Models, the good kind

[The Brain]

No, not Walters. I'm talking about scale model airplanes, ships etc. When I was a kid I did some collecting, building and painting of tanks (1:35) and airplanes, but the painting especially was very basic. Recently I have felt a slight stirring in my pants when looking at model kits, and I contemplate a return to the hobby. Only this time with money to burn.

I'm guessing several people here did models when they were kids? Shut up, comedians. How many of you nerds are still doing them? Do you have any tips or war stories to share?

I am especially interested in airbrushing, which I plan to take up. I have no experience with this, and I will happily hear good advice that I just won't take.

Currently I am much into Japanese 30s-40s stuff, ships and to some extent aircraft. Anyone done WW2 ship models (of whatever nationality)? I am drawn to 1:350, but is 1:700 OK? Seems a bit tiny to me.

[Viking]

I had a half meter long Tirpitz done up in profile breaking camouflage. I tried building an enourmous HMS Victory, but I was 12 at the time.

[grumbler]

My only model-painting exercise ended in tragedy.

[Josephus]

Walters?

[The Brain]

Walters?

Sigh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Model

[alfred russel]

My only model-painting exercise ended in tragedy.

Where you see tragedy, others see opportunity. 

[Josquius]

I used to be pretty into that stuff when I was a kid. But my mother had a habit of always smashing them up which rendered the entire endeavor pointless.

[Ed Anger]

I burned my models. ZE GRAF SPEE IS ON FIRE

[Josephus]

Walters?

Sigh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Model

aah. Walter. Why didn't you say so.

[The Brain]

Walters?

Sigh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Model

aah. Walter. Why didn't you say so.

[DGuller]

I thought this thread was about statistical models. 

[Maladict]

There's a 10% finished 1/700 Vittorio Veneto in a cupboard somewhere, I should continue working on that some time.
I think Neil builds 1/350 ships.

[The Brain]

I'd like to do a Japanese destroyer or maybe cruiser. As for battleships... There are some lovely Yamato kits out there but I can't do Yamato because of the taint. Maybe Nagato? That superstructure is sweet.

[Ed Anger]

Everybody knows the Kongo is the kewlest.

[The Brain]

OK I have no idea if I will actually get my ass in gear and build it, but I ordered the Nagato in 1:350 and some paint and stuff. Of course I have paints etc from my figure painting hobby but I needed some different shit for scale models.