Car Kits Question...

[DNBush]

I'm 66.  The last time I built a model I was maybe 13.  So, obviously I'm a bit rusty.  I recently found a wonderful JO-HAN Chrysler Turbine model kit.  Loved that car as a kid so I was anxious to build this one.  Well, I'm nearing the finish and boy, it's been rough.  Lots of little, no, tiny parts that are very difficult to fit together (broke many). It doesn't help that I've got a tremor in my left hand.  It's going to still look great but it won't be as the instructions ordered.

Anyway, I'd like to build more cars but I'm curious, are there any kits out there that are, well, let say more beginner friendly, with maybe fewer tiny, detailed parts?  

Thanks

[Bugatti Fan]

That Jo Han  kit was is bit of a challenge to take on even for a experienced modeller. Lots of small parts that may have got a bit brittle with age considering the kit is probably about 50 years old or more.

I would suggest you look at the snap together kits by Lindberg and Revell as a starting point. The kits are aimed at beginners, but are quite well detailed enough to satisfy someone starting out and wanting to take up the hobby a bit more seriously. Not too expensive generally.

Avoid the Airfix snap together kits as they go together Lego fashion aimed at kids to put together fast. They go together well but do not have the finesse of the Revell of Lindberg kits that are more conventional in construction like most kits.

Edited yesterday at 08:32 AM by Bugatti Fan

[Cool Hand]

Amt Craftsman Plus series. Low parts count and easy to build.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[johnyrotten]

11 minutes ago, Cool Hand said:

Amt Craftsman Plus series. Low parts count and easy to build.

Was just about to post the same.👍👍. 

[Matt Bacon]

7 hours ago, DNBush said:

Anyway, I'd like to build more cars but I'm curious, are there any kits out there that are, well, let say more beginner friendly

What kind of cars would you like to build? It’s helpful to know to guide recommendations. You’ll have more fun and are more likely to finish something that you want on your shelf. For example, there are some excellent “easy click” or “snap kit” from Revell or Aoshima but they aren’t of US period originals…

best,

M.

[Dave G.]

Most AMT kits are not overly complicated, even if not curb side builds. You can extra detail by learning washes and paint work, thus increasing skill.

MPC has had some nice kits along the way, cutting a nice compromise between detail and complication.

But as Matt indicated, it helps us to help you if you give some indication of what cars and era you would like to build in. Speaking for myself for instance, I like nothing later than about 1960 vintage, all the way back to about 1910. And definitely the 1930's and 40's classics, or late 20's classics. And have absolute 0 interest in later than 1970.

[NOBLNG]

The Revell ‘49 Merc is a very nice kit. It has different build options and everything has nice locating points and fits well. The side pipes were the only part I found that didn’t have positive mounting points.

[Ace-Garageguy]

While not always accurate, the "skill level" ratings printed on kit boxes these days can be a good indicator of the relative complexity of a kit and how challenging it is.

Parts count is another good indicator.

The Revell '49 Mercury referenced above is marked "skill level 3", but the much older (though still very good) AMT '49 Mercury is widely considered to be a skill level 2...though AFAIK the kit doesn't carry skill level markings.

The vintage Johan Turbine CAR you built, on the other hand, would be at least a level 5 by today's standards.

EDIT: Don't be put off by low "skill level" numbers though.

          Even the most basic snap kits can produce outstanding models with patience and extra effort.

          And if you just enjoy putting things together and don't have the desire to get into the crazy stuff some of us go for, the basic kits still make                      very attractive models that anyone could be proud of.

Edited 17 hours ago by Ace-Garageguy

[rattle can man]

For help with holding parts steady, you can look at circuit board holder. I bought one for building while recovering from shoulder surgery. It has four alligator clips on flexible arms, two of them screwed to the base and two have magnets so you can adjust the to hold anything in any position.

[DNBush]

6 hours ago, Cool Hand said:

Amt Craftsman Plus series. Low parts count and easy to build.

 

Thanks!  And those are all of the vintage (60's, 70's) that I'm interested in.

[DNBush]

5 hours ago, Matt Bacon said:

What kind of cars would you like to build? It’s helpful to know to guide recommendations. You’ll have more fun and are more likely to finish something that you want on your shelf. For example, there are some excellent “easy click” or “snap kit” from Revell or Aoshima but they aren’t of US period originals…

best,

M.

Hi Matt.  I'm very much into the 1960's, 70's US cars like the ones shown above in "Cool Hands" post.

[espo]

Welcome back to modeling David. In the time you have been away the amount of detail on the most modern kits has improved dramatically and as you have mentioned you're finding some fiddly parts in your most resent build. I would agree with the suggestion of maybe building a couple of the Craftsmen style kits to get a pleasant building experience without having to deal with a lot of extra parts and details. You can always try something a little more challenging when you feel like it.  

