I agree with djmodels and others - if you can find colorful Matchbox model - it will be the best choice for young modeler - you don’t have to paint it, it fits without any problems, and you can play with it later (as I did) because it it tough enough ! Regards ! Aleksander
Does anyone still carry Matchbox kits? If they are out of production, are they now considered collectors’ items with a corequisite collectors’ price? These would be great as Christmas presents!
Gip Winecoff
I got mine off of ebay. Where else?
Aaahh… Matchbox! When I was 4-7 thats all I ever built. Many a fond memory (though I only later cottoned on to putting RAF roundels on before putting wing pylons on). I remember putting a 1/72 Jaguar in the fridge to make the glue set…
If I remember correctly, my first airplanes were made by Hawk–a P-47, P-51, and (I think) a P-38. Anyway, they already had a chrome metal finish on them to simulate natural aluminum. Man, did they look good when I finished. Built them at the beach and played with them diligently all week. I think I was about 12 then.
Gip Winecoff
I’ve got a niece that wants to build models like her uncle Tim and being the cool
uncle that I am I gave her a couple of airplane kits very simple pre-painted
just a couple of screws and we did some mild weathering w/ pastels
and now the are proudly displayed in the living room out of her little brothers reach. and any time that younster that age wants to display their handi-work
I say lets support them and she is going to take them to my clubs show n
tell in Sept. So lets here it for the kids.
bigphoto1,
When my daughter was 8 (she’s 17 now), she also wanted to build a model like Dad. I bought her a snap-together kit of the #3 car of Dale Earnhardt. I watched and helped just a little. She was so proud of it she entered it in the local show. She took second place and out-of-the-box in the junior category! She (and I) were elated. To this day she has the car and her trophies on a shelf in her room even though she’s not interested in building anymore (something about boys, I think).
Just an update: My 9-year old has now completed his Monogram Shelby, save for a couple decals that he wants me to help him with. He is really proud of his efforts–and I am, too. I think (if it’s alright with everyone here), that I might try to post a couple of pics of his model when completed. I’d like to take the opportunity to say “thanks” to all those that offered timely advice.
Gip Winecoff
Hey Gip, please post some pics, we’d be more than happy to post some encouragement to your son.