Help me pick out my first aircraft

[Guest]

I am looking to build my first aircraft but I am not sure what kit to buy, I would appreciate it if someone could help me pick one according to my requirements below.

• Spitfire, Mustang, Thunderbolt, Hurricane, Messerschmitt Bf109 or something similar.
  
• Detailed engine (at least more than a couple of parts), I want to be able to look at it once the aircraft is finished.
  

The brand and price is not important, but I would prefer if it costs £30 or less, but I am all ears even for more expensive kits. It doesn't have to be a beginners kit since I am not new to building models.

Thanks for any help.

[Guest]

I would suggest a Tamiya 1/48th Spitfire. Tamiya quality will ensure an easy ride for your first aircraft, there are loads of aftermarket bits available for it so you can take it to whatever level you want and it is a reasonable size to give a very satisfying result. Apart from which every one has built at least one Spitfire so you may as well get it over with!!

If you really wanted to push the boat out go for the new 1/32nd one but at around 80 to 100 pounds it isn't for the feint hearted. I don't think you will find a better aircraft kit but a lot of money.

[Guest]

I recently finished Airfix A05120 Messerschmitt Bf109E-1 E-3 E-4 and found it a rewarding build. Next to no filler required, almost all parts a fit perfectly. The Luftwaffe blotchy camo could cause a problem for some, and some swastikas would have to sourced.

[Guest]

I would suggest a Tamiya 1/48th Spitfire. Tamiya quality will ensure an easy ride for your first aircraft, there are loads of aftermarket bits available for it so you can take it to whatever level you want and it is a reasonable size to give a very satisfying result. Apart from which every one has built at least one Spitfire so you may as well get it over with!!If you really wanted to push the boat out go for the new 1/32nd one but at around 80 to 100 pounds it isn't for the feint hearted. I don't think you will find a better aircraft kit but a lot of money.

Thanks, does any of Tamiya's 1/48th Spitfire kits include a detailed engine or do I need aftermarket bits for that?

I recently finished Airfix A05120 Messerschmitt Bf109E-1 E-3 E-4 and found it a rewarding build. Next to no filler required, almost all parts a fit perfectly. The Luftwaffe blotchy camo could cause a problem for some, and some swastikas would have to sourced.

Thanks, there is not a detailed engine in this kit is there?

I have found many kits of the aircrafts I am interested in but I am not sure how to find out whether or not they include a detailed engine which is very important to me. Maybe all those kits are expensive.

[Alan 45]

My first was revells 1/32 Arado AR 196 float plane , a very detailed kit that went together very well and the cockpit detail is fantastic , you get the choice of building it in it's stored position or ready for flight , with the wings folded it takes much less room so that's a bonus , the cost of this is under £20 so it's good value as well

[Ian M]

No engine in the Tamiya 1/48's but there are resin ones.

A good one could end up costing more than the aircraft. I know some will groan but ICM do some good kits in 1/48 with engines in that look good. just takes a bit of time to build due to a lack of locating points. Bonus is they are cheap as chips.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Ian M

[peterairfix]

I know revell do a 1/48 clipped one with engine and its under £20 i think if this helps

peter t

[Guest]

My first was revells 1/32 Arado AR 196 float plane , a very detailed kit that went together very well and the cockpit detail is fantastic , you get the choice of building it in it's stored position or ready for flight , with the wings folded it takes much less room so that's a bonus , the cost of this is under £20 so it's good value as well

Looks like an interesting plane, thanks.

No engine in the Tamiya 1/48's but there are resin ones.A good one could end up costing more than the aircraft. I know some will groan but ICM do some good kits in 1/48 with engines in that look good. just takes a bit of time to build due to a lack of locating points. Bonus is they are cheap as chips.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Ian M

Thanks for the ICM tip, too bad there are no engines in the Tamiya planes, I understand they are high quality kits.

I know revell do a 1/48 clipped one with engine and its under £20 i think if this helpspeter t

Thanks, I did manage to find some Revell kits with engine details, for example a Spitfire mk XVI and it was very cheap (£10 on ebay), not sure about the quality though.

I got some thinking to do it seems.

[Guest]

What about one of the old Airfix 1/24th scale kits? They can be bought for a reasonable price and make a great platform for some further detailing to the level that suits. The engines are actually not too bad and you can even put a motor inside.

[eddiesolo]

You say your not new to modelling but are new to planes. Would I suggest a cheaper 1/32 Revell Messershmitt 109-G6, can be had for around £20ish and is a nice size, no engine IIRC but a really nice cockpit detail with opening side-ways cockpit. It maybe something that is not over complicated to 'cut your teeth' on and will give scope to play around with camo techniques and airbrushing (if you have one).

Si

[Guest]

You might find this interesting:

http://www.arizonamodels.com/index.php/cPath/26

[Guest]

What about one of the old Airfix 1/24th scale kits? They can be bought for a reasonable price and make a great platform for some further detailing to the level that suits. The engines are actually not too bad and you can even put a motor inside.

Good idea, I had a quick look on ebay and there are a couple at a reasonable price, will keep an eye on them. I bet one would look huge next to my 1/24 scale cars.

You say your not new to modelling but are new to planes. Would I suggest a cheaper 1/32 Revell Messershmitt 109-G6, can be had for around £20ish and is a nice size, no engine IIRC but a really nice cockpit detail with opening side-ways cockpit. It maybe something that is not over complicated to 'cut your teeth' on and will give scope to play around with camo techniques and airbrushing (if you have one).Si

That's right, I have built many cars but thought I could try a plane after my current project just to try something new. Will have a look at that Revell Messerschmitt, thanks for the tip.

[eddiesolo]

Good idea, I had a quick look on ebay and there are a couple at a reasonable price, will keep an eye on them. I bet one would look huge next to my 1/24 scale cars. That's right, I have built many cars but thought I could try a plane after my current project just to try something new. Will have a look at that Revell Messerschmitt, thanks for the tip.

No problems

Si

[stona]

Be aware that the old 1/24 Airfix kits do take some building. As an experienced modeller you may fancy the challenge, but if not some of the newer kits might be a better bet.

It would look good with your cars of the same scale though! A Spitfire's wingspan (unclipped) was just shy of 37' which should give you an idea of it's size relative to your cars.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

I stumbled upon Trumpeter's website and I found some planes which appeared to have great details including the engine, the scale is 1/32. Looking on ebay some were very expensive but a Messerschmitt could be had at a reasonable price.

Also I found a 1/32 Spitfire by Hobby Boss which appeared to have equal details as the Trumpeter kits I looked at, it was affordable too.

Does anyone know if Trumpeter and Hobby Boss produce quality kits? From the pricing I would assume so but I am not familiar with these manufacturers.