I haven’t built a car kit in quite awhile, though I’ll get back around to it eventually.
I’m working mostly on sci-fi stuff right now, and I’ve been wanting to pick up some kits to provide small pieces I can use for detailing. I’m figuring 1/24th and 1/25th kits are about the right size, and that engine and related parts are best for what I want. Because these won’t be used for their original purpose, the details don’t have to be accurate. I don’t want to spend a bundle either; it just isn’t worth it. With all that said, I figured you guys might be able to tell me what kits I can find easily that might have a relatively large number of small, fiddly little parts for not too much money.
Thanks, guys.
SSB
I can’t tell you which kits to get, but maybe I can help with where. A couple of years ago I went to a local outlet mall which had a toy store chain outlet in it. They had a bunch of older car model which were not very popular cars, several dragsters and other race cars. Each of these models was only $2 each. I got three Firebird doorslammer dragsters and three Thunderbird NASCAR models for 12 bucks. I would never build either of these cars but for $12 I got 6 great engines,12 big slicks, 6 axles and a bunch of roll cage parts.
With the popularity of outlet malls growing nationwide there is probable one within an hour or two of where you live. I live in So. California and I can think of seven within three hours of here.
Simple solution. Ebay. I buy ALL my kits from Ebay. Been very well satisfied.
Old model kits show up on occasion at yard sales. If you’re going to be kitbashing for sci-fi models, even tank or airplane kits will work too. (Ironically enough, the reverse can be true. I once picked up a “Star Wars” TIE fighter for the parts, and a well-detailed piece of one part resembled the inside of a nose-wheel well so much I carefully cut it out and used it in a 1/48-scale MiG-21! It worked perfectly!)
WalMart carries the AMT line of value kits. About $5.00 per car will allow for a whole lot of parts. Any of the older AMT or MPC 3 in 1 kits would be good also. some are being reissued.