Learning Center

Helpful guides for model railroading, plastic model kits, RC vehicles, weathering, painting, tools, and hobby supplies. Whether you're new to the hobby or getting back into it, these guides are built to help you choose the right products and get better results.

Best Paints for Plastic Models

Choosing the right paint can make a big difference in how your model looks when finished. Plastic model kits, Gundam kits, military models, aircraft, cars, ships, and model railroad equipment all benefit from proper paint selection, surface preparation, and finishing techniques.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic hobby paints are popular because they dry quickly, are easy to use, and are available in a wide variety of colors. They are a good choice for beginners, brush painting, detail work, figures, interiors, and smaller parts.

Lacquer and Solvent-Based Paints

Lacquer and solvent-based paints are often preferred by experienced modelers because they can create a smoother, more durable finish, especially when airbrushed. They are commonly used for automotive models, aircraft, railroad models, and military subjects.

Primer Matters

Primer helps paint stick to plastic and gives you a consistent surface before applying color. It also helps reveal mold lines, scratches, seams, and imperfections before the final coat goes on.

Brush Painting vs. Airbrushing

Brush painting works well for details, small parts, and touch-ups. Airbrushing gives a smoother finish and is best for larger surfaces, camouflage, fading, and professional-looking paint jobs.

Shop related supplies: Model Making Supplies | Model Kits

Beginner’s Guide to HO Scale Model Trains

HO scale is one of the most popular choices in model railroading because it offers a great balance of size, detail, product selection, and layout flexibility. It is large enough to show realistic detail but small enough for home layouts.

What Is HO Scale?

HO scale is approximately 1:87 scale. That means the models are about 1/87th the size of the real locomotive, freight car, passenger car, structure, or scene they represent.

Why Choose HO Scale?

• Large selection of locomotives and rolling stock
• Excellent detail without requiring huge space
• Wide availability of track, scenery, structures, and parts
• Strong support from many model railroad manufacturers

What You Need to Start

Most beginners start with a locomotive, freight or passenger cars, track, a power system, and basic scenery materials. Some hobbyists begin with a starter set, while others build their layout one section at a time.

DC vs. DCC

Traditional DC control powers the track and controls train speed through voltage. DCC, or Digital Command Control, allows multiple locomotives to run independently on the same track with individual control over speed, direction, lights, and sound.

Shop related supplies: Model Trains | DCC Controllers

DCC Explained: Digital Command Control for Model Trains

DCC stands for Digital Command Control. It allows model railroaders to control individual locomotives independently on the same track. This makes model railroading more realistic and flexible compared to traditional DC control.

How DCC Works

A DCC system sends digital commands through the rails to a decoder inside each locomotive. Each locomotive has its own address, allowing the operator to control speed, direction, lighting, and sound separately.

Main DCC Components

• Command station: Sends digital instructions
• Throttle: Handheld controller used to run trains
• Booster: Supplies power to the layout
• Decoder: Installed in the locomotive

Why Use DCC?

DCC makes it easier to run multiple trains, add sound-equipped locomotives, control lighting effects, and create more realistic model railroad operations.

Shop related supplies: DCC Controllers | NCE DCC Systems

Choosing Your First RC Car

Radio control cars are a great way to get into the hobby, but choosing your first one can be confusing. The best beginner RC car is usually not the fastest one. Durability, replacement parts, battery support, and ease of use matter more when starting out.

RTR vs. Kit

RTR means ready-to-run. These vehicles usually come assembled and are best for beginners. Kits require assembly and are better for hobbyists who want to build, tune, and customize their vehicle from the start.

On-Road vs. Off-Road

On-road cars are best for smooth pavement and speed. Off-road trucks, buggies, and crawlers are better for dirt, gravel, grass, and rougher terrain.

Electric vs. Nitro

Electric RC vehicles are usually best for beginners because they are cleaner, quieter, easier to maintain, and simpler to operate than nitro-powered models.

Common RC Scales

• 1/24 scale: Small and great for indoor use
• 1/18 scale: Compact but more capable outdoors
• 1/10 scale: Most common hobby-grade beginner size

Shop related supplies: Radio Controlled | Tools & Hobby Supplies

Weathering Model Railroad Equipment for Realistic Results

Real trains rarely look factory fresh. Weathering adds realism by recreating dirt, rust, faded paint, dust, exhaust stains, and road grime. With the right techniques, locomotives, freight cars, structures, and scenery can look much more realistic.

Start Light

The most important rule is to start light. You can always add more weathering, but removing too much is harder. Study real railroad photos and build up effects gradually.

Paint Washes

A wash is thinned paint that settles into seams, rivets, panel lines, and recessed details. Washes are useful for adding depth and highlighting molded detail.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing uses very little paint to highlight raised edges, worn metal, ladders, steps, and other details.

Powders and Pigments

Weathering powders and pigments are useful for rust, dust, soot, dirt, mud, and faded effects. They work especially well on trucks, underframes, roofs, and scenery.

Seal the Finish

After weathering, a flat or satin clear coat can help protect the finish and keep powders, washes, and paint effects in place.

Shop related supplies: Model Making Supplies | Model Trains | Books, Maps & References

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Arizona Hobbies carries model trains, RC vehicles, model kits, paints, tools, tabletop gaming supplies, 3D printing accessories, books, maps, and hobby essentials for builders of all skill levels.

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