I Have just started Back in the Hobby after a 20+ years and the whole after market peice/part thing is a bit overwhelming to me is there some type of database or master catalog that could be used to order parts or do you have to just look all over until you find or dont find what your looking for. thanks for any comments or advice...

Ironowl

You're right, there are many, many different aftermarket manufacturers worldwide. Here is a link to a company that sources from a lot of them:

http://www.hannants.co.uk/

Just type the model name into the search field, and it will bring up everything connected with it you could imagine, decals, resin parts, white metal parts, photo etched etc.

This one is worth a look too:

http://www.eduard.com/store/index.php?cur=1&

I hope that helps!

I would try http://www.spruebrothers.com or http://www.hobbyeasy.com .

Hi Sascha and welcome back to the hobby! I can understand the confusion as the hobby has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. No place has this change been more pronounced than the aftermarket.

While I cannot point to a website that will catalog or list what's available I can recommend what I did on my return (about 10 years ago). Bookmark the websites of some of the really big aftermarket producers and simply cruise their sites whenever you're killing time on the net.

You'll be amazed at what is out there. Just remember that if you see some stuff you like, be sure to check that company's website as well. Many retailers don't carry the entire range offered by each company and you might miss out on some cool stuff.

Check out companies like PlusModel and Resicast as well as retailers like Michigan Toy Soldier Company and take your time to surf.


best of luck
Jim
Large Scale Armory

Hello Sorry for the delayed reply i have had Tunnel vision as of late. I Want to thank you all for the information. i will put it to good use. Thanks Again..

Sascha(Ironowl)

Hi Sascha
When I returned to the hobby I was amazed by the quality of some kits and at all the AM stuff that you can add. You can get a pretty loaded up kit for $45 and then spend double that in AM stuff So what I do is I try to stick to the newer better quality kits, read reviews before I buy Then build them OOB.
I have used some AM stuff but I never bought any of it, it was always included with the 2nd hand kits that I bought off this site
With that said here in the states I use Scalehobbyist.com

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

If you click on their Manufactures link it will show you the emblem of the brand and what they make then you can search to see what scalehobbyist carries

Thanks Sal I'll Have to check it out.

Sascha(Ironowl)

Sal I just Checked that place out, Holy Cow they got alot of stuff thanks again.

Hi Sascha,

You don't mention scale, if you are interested in Braille Scale then this web site is a must...

http://www.onthewaymodels.com/

Hope this helps,

All the best,

Paul

Thanks for the website info Paul. I Build Mostly 1:35 and 1:48 Scale But I have done a few 1:72 scale kits. Thanks for the web site info i still have A couple of 1:72 scale kits in my stash and tthis web site will help. thanks.

Sascha(Ironowl)