New hobby?

[parkrider95]

Hey guys! First post on here, but I've been following quite a few threads for a while on here. I was wondering how many of you are into doing those little model cars/trucks/planes etc. that come in little boxes? I was looking to getting into doing those but the only places around here that sell them either have very few choices, or mainly the snap together type, which I'm not interested in... I was looking for the harder ones, and maybe a classic truck?! Can't seem to find one.. For those of you that are into the model cars where do YOU buy them from?

[cdowns]

try the local yellow pages for hobby shops
theres always stuff on ebay
you can google for about anything
swapmeets ,antique toy shows, fleamarkets,yard sales r places that things popup

[ratpackv8sonly]

What are you looking for?

[parkrider95]

I'm looking for those model cars/planes/boats/trucks. I just can't find anywhere with a good variety to choose from.. Was hoping someone on here would have advice as to where a good place to buy some models would be.

[ratpackv8sonly]

Ebay to start seeing whats out there and prices. Modeling is almost an internet hobby any more. If you have a hobby lobby near you then hit them up, thay have a 40% off deal every other week if you go to there website.

[cdowns]

are you really lookin all that hard?? i spent 15seconds seems to b no shortage local in seattle

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...AAAKoEBU_QLy0M

another 15second on ebay found 40thousand car models

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=car...286.m270.l1313


how is it that you're not able to find a model seems strange to me

[parkrider95]

I never looked on ebay..
I don't really like using ebay.

[oldiron]

Well there is Eagle Hobby in Lakecity and Galaxi in Lynnwood. Way up north in Burlington is the best one they have models for 25% off most models and have a good selection.
There are some Hobbytowns around but their selection is small.
You might try these guys they have a large selection for on line store.
http://www.megahobby.com/

[markeb01]

First off welcome to the forum.

If you are just getting started in model building or collecting, take some time and analyze what really appeals to you most. It could be cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, or other subjects, and they all come in various scales from tiny to huge. In addition to the building phase, you need some place to display your completed treasure(s). In general, plastic models (especially car models with clear plastic windows) don’t like dust. Over time dust clouds the “glass” and dulls the paint, and are best kept in some type of display cabinet. Models are also hard to clean without risking damage to many small components like mirrors, handles, etc., so consider what you will do with them once completed.

I’m in my 60’s now and have been building models since I was about 5 or 6. It can be a very rewarding hobby, depending on enthusiasm and dedication, and may require a lengthy investment of time and experience to master various building skills. Model building can very be expensive especially if you buy things on impulse so research first and buy on decision instead of emotions. The hobby can be relaxing and satisfying, just guard against allowing it to become more work than fun.

I’d recommend visiting the manufacturer’s web sites and review the various offerings to see what appeals to you. For starters try Revell/Monogram: http://www.revell.com/

Real hobby shops are far and few between these days, generally don’t last long, and by necessity have to charge so much for their limited selection of kits as to make them not affordable. When I was a kid hobby shops were like the ultimate toy store, but today there are too many other distractions for a real brick and mortar store to remain profitable.

There are a few internet hobby shops that cater to the vintage model crowd, but even some of these have gone away over the last few years with economics being what they are.

Here are a few online places to check into for ideas of what is available or to purchase:

http://www.spotlighthobbies.com/

http://www.fantastic-plastics.com/

http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/s_amt.htm

http://www.bobspromotionalcars.com/ (mostly preassembled promotional models)

http://www.edeuce.com/ (1/8th scale cars)

And if your interest turns more toward collecting than building, there are quite a few die cast providers including these:

http://www.franklinmint.com/category...FRATbAodCG8Jxw

http://www.danburymint.com/diecast/?...t+diecast+cars

If plastic kits turn out to be your main interest, and you want to continue building a collection, you’ll almost have to embrace eBay at some point. There is no other source that has so much to pick from at prices that are set by market demand, instead of a collector’s opinion that his stuff is worth a fortune.

Older stationary stores and some art supply stores like Michaels use to carry models, along with small town drug stores and dime stores. Most are now gone or have very limited kits frequently priced well beyond reality. Once in a while you can find a bargain if you develop a passion for the hunt. If you're looking for a model of a specific truck or vintage vehicle let us know, or feel free to shoot me a PM.

I hope you find this an enjoyable hobby. You might also want to take a look at this site. They also have an excellent forum to pick up ideas:

http://cs.scaleautomag.com/scacs/forums/