New guy question.

johnnyrockets

Member since
December 2009

New guy question.

Posted by johnnyrockets on Monday, December 21, 2009 11:33 AM

Hi everybody, I'm super new to all things FSM!

I am from Michigan and am just deciding if FSM is for me.

I like to build model rockets and fly a bit or RC, but I have never actually built a plastic model in my life! I have had models as a kid, but they were all snap together dinosaur models!

So my question is a very beginner question.

I don't know what kit to choose as a first kit? I don't want anything too hard, I'd sort of like to "ease" into the hobby, with something that can kind of give me a "win".

I know I have to pick a topic, but then what "brand" should I pick? And what vendor would you recommend?

I'm leaning towards aircraft, spacecraft or things like models from movies.

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum.

John

Reply

HawkeyeHobbies

Member since
August 2006
From: Neenah, WI

Posted by HawkeyeHobbies on Monday, December 21, 2009 12:03 PM

A good first kit suggestion is Revell's Spirit of St Louis. It is an affordable kit and builds up rather nicely. As a person with aviation interest is is a good piece of aviation history that you can display once completed.

Besides those resources here on FSM you can visit my blog to get some useful tips on assembly, decaling and painting. Link in signature.

Gerald "Hawkeye" Voigt

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/

"Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench."

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pawjtr

Member since
July 2009

Posted by pawjtr on Monday, December 21, 2009 12:15 PM

I too am pretty new to scale modeling (only 9 months in). My opinion would be a 1:48 scale ME-109. Pretty easy build, directions makes sense, painting can be done in a day and lots of books out there about color schemes, designs etc. I picked up my kit from Hobby lobby and i was very happy with the results.

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Bgrigg

Member since
May 2005
From: Left forever

Posted by Bgrigg on Monday, December 21, 2009 12:18 PM

Welcome, John!

I'll echo Gerald's suggestion of a Revell kit, Spirit of St. Louis is a good kit, but their P-51 is also a good starter kit. While Hasegawa and Tamiya are superior kits, they are also superior in price, and I suggest holding off buying any of those brands until you've decided the hobby is for you.

So long folks!

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johnnyrockets

Member since
December 2009

Posted by johnnyrockets on Monday, December 21, 2009 2:42 PM

Should I avoid some scales?

I like the 1:72 and 1:144

Are they harder, worse, etc?

Reply

Bgrigg

Member since
May 2005
From: Left forever

Posted by Bgrigg on Monday, December 21, 2009 3:11 PM

I've tried building 1:72 aircraft, and my eyes aren't up to the task. I've tried building 1:32 aircraft, and my budget and display space aren't big enough.

So I stick with 1:48 for aircraft. It's just right! Your results may vary!

So long folks!