Confidence builder

[MILD]

I have finally completed my Dart (well... I just need to decal on the number plates and then I'll post pics) and to say I have mixed feelings is an understatement. I tried a lot of new things and not all of it went as well as I'd hoped... mainly stuffing up the basics (sticky fingers during final assembly marking the paint job... dirty windows etc).

While I'm not at breaking point yet, I want to go back and make kit number four a completely out of the box build. I really want to get back to focusing on the basics because as you could imagine, after three builds I'm certainly no expert!

Can anyone recommend a good kit that goes together without a whole lot of massaging and would make a good confidence builder after a bit of an uphill battle on the last one? I prefer the Revell 1950- 1970 American cars but I'm open to any suggestions.

Thank you in advance gentlemen.

Edited September 6, 2011 by MILD

[XJ6]

Wish i had one to recommend for ya....But advice i can give...Practice....Practice...Practice....Build....Build....Build....Only Get's Better!!....Heck should see my first builds

[Romell R]

As a suggestion I'd like to recommend the Kits by Revell that have the numbers on the box that correspond to the skill level start off with a skill level #1 then once you get confident move on to a #2 , and so on....you can also avoid finger prints and messy windows and such by using the appropriate glues. For example I use CA glue in very small amounts to glue most basic kit parts together. its a lot better than testors glue because it doesn't melt the plastic to make a bond. here are a few examples of what I use and why I use them .

1. Cyanoacrylate Or CA glue or Super glue: super glue give you the ability to glue things together fast so you dont have to handle the parts long, and it wont melt you part causing sticky stuff all over the part. you can get this in different thicknesses too Thin (Drys super fast) medium (drys in 5-15 secs) and extra think (drys 10-25 secs) you can find it online and at your LHS (local hobby store)

2. Plastruct plastic weld, it a multi purpose evaporative formula for bonding plastic: it literally welds the plastic together at the seams, you hold the two parts together then add a drop of the glue and it goes into the gap and does its job in seconds.

3. 5 min epoxy I bet you can guess why its call that. thats right it drys in 5 mins but its a two part epoxy you can glue anything together with this stuff. I use it to glue metal parts together. works great and once it drys it's Rock hard and almost impossible to break, we glued a half dollor piece to the side walk with this stuff in front of a friends hobby shop and watched as people went nuts trying to pick it up.

4. White Glue or Elmers you really can use this stuff for alot of different things some use it for gluing windows in because it dries clear (let me add right here NEVER use CA glue for windows , unless your going for that frosty morning in winter look) It just takes a long time to dry.

Well I hope i was able to help you and not confuse you too much.... feel free to ask myself or just make a thread if you have any questions. We wish you well with your model building endeavors. Romell

[highway]

Can anyone recommend a good kit that goes together without a whole lot of massaging and would make a good confidence builder after a bit of an uphill battle on the last one? I prefer the Revell 1950- 1970 American cars but I'm open to any suggestions.

Honestly Mick, since you mentioned you'd prefer a Revell 50-70 era American car, maybe give the 70 Mach 1/ Boss 302 or Boss 429 Mustangs a try. They're all based on early 80's tools (even though I know the Mach 1 says "All New Tool on the box, it isn't!) and are actually not badly detailed for being 25+ year old kits. They're not high on parts count, execpt for the Mach 1's specific newly tooled parts, but they aren't low count like a snap kit either. The Boss 429 was my 3rd of 4th kit way back when it was originally released by Monogram back in the mid 80s and was actually one of my presents for my 10th birthday.

[Junkman]

I always found the AMT 57 Chrysler very rewarding. It's well engineered, has no nasty sink marks, goes well together, and you don't have to bother with a two tone paint job.

[diymirage]

i know this isnt what you prefer to build but what about the depth charger?

i am working on one in secret myself and even though it has a very low parts count it is a very nice model

it was re-issued a few years ago and all the parts are very crisp

best part of it is, it is such an off the wall design you are bound to have a blast building it and coming up with a paint scheme

i have seen several off them build on the forum and no two are remotely the same

only one word of advice on this kit, when you put the cylinders together be carefull not to push them in too far or the fanshroud will not fit nicely between the intake stacks

[Dr. Cranky]

Actually, the best kit out there to practice on is the Revell 41 Willys Street Rod. It goes together very well, and it will not have any surprises . . . and it's a fun, simple build.

[oldscool]

I will second the suggestions made by Matthew and Virgil. They are easy to build kits. Also you may want to try the Revell 69 Super Bee and 70 Superbird kits.

gus

[Guest]

Whenever I want to do a simple build,I grab an old AMT kit with the metal axles and one piece chassis. I glue the hood down,paint the chassis flat black,then just concentrate on the body and interior. Those are the two most important aspects of a model to me. Once you get your paint jobs and interior work down,move on to the kits with good engine and chassis details. I've built several kits in this style and when they're setting on the shelf,they look just as good as any others.

[Tony T]

Revell 09 Challenger has few issues and was a fun build out of the box.

Any of the Revell 69 Camaros have a few chassis fit issues in my experience - not hard to overcome.

The choptop 49 Merc has had some good reviews...customizing parts, ease of assembly from what I've heard. I haven't bought one yet.

[MILD]

Thanks to all who replied. I will post a link to the underglass thread hopefully tonight!

That Willy's certainly looks like a contender for my next build to be sure!

[MILD]

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=47727

A link to the soul destroying Dart should you be interested!

[Jeff Johnston]

I had some fit issues (and some subsequent fits) with my dart too. I also suggest the Revellovram 70 Mustang. The kit goes together so nicely and stands straight on all 4 wheels every time. Plus its not a snapper so you're building a full detail kit that you don;t have to worry about not fitting together. Also the 67 Chevelle fits that description too.

[Jantrix]

Actually, the best kit out there to practice on is the Revell 41 Willys Street Rod. It goes together very well, and it will not have any surprises . . . and it's a fun, simple build.

The choptop 49 Merc has had some good reviews...customizing parts, ease of assembly from what I've heard.

Both great kits. Also the Revell 67 and 68 Charger kits. You're getting good advice here. Take your time. The fingerprints in the paint happened because you were likely rushing to see that final product. Believe me it's worth waiting for. Sand all mold lines. Get some nail care sanding sticks from a beauty supply store. Spray paint everything! Brush paints for the most part are just for detailing. Keep us posted.

[Dragracer]

Your Dart came looking nice,Mick, really like the green paint.

[scale trucker]

i agree with oldschool..try the superbird..goes together easy and simple...