First Aircraft Model Recommendations

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hello

I have build one or two tanks, and one car, so I have some basic modfling skills and good selection of tools and a airbrush that I am confortable with.

My question is what aircraft kit would you recommend for a model builder to build first?

I am a aircraft mechanic and like all aircraft. If i had my choice I would build some kind of military jet.

I welcome and advice or recommendations you may have.

2

First, [#welcome] to the forums!

For a first model aircraft, and one of a military jet, I would recommend the modern Tamiya kits. Their F-16CJ, F-16 Thunderbirds, F-16 ANG and ME-262 are all excellent kits, with near perfect fit and a wealth of subjects to model. [tup] Watch out for their older F-16 (the red, white, and dark blue kit) as it is nowhere near as detailed and well-fitting as the modern Vipers.

3

If your not a stickler for perfection, one of the older 1/48 Monogram(revell-monogram) kits would be a good place to start to get military jet under your belt. They can have fit issues at times and the detail is generally raised. They are cheap and with a little care, can make into a really nice model. I tend to build these when I get stuck on a project to clear my mind and just have fun. That’s how it is suppposed to be right? I would advise to try the F-15 or F-105’s. I agree with Daywalker, the Tamiya kits are really nice if you can drop the cash.

I am also an A&P mechanic. What do you work on?

4

Tamiya 1/48 for ease of assembly, good fit, and adequate detail and outline accuracy. Their Spitfire Vb and Mustang III are inexpensive, easy to build, and give satisfying results. Some versions of their Me.262 are reasonably priced, and it makes up into an excellent model. If budget permits, their P-47D razorback is superb, and the Olive Drab/ Neutral Gray finish is easy enough to paint.

If the budget won’t stretch to Tamiya, consider Airfix’s 1/48 Spitfire Vb (not the Spitfire Vc). It’s accurate, reasonably well-detailed, has attractive colour schemes, and is cheap. the only thing going against it is raised panel lines, but they’re not obtrusive and you can live with them. Their 1/48 Hawker Hurricane is also an excellent, inexpensive, kit, and a good introduction to aircraft modelling.

Cheers,

Chris.

5

Daywalker

Thanks for the advice. I went on line and looked at the F-16 ANG and The ME-262. I am leaning towards the ME-262 because it is somthing different.

6

Migmodeler

Thanks for the response. I am leaning towards a Tamiya kit but will definatley check out the F-15.

The companey i work for operates 3 Hawker 800XP and 1 Gulfstream GV.

7

Chris

Thanks for the post. I am glad that you mentioned the Me-262, that is one kit that i am thinking about. The P-47 is one of my favorite prop fighters, so i will be taking a look at the Tamiya Kit

8

I’m with migmodeler, the old Monogram/Revell-Monogram kits are kits that have decent detail, are relatively forgiving, and relatively inexpensive. Tamiya kits are nice, too.

Good luck and happy modeling, whatever your choice!

Brad

9

Tamiya are great kits but if you want one of the best kits made for your money I would look at Revell’s 1/48 F-15 Strike Eagle. It almost puts itself together and detail is great. The price is the best part.

10

I’d go F-4 Phantom II, Hasegawa.

11

For a first kit, you want something that is very cheap (in case you mess up and want to throw the plane out of the window), and very high quality (to avoid any unnecessary frustration due to unfitted parts, etc.). Some of Revell’s recent releases come to mind. The Revell 1:48 scale F-15E Strike Eagle and F-86D Sabre Dog should work well.

Revell kits are mostly very reasonably price. I will avoid their older kits until you build up more skill. If you have a Hobby Lobby or Michael’s near by, you can get the F-15E for less than $10 using their 40% off coupon.

12

Not sure about either of these recommendations. the Revell 1/48 F-15E is quite a complex model, with lots of stores to paint, and not really for the beginner. Also, the F-86D, while excellent and not too complicated, only comes in natural metal finish, so, again, isn’t really a beginner’s first choice.

Recent Revell 1/48 jets are, in general, a good choice, though. Maybe their F-106 (not a recent kit I know, but an easy enough build if you leave the weapons bay dors closed) or their F-117 would be a better choice. But the price of both of these, in the UK at least, approach that of the basic version of the Tamiya 1/48 Me.262 A-1a

Cheers,

Chris.

13

I’d start off with a cheap taildragger like a P-51, P-47 or something of that nature.

I know since I got back to scale modeling lately, I have been gravitating toward cheaper kits so I can learn how to airbrush without messing up an expensive kit. I also find it fun to find nice, low priced kits, it’s kind of a game.

14

It looks like the advice has run the whole range. I too am new-ish to modeling. I built a 72nd scale Academy kit and it went together well. I then thought that I’d get a couple of Revell / Monogram kits (cheaper with the Michael’s Art Store 40% coupon) to practice on. Both were frustrating to work on because of the fit issues. They helped in the sense of learning some skills, but in hindsight, I’d would have rather worked on some Tamiya or Hasegawa kits that didn’t require all the frustration. Let the fidgity kits come later when you build up some skills… My suggestion is to hit up your local IPMS group and attend a meeting. I can’t speak to all clubs but every couple of months someone will bring in some of their stash to sell off at a good price. Use the hobby lobby coupon. They stock Tamiya kits and with the coupon, the price is very competitive with online retailers. Find a regional contest!!! Lots of folks selling kits at decent prices. Last but not least is your local hobby shop (LHS). That is where I picked up my first academy kit and they have been a great help.

If you find a kit you think you might like, check out modelingmadness.com for a review or better yet, ask here!!! Someone has bound to have built one.

Cheers

15

Wrinkledm

Great advice. I noticed that you live in Beavercreek Ohio. I live in Tipp City Ohio.

I like the idea of hitting up a IPMS group. Is there a group that meets in the area?

Thanks

Todd

16

Todd,

Yup, there sure is and in fact they meet in B’Creek. http://daytonipms.com/ At this months meeting is the annual swap shop. I’m new-ish to the club so I can’t speak to the number of folks who bring stuff to sell at this months meeting.

Cheers

David