Good aircraft model kit

[Regiment]

Been wanting to have a go at making an “air fix” model kit for a long time and decided to take the plunge, not done it for a very long time...probably early 90s when I was 8 when I did a Tornado GR1, but would love to have a go.

Any recommendations on kits and what I need in terms of airbrushes, etc?

[Eric Mc]

Any particular scale?

Are you looking for a simple "easy" kit to build or something complicated with lots of pieces?

[Regiment]

My end goal would be to have a go at one of the big 1:32 kits, preferably the Mustang, but they’re expensive looking so might start with a 1:48 kit. How does the quality compare between the different companies and are there any YouTube videos going through building and painting the models?

[dr_gn]

Regiment said:

My end goal would be to have a go at one of the big 1:32 kits, preferably the Mustang, but they’re expensive looking so might start with a 1:48 kit. How does the quality compare between the different companies and are there any YouTube videos going through building and painting the models?

You won’t go far wrong with anything from Tamiya in 1:48. Might be a bit more expensive than something like Airfix (which are variable quality at best), but worth it for the absence of stress. Whatever you choose, do a review search first (someone whose built it rather than “in box” review).

[Eric Mc]

New Airfixc kits are pretty nice so don't discount them.

Their new 1/48 Hurricane got excellent reviews, for instance.

Tamiya are of course, the benchmark but they do have older kits in their line up to.

By all accounts their 1/32 World Car 2 fighters (Spitfire, Mustang, Corsair etc) are pretty much class of the field.

I'll build anything - old or new, magnificent quality or relative clunker.

I'm knocking together a 1974 vintage 1/72 F4U Corsair by FROG at the moment. It certainly won't tax anybody on the parts count (under 40).

[GreengiantPH]

I was comissioned to quick build a Tamiya 1/48 Lancaster by an Ad agency a few years ago, I was given five days, it went together well, especially as this one had the canopy glazing with the framing pre painted which saved a load of masking! It had to have camo paint but no decals, they Photoshop those on.

I have had a few Airfix vehicles to do as well, but the Tamiya kit was better quality, but understandardbly dearer, but becuase of the quality was quicker to build than the vehicles.

Martin

[Eric Mc]

I'vew seen a top executive from Tamiya make a statement on you tube apologising for the inaccuracies in the Tamiya Lancaster kit. He was being interviewed at an Australian model show and said that there were serious fuselage cross section inaccuracies for which he was deeply sorry.

[robemcdonald]

I'd recommend an airfix 1:72 spitfire. I've just built one. It's very easy as their are only a few parts. It won't take too long and build nicely out of the box with very little fettling required.
See how you get on with that before investing in lots of tools, airbrushes etc.

Here's a pic of mine

[Eric Mc]

That looks nice.

Airfix have always captured the Spitfire well.

[Evangelion]

Would agree with that, even the previous version captured the shape better than any other Spit kit out there

[Murph7355]

robemcdonald said:

I'd recommend an airfix 1:72 spitfire. I've just built one. It's very easy as their are only a few parts. It won't take too long and build nicely out of the box with very little fettling required.
See how you get on with that before investing in lots of tools, airbrushes etc.

Here's a pic of mine

I just built that exact same kit with my 5yr old. He painted most of it then helped me stick it together. Everything out of the box including paints and glue.

Fit was a bit shonky in some areas but it looks great hung on his ceiling (he specified the angle) and most of all, he loves it.

I think it will need to be a German next, being shot down

[Eric Mc]

Airfix do a nice little 109E which is compatible with their Spitfire I.

[DamienB]

As a nice modern easy to put together kit with excellent detail, the Airfix 1/48 Hurricanes are spot on. Their 1/48 Spits need a bit more care due to fiddly undercarriage and some ill fitting bits.

[72twink]

The new Tamiya 1/48 Bf 109 G-6 is being very highly praised, it falls together, has excellent engineering and loads of display potential.

[Regiment]

Thanks for all the advice, in terms of painting, is there any good how to guides and guides on how to get the best out of the models e.g. sanding down any excess plastic, techniques for gluing, etc?

[dr_gn]

Regiment said:

Thanks for all the advice, in terms of painting, is there any good how to guides and guides on how to get the best out of the models e.g. sanding down any excess plastic, techniques for gluing, etc?

These books are very good, and inexpensive. Some of the build examples are Tamiya 1:48 aircraft, so ideal for what you're looking at building:



Do a search for them on Amazon, and you can have a preview of what's inside. Very clear explanations, and they go through pretty much every tool, paint, cement type and technique you're likely to need from beginner to quite a high level. I'd have a read of both of them before buying a kit, chances are you'll be far better prepared (and inspired) once you know what to expect.

You could also buy a few modelling magazines - Scale Aviation Modeller international usually has a good range of builds, technique articles and of course reviews.

Edited by dr_gn on Sunday 4th February 15:50

[Eric Mc]

Second the Brett Green book - which I have. In fact, I have quite a few Brett Green books and they are all good.

[r159]

Try Britmodeller, as a great source of inspiration.

I returned to modelling after a 25 year gap - Airfix Spitfire built with my then 4yr old. I started with buying old kits off eBay, basically the same as I was making in the 80s. Simple to build and great to practice on. New kits are a technically a lot better but with that they can be more complicated. Started off with brushes, now spraying.

We’re now an IPMS members go to a local club IPMS Rutland, shows etc.

I’m more than willing to take you through some of the stuff I’ve found good.

Edited by r159 on Sunday 4th February 21:55

[72twink]

Has anyone here had a thumb of this, it's on the shelves in Smiths.

[lufbramatt]

Hunt down a Tamiya skyraider- superb kit that just falls together. TBH any recent tamiya kit is a great intro if price isn't an issue.

New 1/48 Airfix Mustang and Walrus are not bad too if I'm allowed to recommend them

If you pick something with a simple colour scheme you can get a really good finish using Tamiya spray cans if you have somewhere to spray, before splashing out on an airbrush setup.