Thoughts on the Revell F&F ‘70 Charger for a beginner modeler?

[Hotrod 97]

I have a friend who wants to start building scale model cars. He like cars from the Fast & Furious movies - especially Dom’s 1970 Dodge Charger.

So, with that being said, what are your thoughts on the kit for a beginner modeler?

(Here is a picture of the kit for reference)

 

[Fat Brian]

It's a subject that interests him so he's more likely to see it through than just a random kit so that's a bonus. The Revell Chargers also seem to fit pretty well overall so there shouldn't be and major issues in construction as long as he follows the instructions and does basic parts cleanup and test fitting. When he's ready to start building I would sit down with him and show him some basics about sanding and cleaning up where the parts attach to the trees. You might could also give him a spare body you've got laying around to practice painting on.

[Casey]

If this is his first model (guessing at experience level here), you may want to start with something simpler. The modern snap-together kits are miles ahead of what they were years ago, and he can always start by detail painting the interior, chassis, etc., before moving on to painting bodies, which can be an intimidating step.

Maybe something like the MPC snap '69 Charger, which could be a first step toward a more detailed kit?:

https://www.autoworldstore.com/product-p/mpc879m.htm

[CapSat 6]

As I put the notion of an absolute beginner modeler in my head, I'm thinking it couldn't hurt to have your friend work on a few other things before he tackles this one. 

This kit is well engineered, but a beginner might have a little difficulty joining the body/chassis/interior, as it's all engineered to fit pretty precisely. Practice on a few simpler subjects might help.  

If it were my friend, I'd have them try out a few snap kits to lean the basics of painting and assembly first, then maybe a few simpler glue kits (maybe the Revell '70 Chevelle, or '70 Challenger T/A or '70 Road Runner kits), where they're engineered fairly well, but not to go together as precisely as newer tools.

Those kits were engineered originally in the early 80's. They benefit from having a good level of detail, while still being relatively simple.  

 

[CapSat 6]

2 minutes ago, Casey said:

If this is his first model (guessing at experience level here), you may want to start with something simpler. The modern snap-together kits are miles ahead of what they were years ago, and he can always start by detail painting the interior, chassis, etc., before moving on to painting bodies, which can be an intimidating step.

Maybe something like the MPC snap '69 Charger, which could be a first step toward a more detailed kit?:

https://www.autoworldstore.com/product-p/mpc879m.htm

Or what he said!

[Yahshu]

Throw him in the deep end & he'll learn to swim. 

Recently a young bloke I know who's autistic & likes the S & H Torino wanted to build a model of it after seeing mine. 

I purchased 1 for him & we built it together, no painting, just as it came out of the box (a 1st for me), he glued & assembled, I done the decals, I've never seen someone so happy at such a basic build, that model & it's box are displayed with great pride on his bookshelf. 

[aurfalien]

I agree wth Stanley, get him what he wants.

I'm a relative beginner, started with a resin kit  and it came out fine.

PS If you are able to offer guidance and help here and there, man I bet he would be super stoked.  When my LHS was around, I would go in now and again and pick there brain as this one guy was a commissioned builder on the side. 

Edited October 23, 2019 by aurfalien