Recommendation for first car kit.

My son, he is 10, and I have built a couple of the "Basic Builder" line.  I found the kits to be well detailed yet easy to build.  If you have built any of the japanese line of aircraft or armour, you could probably handle the small parts and the complicated instructions that come with the tamiya kits.  I have not built on myself, but the reviews on these models is generally good.

I'd recommend the Revell 32 sedan that's out recently. A VERY nice kit with plenty of options.

As a primarily-Armor modeler who has recently "strayed" into Cars, I would say, don't make the mistake I made--buying some older, cheaper kits like the MPC Charger 500, or the 1970's-era AMT McLaren M16 C/D.

Definitely go for a newer kit--the molding, fit, and overall quality is bound to be leaps and bounds ahead of the older kits, and will ensure your enjoyment of the build.

If you are talking about the 2008 Bullitt GT, Revell has already released the 2006 Mustang GT, Hertz GT350, and Shelby GT, the KR and Bullitt GT will most likely be based on these kits as well. So far everything I've been hearing is positive about these kits. The only complaint I've heard is without modification the body sits high making the wheels look too small, but I understand lowering the body is a fairly easy fix.

If you are talking about the 1968 Bullitt Mustang that will be a new tool so who knows how it will turn out except that most of Revell's recent kits have been well received.

Tamiya and Hasegawa definately are at the top as far as quality goes but you will mostly be limited to Japanese and European cars with them.

Most of Revell and AMT's more recent kits are pretty good quality, but as mentioned some of their re-issues were tooled in the 60's when the level of detail expected was lower.

JIM77 wrote:

I've only built aircraft and a tank or two, and am looking for a first car kit recommendation.  Revell is coming out with a 1/25 Bullitt Mustang GT, and that has my interest.  Generally, does Revell make a quality car kit?   What companies make the better quality car kits, probably in a 1/24 or 1/25, as that seems to be the majority of what I see.   What companies make the better quality motorcycle kits, as a Harley Fat Boy might be nice? Thanks. Jim

Jim,

Most of the Revell/Monogram releases of the last 20-25 years are quite good and fairly simple to build.  While I've not built AMT for a while, they always seemed to be just a step or two (or many in some cases) detailwise behind the R/M offerings.  Revell Germany does some nice kits, and if you wait they are usually rereleased under the Revell USA label for less money.   Tamiya does some excellent modern supercars, but they're not for beginners.  If racing is your thing Revell's C5R & C6R are really good kits and not too difficult.  If F1 is something you like, I'd try some of the older Tamiya kits first, haven't tried the recent offerings of Revell Germany but have heard they're quite fiddly.  Revell/Monogram also offers some drag cars and Indy cars.  If you like rally cars Tamiya and Hasegawa/Italeri do some, but I have no experience with them.

I'd say that rescent Revell kits is very good, nice details, god fitment and over all good looking kits. So if you're interested in US-cars go for Revell. Later AMT's are also good but they have a ton of re-issues that are buildable but not as nice details as in newer kits.

If you're into rallye- and racing cars Tamiya and Hasegawa is your friends, outstanding quality in all aspects from Tamiya with Hasegawa a tad behind.

Don't know about the Bullit GT, but as soon as it hits the shelfs you're bound to see some built on the forums. If not here, you will sure find one at Automotive Forums.

I'll leave the motorcycles to someone with better knowledge in that field them me.

 

Niclas