Gday from Australia.

[Jimmy]

Gday.

My names Jimmy, 18, from Melbourne Australia.
I previously painted warhammer models about 4-5 years ago, I came back to them a few months back and stripped the paint and decided to start again but have recently taken a larger interest in real modelling.
Problem is I don't know where to start.
I consider myself a less then average painter who struggles with painting faces, but I have the time and patience to develop my skills to something I can be proud of.
I'm interested in Infantry models mainly, anything from WW1-modern.
I have no idea what is a good brand or model, like I said, I have only painted warhammer so I'm still a noob.
Any links to a good site to purchase good quality models would be greatly appreciated. I have alot of warhammer paints left over, would it be possible to use some of them? Brushes etc.....

Thanks.

Some of my warhammer models.

 

[Andrew Craft]

Hi Jimmy, welcome to the planet. It's always good to see another Aussie interested in the hobby, and good to see some young blood too. I'm only new to painting so I'm not qualified enough to speak on the painting side of things but as far as buying kits go I can tell you that I have ordered most of my figures from Steve Kirtley (kirtles here on the planet forum) at SK Miniatures www.skminiatures.co.uk, his prices are good, postage is at cost (which can be really high if buying direct from some of the bigger companies) and his customer service is great. There is also Chuck at Red Lancers www.redlancers.com in the U.S who I also hear is great to deal with. Both of these companies have a great range of stock and I know that SK Miniatures will do whatever he can to get a product for you if he doesn't have it in stock and I think Red Lancers does the same. There are lots of dealers out there but I can only speak of those I have used.
As for finding a few figures you like I would suggest going to the manufacturers websites and just browsing till something grabs you.

Hope I've helped somewhat,
Cheers,
Andrew.

 

[tonydawe]

G'day Jimmy,

Welcome to Planet Figure mate and welcome to the wonderful world of "real" figure modelling.

As an 18 year old you have time to develop your painting skills and learn new painting techniques, but my best advice to you is to seek out fellow figure modellers in Melbourne and join a club.

You can learn much from reading books and looking at websites, but there's no substitution for having someone sit down with you and show you how to do something.

In Melbourne you have a couple of good model shops, but unfortunately none of them stock much in the way of figures. I would suggest you shop online and start with the less expensive figures first and build yourself up to the more expensive ones.

If you're looking for a place to start, I can personally recommend the Dragon/DML range of 1/16th scale plastic figures. They are relatively cheap, they go together easily and they can produce a reasonably accurate infantry figures. Tamiya and Miniart also do a line of 1/16th scale plastic figures, but the range is small.

I suggest these only so you don't rush out and buy the most expensive figures, get disheartened and give the hobby away. All the paints and brushes you have collected from Warhammer can easily be used on figure modelling, so don't throw anything away.

When you are ready to step up to the next level, I suggest you spend some time checking out the vast range of white metal and resin figures that are available from manufacturers from around the world. Most of them can be seen here on Planet Figure, and you can read reviews and see pictures of thekits before you buy them by checking out the Reviews section.

There are several Melbourne based figure painters here on Planet Figure, so perhaps you can contact them (or they'll contact you) and you can meet up with them for a painting session. As far as I know there are no figure modelling clubs in Melbourne, but there are always a few lonely figure modellers lurking in the back of IPMS meetings.

Planet Figure is a tremendous resource for all figure modellers, no matter where they live, no matter how old or young they are and no matter what their level of experience or talent.

We have all sorts here and I'm sure if you ask questions, there will always be someone ready to help you and give advice and helpful tips.

The most important thing is to have fun with your hobby, enjoy yourself and share your passion and enthusiasm with your fellow hobbyists.

 

[Jimmy]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Dragon-1-16-...aultDomain_0&hash=item4aa681fbc5#ht_970wt_905

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Screaming-Ea...es_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item27b5eb50fb

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/dragon-1-16-...odelKits_JN&hash=item20b55436b4#ht_500wt_1156

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DRAGON-JAGER...ultDomain_0&hash=item2eb1921288#ht_500wt_1156

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/British-Airb...odelKits_JN&hash=item27b5fb64ce#ht_1217wt_905

The 101'st para looks good, an appropriate first purchase?

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Jimmy,

I think any of these kits would make a good first purchase. It's up to you which one appeals to you the most.

 

[housecarl]

How do Jimmy? I'm very pleased that you've come to join us, if you do get the 101st Airborne, our very own Goth as painted the very figure http://www.planetfigure.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33353
Hopefully you'll find some tips and guidance there,
Carl.

 

[gordy]

Welcome aboard Jimmy - There are many helpful folks around here that can lend a hand, if you see something you like and wonder how it's done, feel free to ask

 

[Jimmy]

Thank's for the replies.

 

[Wendy]

Welcome Jimmy.

 

[pmfs]

Welcome!

 

[unknown01]

Welcome to a planet!
Let's enjoy a figure together.

Cheers.

Mitsutaka.