Source of quality cars

Hi folks.

Blimey it's difficult joining modelling forums in the UK. Thank you for making this one easy!

I've just started to learn air brushing and model painting in general. I need a source of unpainted, good quality, high detail car/vehicle shells for practice. I'm really not into military stuff, cars are simple. I could build kits if this is the least expensive option.

Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Many thanks. )

You haven't said what size of model you're looking for, but I think plastic kits might be your best bet. They're available in various sizes/scales, easy to paint and you wouldn't need to build the whole thing if you only wanted the body shell. Furthermore, they're reasonably priced. I know there are also some metal kits available, but they tend to be at the higher end of the market as far as I can see. You'll find thousands of kits on Ebay and Amazon!

Tull this is not really the type of modelling activity catered for by this site, I've not made car models for some time so can't really direct you to a suitable forum but maybe another member can.

I think we can forgive you anything for saying that!

This is really a model engineering site, but we do sometimes discuss finishing techniques for models.

I would say visit somewhere like Hobby Craft, you should be able to choose from a good selection of plastic models at reasonable prices. yesterday I saw a Beetle (Revell), E-type (Airfix) and a Nissan Skyline (Tamiya, if you have deep pockets) amongst others. They tend to take care with the body shells so they need relatively little prep by avoiding noticeable seams etc.

The other option is cruising toyshops for cheap large-scale diecasts by Burago etc., you could strip the paint and tidy up.

Neil

Whoops, duplicated myself, see below

Brian

Edited By Brian G on 23/05/2018 22:22:27

What about slot car bodies? Clear polycarbonate vacuum formed bodies start at £4 each. Betta's range **LINK** takes me back to my teens, when slot cars were hand made with brass chassis. (It turns out they still are, ECRA may be no more, but the BRSCA website brings back some happy memories **LINK** )I enjoyed painting them, although we typically cheated by painting the inside, thus getting a shiny and resilient gloss finish.

Similar bodies are also available in larger scales for R/C cars.

Brian

Not done cars, but this die cast traction engine kit by Fine Cast is my attempt at model painting.

Ian S C

Nicely done Ian - you must have a steady hand!

Many years ago, in my pre-ME days, I used to paint diecast model soldiers. A very precise and demanding hobby necessitating a steady hand and many tiny paint brushes! I still have a couple of models under glass domes which make me think “ however did I have the patience (and steady hand ) to do that.”

Norman

The secret of good painting is weathering

I'v got a nephew how is deep into war gaming/Warhammer. He spends hour painting models and figures, and land scapes. He's no kid, hes a professional chief, in his early 40s.

Ian S C