hasegawa

Attention span might be a more realistic parameter to learn about. Any 1/32 scale kit, especially Hasegawa, is going to have a LOT of parts. And if this teen is easily discouraged if it takes him/her a while to complete something, then maybe a large scale isn't the right thing to start him/her off with. Maybe a 1/48 or 1/72 kit would be better.

Hope it goes well for you & the teen!!!

I haven't built that particular kit, but I would agree with garydmason. Most Hasegawa kits (particularly big ones) have a lot of parts. If this is a first or near first kit or near it than a smaller and simpler kit would be better. I would recommend 1/48 or 1/72 scale Italeri or Revell models if it is for a beginner. The more expensive kits are really only important to experienced model builders who are looking for loads of detail and high levels of accuracy.

Sounds like you don't know how much expereince he has, so I would say it is better to assume he has little than to assume he has a lot. Even experienced model builders don't mind a simple kit now and again. Hope that helps!

Bob-I agree with the other guys-it's a huge, complex and expensive model-why not get him a couple of 1/48 Hasegawa jets instead. It's almost like buying him a Porsche 911 Carrera for his first car!

Hey, Garydmason.,
What about the attention span of an adult building the 1/32 Tamiya F-15E? Two, maybe three, years:)
Scott

I agree, a Hasegawa 1/32 kit is way too expensive and unnecessary if he has no modeling experience.

i have no clue about the particular model ur talking about, but id suggest you find out what his fave airplane is, then buy a 1/48 scale tamiya model of it for him. im no tamiya salesman, but the excellent hassle free fit and finish of tamiya kits is just what a beginner needs. oh yes, if possible, choose a simple color scheme that doesnt involve too much airbrushing and fiddling around.

lets hope this will give rise to another in the ranks of this forum !

Bob, like the others, while the Hasegawa kit you describe is a modelling marvel, it's much too daunting for a first kit. The young man would be better served with a couple of Revell-Monogram or Hasegawa kits in 1/72 or 1/48 scale to tackle first. With experience, he would enjoy dealing with the complexitites of the larger kit. Hope you guys have a great time this Christmas building a few kits together. - Ed

Bob,

I might be the only one here who thinks that your son would be okay with this kit. I do agree with what everyone is saying. Hasegawa is a wonderful kit and loaded with details. But I have a feeling that if you son is as creative as you say he is, he may enjoy the challenge which this kit/hobby provides. Who says creativity = short attention spans or quick projects? I say go for it.

Eric

Thanks folks. He is my nephew and his dad says he likes details. So..... The kit in question "only" has 112 parts. If I give him this kit it may keep him away from the video games for a while. Thanks for the input all!If he doesn't like it I'll take over and go shopping with him for something smaller. Which ,by the way, I didn't think of until now. Brain fade!!!!!