I have two teens that have shown either artistic or ‘engineering’ abilities and I’m thinking of getting a simple kit for either/each of them for Christmas this year and would love some advice.
The first kit is for my daughter, who is artistic but hasn’t really ever built anything. I’m thinking a simple 1/72 Tamiya aircraft (she’s considering USAF), hopefully something with a simple paint scheme. I don’t really want to add to complexity by suggesting learning the airbrush (although I have several, including two single-action types that might be suitable to start), so I want an exterior scheme that doesn’t get too taxing. Maybe the P-51D with rattle can aluminum? NMF for a first is perhaps a little ambitious, but I believe a simple scheme (e.g. all silver with blue nose) is less likely to result in a closet/hangar queen.
The second is for my son, who a while back built but never detailed a couple of Gunpla kits and has lately really been interested in ‘supercars’ like Lamborghinis. I have no idea what to get him, if anything - he seems to like building (and loves complex LEGO kits), but is less than indifferent about finishing (painting/detailing, not “completing”…although maybe that’s an issue too, ha!). Given that I’ve never done a car kit, are there some good, fairly simple starter ones to look at?
My intent is not to throw them in a room alone with a kit and expect them to complete it, I would sit with them and maybe work on a different kit at the same time when not helping them. I’ve perused the BAMM thread but most of what I see there is from interested parties - I’m trying to lure these kids in, so I really want to select something that has a high probability of success. Anyone have any ideas?
I would recommend the AirFix starter sets (I do see them in my neighborhood Michaels). They have cars and planes and come with glue, a paintbrush and some paints - note that the paints may have dried up and you would need to replace them.
Have you thought of maybe something like this one for your son? Granted it’s no exotic but maybe enough to interest him. I’ve seen these in shops, but don’t really know if they are still produced or what subjects they do.
You would have do a bit more research to see it they are otherwise the same kit just with painted body or something else. Pre painted finishes is becoming more popular in Asian countries, so you might be able to find a subject from a Japanese or Korean manufacturer.
Your son might enjoy a paper model. All the fun of model building and no painting necessary for the most part. There are some very detailed Star Wars paper models as an example.
Thanks, guys. I’ve pondered the Airfix kits, but he quit one in the middle (years ago) because of the painting thing. I hadn’t seen there are kits with pre-finished exteriors, that might be a good compromise. And I hadn’t even considered paper models - thanks @mrb865!
These are all terrific suggestions and they offer plenty of modeling experiences. Personally, Tamiya is the manufacturer that I think of for ease of assembly but I’m not sure if they offer anything for the beginning modeler.
Tamiya 1/48 P-51B. Goes together great, relatively low parts count and you could do a rattle can OD over gray.
And this Tamiya Porsche was an easy curbside (no engine) all in gloss black. Though the decals were a bit thick and the most challenging part of the kit.
Revell made a few pull-back motor kits that are assembled with screws for your (engineer) son to put together. Your (artistic) daughter can paint the body.
