I’m new to the hobby. I am familiar with snapfix kits like Gundam, but have not built military kits before. I just completed my first armor kit at 1/48 scale, and although I enjoyed it, the small pieces were a pain. They kept flying off my tweezers while trying to glue them. It was also very difficult to file off nub marks from the small pieces.
Anyway, I now want to try my hand at aircraft, either modern or WWII. Should I go straight into 1/48 scale? Would the larger size make them easier to build, or actually harder because there are more parts? Seems to me that larger kits are easier to airbrush and mask too.
My first suggestion would be find an aircraft you want to build and then look at what scales it come in. I build armour in 1/35 and aircraft in 1/48 which are pretty much standard scales. I do have more than a few aircraft in 1/32 but they can be “big” kits and cost a lot more. Think about how much room you have to display them as well. While your right in bigger scales you get a lot more parts that doesn’t necessary make them harder to build, with the bigger size it can actually make it easier.
So basically look at what you want to build, look at what scales are available, look at how much room you have to display it and look at cost. Any questions ask away lots of people to help on here
What he said. If your eyes (or with a magnifier’s help) can handle it, 1/48 is a good scale for aircraft. I have some 1/32 and a couple of 1/24 that are in the stash. They are big rascals.
I think in your case its not a question of what scale but rather how complex. What I wouldn’t get is something like the 1/48 Hasegawa F-14. There are alot of parts and some areas that need to be filled, etc. Start with a simpler kit like something from Monogram.
Display space should really be considered if you wanna build 1/32 aircraft. Especially if you have time to build say 5-10 a year or more. Space goes quickly!! Keep in mind 1/35 tanks will still have lots of small, fiddly parts as well, especially if they come with pe. I’d say 1/48 is a good starting point. Pretty much all 1/48 modern aicraft (newer kits) will have lots of small plastic parts that require patience. I’d say pick up a 1/48 WWII 2 sprue wonder Tamiya kit. This would be their P-51s, fw 190s, 109e, or P-47. They build up easy and have fewer parts. Then go from there…
Like others said, I would go for new Tamiya 1:48 kits i.e. Mosquito, Beaufighter, Mustang, Wild cat…etc…as the fits are very nice and not that many parts…
Piling on in agreement for the 1:48 Tamiya kits. Built their P-47 Razorback kit not long ago; parts count is not that high, great fit and straightforward instructions. IMO, you couldn’t go wrong starting with any of the Tamiya kits mentioned in the previous posts.
I agree that the Tamiya kits are pretty, but I think if you are new, go with a Monogram 1/48 single engine fighter. Granted, the kit will not fit as nice, but the initial investment is not as much, and if you mess up, the loss factor is much less. Also, it gives the opportunity to try out some techniques that you can find here and in FSM before tearing into something more expensive. In addition, the kits can be built up inot really nice models with a little effort. Good luck and let us know what you pick and post pictures of your progress. Welcome!
I’d agree with 1/48. Buy several Revell kits, which are inexpensive, get a basic cockpit and details, and can be used to develop your skills without hitting the wallet too hard. If you want an airbrush, Iwata Neon is a great inexpensive one