in each state, HERE , so I'm sure you'll find the gear you need. I'm happy to help out if I can as well, I'm on the road for work every day and conveniently pass by several stores (which can be quite dangerous).

Welcome to the lucky country (when you get here) as well !!

Cheers, D

Thanks buddy,
I fly in a weeks time so need all the luck I can get!

James

Hi James and welcome to sunny Western Australia.
Working in the mining industry are we? (there's gold in them thar pits). Yes, you're right about Kalgoorlie being a bit "rough", I don't think "rural" in the English sense quite applies in this case. Be prepared for a very hot summer, ie. don't leave any kits in the car in the sun.

Both Kal & Esperance have Toyworld stores(my local in the Perth hills stocks Humbrol paints and a few Revell and Tamiya kits) and I saw Esperance has a Gamesworld, so these may be your best local bets and they may order in stuff for you.
But if I were you, I'd stock up when you're in Perth, at either Perth Hobby Centre in the CBD (Tamiya, Humbrol & Testors paints and all kit makes) or Jack Stanbridges 5mins from CBD in Mt Lawley (same as PHC but also stocks Vallejo and some Gunze).

I confess, I buy most of my kits from Ebay or Hobbyeasy in Honk Kong, as US store prices lose all their price attraction once USPS is factored in. My PE and barrels, I get off Ebay or Zoomomania in Latvia (yeah even with postage it kills local prices and Hannants). So that really only leaves me buying the paint and the glues from the local stores. For good brushes, oils, and artist stuff check out Jackson's Art Supplies (many stores in Perth)

Look the above stores up on the internet, there are others but these are the most central to Perth.
Enjoy your stay in WA, I've heard the coastlne and fishing at Esperance is spectacular.
Oh and keep the CA glue in the fridge. I left mine out in summer and it turned to jelly real quick.

Regards,
Lucien