Hi Everybody
Good to see a space for S'pore forum.
My intro, I've been On-N-Off modeling and I still consider myself a real beginner.
My current UN-build collection contains .. cars, m-cycle, space shuttle, X-Wings, commercial planes. Due to my personal commitment, I've a couple of semi-build tank, F-16, Harrier.
This hobby, I must admit, really need attention and care.

Something still make me very frustrated at times
a.) I seem to have problem getting seam joins beautifully cover. I've tried using Tamiya putty, Milliput and lately, Squardon putty, but I'm still not able to get a good seal join-line. Maybe it may be my sanding technique or applying of putty that's short-coming.
An example, the join-line on my Harrier's body .. I still have places where the surface is still uneven. If I apply more pressure, I'm sure I'll take out all those small details.

Question: what type of putty do you guys used? and how do you apply it (eg: with a ice-cream stick, a knife)

b.) I've been using Tamiya paint since the day I started. Are there other paints that you guys used? eg Vallejo, Humbrol, etc ?

c.) Clear coats - what other alternative you guys used? I'm using Tamiya clear.

Plse bear with the questions from a beginner.

Cheers
Benny

Hi Ben
First of all welcome to Singapore Big A

With the collections you have listed you dont sound like a newbie :-)

I build only armor. Most of the time the issue comes if I use the plastic barrels. I use a bit more cement than usual wait for few seconds more than required for the parts to melt.

Then I apply slight pressure till the molten seam squeeze out a bit. I let it dry atleast overnight. Next day I use the knife to back scrape the seam. Viola no seam.

What ever putty you use, I trick here is to let it dry. If you attempt to sand file when it is not FULLY dry then you end up with an ugly seam.

I will let some of our experienced modelers to shed more light.

I suggest in future you post similar questions to Aircraft / Car forum. The seam issue is more apparent in their domain. That way armor modelers are blessed

Welcome again. Let us keep us posted about your progress.

Have a Great Day

Hi there Benny! Welcome back... haha...

Answers to questions:
1. Putty question: I use only Tamiya putty and that works out fine. I use a toothpick and only apply a fair bit (as long as the "holes" are covered, good enough). The other method would be to use superglue + baking powder (or any powder u can get). Apply superglue onto the area and sprinkle powder over it, after a few layers... viola! Remember not to apply too much superglue onto your kit or it'll ruin it. The last method I use is the one Mukund uses, esp. for tankies where there's the turret. Very handy tip of melting the plastic with cement, compressing it and scraping of the excess.

2. Paint question: When I first started, the only paint I know is Tamiya acrylic paints... today, I realized there're tons of paints avaliable. I would recommend Gunze Sangyo AKA Mr Hobby (laquer based) & Tamiya acrylic paints for airbrushing and Vallejo & Andrea paints for hand painting.

3. Clear coat question: I use Tamiya clear direct from the can... no problem (but must be careful not to overspray or the clear will collect on your model and will ruin your paintwork). Other alternatives include Gunze Sangyo clear (lacquer based).

Sorry for the long long long reply... Damn am I long winded... LOL

Do post some pictures of your builds... I would love to see those commercial plane models!

HTH! Cheers...

Guys
Thank you very much for your response, appreciate ! .. I'll try those methods mentioned.
I'll post some pictures of the commerical plane once I get the chance to fix it up.

Anyone working on the new Dragon 3-in-1 Tiger ? looks pretty cool and nice review about the kit.
I presonally look like the look of the tank very much.

Cheers

Hi there,

Welcome!

Suggestions to your queries:

1. I used liquid putty from Mr Hobby as I found them easier to apply than Tamiya's. Minimum sanding required.

2. Used both Tamiya's and Mr Hobby's acrylic. Reason: sometimes, the LHS runs out and I would switch to the other so that my projects will not be delayed too much and I am pretty lazy to move somewhere else. Most of my shopping are on "the way kind".

3. Used Tamiya's clear from airbrush.

And which new DML 3 in 1 u are referring to?

Looking forward to see your projects soon!
Cheers!

Cheers!