What tools/paints do I need to buy for Bandai kits ?

[toyopl]

Hey guys, I currently collect actions figures but I cracked and ordered few Bandai kits, mainly Millennium Falcon.
I never did any scale modeling, I don't have any tools or knowledge, but I go on youtube and watch whatever I can on the subject.
Could you list what tools, paints, weathering effects would I need to purchase to build this and future sci-fi kits ?
I like buying quality tools, don't like to cheap out

 

[R Three]

The Bandai kits are mostly snap kits, no glue is needed. I would get a sprue cutter and a X-Acto knife to help remove the pieces from the sprue tree. Be careful with some of the small pieces when you remove them as too much force can crack them. Some of the kits are pre-painted but you can add your own as well. I like Tamiya's brand of acrylic paints. You would also need a airbrush and compressor to get a nice even coat of paint. There are numerous airbrush brands out there, Paasche, Iwata, Badger, etc. For weathering, I have used chalk pastels before. Shave the sticks to a powder and brush it on.

 

[brandomack]

If you bought the Y wing, then you'll need fine point tweezers.

 

[Jun Austria]

Hey guys, I currently collect actions figures but I cracked and ordered few Bandai kits, mainly Millennium Falcon.
I never did any scale modeling, I don't have any tools or knowledge, but I go on youtube and watch whatever I can on the subject.
Could you list what tools, paints, weathering effects would I need to purchase to build this and future sci-fi kits ?
I like buying quality tools, don't like to cheap out

Get a good nipper. The best I used so far for Bandai kits is the "Gods Hand" brand. They give you a clean cut much better then any nipper.
A magnifying glass is a must for me. Coz Bandai parts can be small, very small. I also got my files from Micromark, they sell the type specifically for scale model aking.
Then there's the airbrush. I only use the Iwata brand and I have 5 of them. There's are just some of the basic tools you can start with.

 

[toyopl]

I think I'm gonna pick up Iwata Neo airbrush/compressor combo locally for $100.
Would it be good starter kit to learn on ?

 

[rbeach84]

Get a cheap kit of anything, probably airplane or tank (or both) to use as a paint test pig. Lingberg in the US makes a range of super cheap kits, mostly old molds, but you can learn a lot by doing quick builds then paint for practice using any techniques you wish to try.

One more good tool would be a micro razor saw, such as found on UMM-USA website (and probably elsewhere but that is where I got mine and it is of an excellent quality.) It is wonderful for removing tiny, fragile parts from the 'trees' when a nipper is too large or tough for the job. Because most nippers (flush cutters) work by an opposing wedge shear action (not a scissors action), if the plastic part is of a small cross section in relation to the sprue attachment, then it can deform during the cut. A saw avoids this problem.

Re-reading your prior post, I see you were actually asking whether the Iwata combo would be a 'good starter kit'. I cannot say as I have no Iwata but I know a lot of my mates swear by them, for what that's worth.

Regards, Robert

 

[Jun Austria]

I think I'm gonna pick up Iwata Neo airbrush/compressor combo locally for $100.
Would it be good starter kit to learn on ?

Well its marketed for first time user. Once you developed your skill. You can get a better one like the Eclipse and a Power Jet compressor .
Then use your Neo for priming only and the Neo compressor for a short spraying session.. Just a thought.

 

[Galactican]

You will also need some decal softener and setting solution. I used the Revell ones (mainly because they are the only ones sold in my area) but they work well and don't affect the plastic.

 

[Scott4040]

A really good pair of flush ground sprue cutters is essential. Some of the parts are extremely fine so it's key to have really sharp cutters to separate them without breaking and to minimize cleanup (which can be very difficult on the most delicate parts).

 

[Hunk a Junk]

I would only add the advice to not let the absence of any specific tools limit your creativity or enjoyment. The best tool you have is between your ears. I've made some good models with only an Exacto knife. Before I had an airbrush and compressor, I built a Keaton batmobile and only used a polishing cloth to buff the bare black plastic. It's one of the better "finishes" of any model I've made. Before i knew anything about lighting, I painted on the window and naligation lights on an AMT Enterprise (by hand) and in some ways it looks more screen-realistic than my kits with real lights. Sometimes I fall into the trap of holding off on a build until I get "that perfect tool" and sometimes it's a good thing (the right tool for the right job) and sometimes it was a waste of time. Some of my most enjoyable modeling experiences involve figuring out how I can achieve the desired look without spending time and money to find the right tool. A few basic tools are important, even necessary, but the really important thing is to start building.