Questions from a begineer

blackarrow · #1 03-02-2018, 02:14 AM

Hello,

1. My idea is to try to build some tank, since it is probably easier task compared to aircraft. I am mostly interested in WW2 and Cold war tanks. Any recommendation?
2. What manufacturer of paper kit would you recommend? I found GPM, Modelik, Maly Modelarz etc. but not sure what is actually the best option. I also saw there are basically three levels of difficult (1,2,3).
3. I found a lot of video tutorials and explanations on tools used. However, I am not sure about glue type yet. I saw that people use Elmers All Glue and Aleene's Tacky Glue but not sure what would be the equivalent of it here in Germany.

Thanks!

**ennder** · #2 03-02-2018, 09:56 AM

there are several free tanks in the download section here, that you could try before spending money for one. they range in skill lvl as well

blackarrow · #3 03-02-2018, 10:14 AM

Thank you. I forgot to ask one more question: is it possible and desirable to do weathering on paper models? I saw people do it with plastic ones (to get more realistic results) but not sure if the paper could withstand it.

**airdave** · #4 03-02-2018, 10:30 AM

GPM, Modelik and Maly all produce preprinted models
and a bit more advanced.

There are many digital Tank kits...like my own Centurion kit...but once again, fairly advanced.
*digital kits are what you download and print yourself.

Digital kits may better for learning the basics...and cheaper too!

If you are totally inexperienced, try some of the free kits from the Download section.
You can also look at ecardmodels.com for cheaper, simpler Tank kits.

Any model will teach you skills, it doesn't have to be a Tank.
And no, a Tank isn't necessarily any easier or harder than an aircraft model.

Weathering may come from the designer, already on the model.
But there are no restrictions on what you can add to a model.
I have airbrushed paper models.
European builders are known for ignoring the printed finishes and priming, puttying and painting their assembled models.
I'm not a fan of this...to me, this is a mixed media scale model, not a paper model.
I prefer building kits as they come (printed) and using as little outside (non-paper) products as possible.

**Texman** · #5 03-02-2018, 10:38 AM

Weathering can be done on paper models. I sometimes use chalk pastels,
in varying shades/colors, to add detail, shadows, etc. I have experimented with
the "modulation" of colors using different colors of chalks (reds/greens/yellows etc)
to break up the monotony of a flat color model.

I also use photoshop to add panel shading/lightening, much as my plastic brethren are doing now.

**MichaelS** · #6 03-02-2018, 10:39 AM

Go here and make sure you are sitting down:

Landships II

**Kevin WS** · #7 03-02-2018, 10:49 AM

Michael's suggestion of having a look at Landships is a good idea.

And Ray's suggestion of weathering further the downloaded kit with graphics/photo editor is a good one as well (if you have one handy).

**bob neill** · #8 03-02-2018, 10:51 AM

Do not forget that answers are often worth what you pay for them.
Depending on what kind of detail you want may cause you to run out of time before finishing. Often the first model should be one you do mind loosing. Of course, a free download can be reprinted. Remember the old saying "Practice gets boring". Like learning to swim, hold your nose and jump in.

Bob Neill

**Burning Beard** · #9 03-02-2018, 01:50 PM

If you want a lot of free tank models try this site, https://worldoftanks.ru/ru/media/10/ Just click on the picture and then the colored link. Unfortunately the instructions are in Russian but they are pretty easy to follow. Most models are 1/50 scale, but there are some larger ones in there. A lot of them offer two versions, simple and complex.

Beard

blackarrow · #10 03-04-2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airdave

GPM, Modelik and Maly all produce preprinted models
and a bit more advanced.

There are many digital Tank kits...like my own Centurion kit...but once again, fairly advanced.
*digital kits are what you download and print yourself.

Digital kits may better for learning the basics...and cheaper too!

If you are totally inexperienced, try some of the free kits from the Download section.
You can also look at ecardmodels.com for cheaper, simpler Tank kits.

Any model will teach you skills, it doesn't have to be a Tank.
And no, a Tank isn't necessarily any easier or harder than an aircraft model.

Weathering may come from the designer, already on the model.
But there are no restrictions on what you can add to a model.
I have airbrushed paper models.
European builders are known for ignoring the printed finishes and priming, puttying and painting their assembled models.
I'm not a fan of this...to me, this is a mixed media scale model, not a paper model.
I prefer building kits as they come (printed) and using as little outside (non-paper) products as possible.

Thanks for the explanation. I saw here one really nice advanced model made out of paper with applied weathering, where the initial paper colors were ignored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1IyIS0ca0

Is it actually possible to apply acrylic paint to the paper models (to make them more stiff) and then move on working on the model as it was a plastic one? With more or less same techniques to build mud, oil spills, dust etc.