[Calb56]

3 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

The Revell ‘49 Merc is a very nice kit. It has different build options and everything has nice locating points and fits well. The side pipes were the only part I found that didn’t have positive mounting points.

I wish this would get released again.. 

[Matt Bacon]

4 hours ago, DNBush said:

Hi Matt.  I'm very much into the 1960's, 70's US cars like the ones shown above in "Cool Hands" post.

Cool! The Revell Snap-tite 63 Corvette Coupe is very nice and a simple build:

It’s not quite in your era, but I also very much enjoyed the Moebius Chrysler 300…

best,

M.

[meechum68]

Can't wait to see your Turbine! 

[Ulf]

AMT 1963 Ford pickup, box art is    lets say it don’t give the car a chance but the kit is super.

[DNBush]

54 minutes ago, meechum68 said:

Can't wait to see your Turbine! 

It may not be that pretty I'm afraid.  Well, actually, I take that back.  The ugly parts are what you won't see.  The suspension components were compromised (i.e. broken) and the engine isn't exactly as it should be but if you keep the hood down and don't turn it over, I think it'll look pretty good.  I'm debating on the body color.  It was molded in what to my memory of seeing one in person, is what it should be but I've seen some photos where it's more of an orange/bronze color.  I'm tempted to just leave it as is and put a high gloss coat over it.  

[DJMar]

The AMT Craftsman Series are nice and simple builds, but I would also suggest looking at some older Monogram 1:24 scale kits, which go together well and are not overly complicated. Their muscle car kits from the mid-to-late 80s are fun to build and look good finished. 

Since most of these are out of production, you can find them on eBay and the like. Shop around a bit for the best prices, and you might be able to land most of these for around the same street price as a new AMT kit ($30-$35), give or take. 

Some potential candidates:

1965 Mustang 2+2, 1966 Shelby GT350H

 

1964 GTO (soon to be re-released by Revell), also available as a 2'n1 kit

 

Also the 1969 GTO (recent re-release by Revell, so it's readily available)

 

1970 Dodge Challenger

 

Another Mopar, the 1969 Dodge Super Bee

 

1970 Mustang Boss 302 or Boss 429

 

While browsing eBay, I came across a few of these kits for around $30, some with free shipping. The deals are out there, you just have to look.

I think these kits will give you a hassle free build with good detail, without being overwhelming.

 

Edited 5 hours ago by DJMar

[DNBush]

11 minutes ago, DJMar said:

The AMT Craftsman Series are nice and simple builds, but I would also suggest also looking at some older Monogram 1:24 scale kits, which go together well and are not overly complicated. Their muscle car kits from the mid-to-late 80s are fun to build and look good finished. 

Since most of these are out of production, you can find them on eBay and the like. Shop around a bit for the best prices, and you might be able to land most of these for around the same street price as a new AMT kit ($30-$35), give or take. 

Some potential candidates:

1965 Mustang 2+2, 1966 Shelby GT350H

 

1964 GTO (soon to be re-released by Revell), also available as a 2'n1 kit

 

Also the 1969 GTO (recent re-release by Revell, so it's readily available)

 

1970 Dodge Challenger

 

Another Mopar, the 1969 Dodge Super Bee

 

1970 Mustang Boss 302 or Boss 429

 

While browsing eBay, I came across a few of these kits for around $30, some with free shipping. The deals are out there, you just have to look.

I think these kits will give you a hassle free build with good detail, without being overwhelming.

 

Ah, I've not yet hit up eBay.  Thank you.  Yes, many of those look good to me.

[stavanzer]

23 minutes ago, DJMar said:

The AMT Craftsman Series are nice and simple builds, but I would also suggest also looking at some older Monogram 1:24 scale kits, which go together well and are not overly complicated. Their muscle car kits from the mid-to-late 80s are fun to build and look good finished. 

Since most of these are out of production, you can find them on eBay and the like. Shop around a bit for the best prices, and you might be able to land most of these for around the same street price as a new AMT kit ($30-$35), give or take. 

Some potential candidates:

1965 Mustang 2+2, 1966 Shelby GT350H

 

1964 GTO (soon to be re-released by Revell), also available as a 2'n1 kit

 

Also the 1969 GTO (recent re-release by Revell, so it's readily available)

 

1970 Dodge Challenger

 

Another Mopar, the 1969 Dodge Super Bee

 

1970 Mustang Boss 302 or Boss 429

 

While browsing eBay, I came across a few of these kits for around $30, some with free shipping. The deals are out there, you just have to look.

I think these kits will give you a hassle free build with good detail, without being overwhelming.

 

Some of these ex-Monogram kits are at Hobby Lobby, in Revell boxes too.

If the Kit is listed as 1/24 scale, it is probably an old Monogram kit.

Old Lindberg kits can be fun to build, but older Lindberg Instruction sheets can be a bear to read sometimes. Ask hear about any kit you are interested in, and we'll be happy to share our thought about it.

Glad to see you building again.

Have Fun.