Best Scale Model Kits for Beginners | American Aircraft & Armor
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- In this video, we'll check out my top five recommendations for American Aircraft & Armor kits perfect for beginner scale modelers.
These kits offer a perfect balance of ease of construction & a great-looking finish that make them fantastic choices for somebody just getting into the hobby of scale modeling.
You can check out links to each of the kits featured below:
Tamiya Jeep: amzn.to/3OYgpSo
Academy P-51 Mustang: amzn.to/3nv9XXx
Tamiya M48 Patton: amzn.to/3ntHG3A
Tamiya Corsair: amzn.to/3OHUbEz
Other great Corsair Offerings: amzn.to/3OJiPF2
Tamiya M4A3E8: amzn.to/3I5v7F8
Other Sherman Offerings: amzn.to/3AkwaPG
And be sure to watch these other helpful videos for beginner scale modelers:
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Best Modeling Paints for Beginners: • Scale Model Paint Guid...
Even More Best Kits for Beginners: • Best Model Kits for Be...
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So good to see a young person getting into modelling.
Awesome picks!! I have built a couple of these and loved them. I really like your channel because you provide great advice and tips for beginners, while also getting great results out of them. Also great kit recommendations for beginners, you have helped me grow so much in the one and a half years I have been modeling, thanks!!
Thank you so much! Really glad to hear the videos are helpful - thanks for your support 😁🍻
Thank you for this! Looking to build a few kits after a 50 year hiatus from building plastic (Testors tube glue was state of the art back then!). I really appreciate all these 'Beginners' videos to help get started!
I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for watching & happy building 👍
I have a client with a 9 year old son in a cast for the summer and I wanted to send him something to pass the time. Your tips were a huge help. Thank you!
I always recommend the 1/48 Tamiya Spitfire from the 90’s to beginners. It’s got a really low parts count and goes together great.
I’ve moved on to more complex kits such as Tamiya’s 1/32 aircraft, but I still keep one of them around to give me a break from spending 6 months on a kit.
I really have to give that kit a go! Thanks 👍🍻
@@SpruesNBrews Yeah, looking at your kit collection video, you definitely have a lack of love for the RAF :)
Mantisory you know it says American aircraft
@@crabtreyanimations7148 ah, true! Doh!
Love how straight forward you are in these videos! Great content keep it up man ❤️
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed 👍
Nice choices!
I just bought the E8 a few days ago and it's a beautiful kit!
Anyway, I really do appreciate that you are addressing beginners or people who get back to the hobby, because it can be difficult to "sort out the wheat from the chaff".
Awesome! So glad to hear - enjoy, it's a great kit. Thanks for watching 😁
You are awesome :) Please keep doing your amazing videos. We appreciate them beyond words.
I would encourage new modelers to shy away from anything in 1/72. The pieces are so small and fiddly, its a guarantee that a newbie will break parts and get frustrated. Airfix has a great 1/48 P-51D kit that fits together equally as well as Tamiya, has simple paint schemes and is about 1/2 the price of Tamiya.
Fair enough! I think it's a good option for some folks because they're definitely a lot cheaper (and smaller for storage) than 1/48 kits, but I also prefer 1/48 scale most of the time. Just my preference! 👍
pah, my poor eyesight! lol It's enough to be able to see 1/48 scale now :) I've been working Tamiya's BF-109G, and even in 1/48, it feels like 1/72 sometimes! I may have to graduate to 1/32 and 1/24 soon *snickers*
Eh, I only really broke a few parts on my first kit, and I was easily able to cement back together, and I also lost a piece, but that could be easily avoided if I had a dedicated spot to place my smaller parts that I’ve taken off the sprue like I do know. This was all several months ago with a 1/72 bf 109 kit.
Space is an issue with anything larger than 1/72 but very difficult as one gets older - the old eyesight don’t you know!
I started as a newbie modeler with 1/72 and had no issues, I am an eye surgeon at work, those parts are humongous compared to what I deal with at work.
Great video thank you. Really helpful for a beginner, so much choice out there! Just found this channel so will be watching more. Hoping some of the kits in this video might be in your builds section too! The jeep and Sherman tank are top of my list.
Thanks so much! Welcome aboard 👍
Great list. All of those early mold Tamiya aircraft and armour kits are great for beginners. And a great bang for the buck. Those early Tamiya armour tank kits being derived from the motorized "brothermen" do have some less detail but make up for it in ease of build and good instructions. I have several with some still in the stash.
They're some solid ones indeed - great that they're still easy enough to get, too!
@Jaime Wong Yes they are. I finished a couple of their early tank kits a couple of months ago. Now priming a Chieftain for a "British Build". Their older kits of all types are great for beginners and their new well detailed kits are great for experienced modelers.
Definetaly agree with Sherman. This kit is amazing. No fit problems at all.
Totally!
I used to do this but life got in the way I still love it
Great advice my friend. I tried to run before I could even crawl. Made tons of mistakes and no idea. What iI did have was kids know how. When i was 12 50 years ago. Satrting back out and I discovered that Im still crap at it. So I get an apahe on 1. 72 scale. What a learning curve. So many mictakes I cant count. Dropping bits on the floor and unable to find them. Painting cock ups decal problems. So Im perciveering here and plodding on to finish it. Then its on to the serious stuff. I have a few more to practice on. But i own an MX5 mk4 and have bought the kit which i dont want to fuck up so Im leaving this one for when my skkills rfine some more. Cheers
In 1955 I was six. Mom bought me a 1/72 scale B36 kit and we built it on newspapers on the kitchen table. I have built every model Revell, Monogram, Renwal and Airfix kit and then some. In those days that is what boys did. I am glad a few still do, it is good for your mind and hands.
I am 10 and I have made a couple of kits
Great video and advice!
I'm glad to hear it's helpful - thank you!
Well done!!! Great kits, great subjects!
Thanks very much! 👍🍻
Great vid with some interesting suggestions. Fully agree with the Willis jeep. But I think a P51D is an easier option for beginner as the bubble canopy is easier to mask and paint that the framed canopy on the B or C. For that I would suggest the Airfix 1/72 P51 A01004. For a first US jet build an F86 in 1/72 or 1/48.
But setting aside nationality for a first model that is a forgiving an easy build I think a Bf109 E in 1/48 or 1/72. For the following reasons. Bf109s had panel line along the upper fuslage aft of the cockpit to the tail. This reduces the need for filling and sanding. The camo scheme was often simple straight line pattern. The canopy is a simple straight framed affair so its easy to mask and paint.
Very good suggestions! And I totally agree about the 109 - in my previous Beginner Builds video I recommend one, it's a pleasure to put together 👍
From Tamiya's civil cars I offer the VW Beetle 66'. It is one of my first model cars and it was very easy to build and looks cool!
Ah nice!
I recently looking to get back into the hobby ever since I was a kid I did a few models and that Corsair you recommended was exactly the one that I had narrowed down too the recommend paint list is not that long and a few paints cross over to other models
I picked up the P-51 based on your recommendation. Thanks for the video!
Awesome! I'm glad to hear it - happy building!
Let’s go! I hope we get other country-based videos as well!
I'd like to!
Awesome video and selections!!!! Have built ALL those Tamiya kits at least twice and cannot go wrong with Tamiya. The M48 I have built at least 4 times. Was watching the movie "Patton" and decided to go purchase the M48 kit and paint/mark it in Afrika Korps colors like in the movie - think the kit looks way better that way than any other option. Also have built the Italeri M47 as a German vehicle after watching the movie "Battle of the Bulge" - just throw gray paint and markings on an American tank and it definitely catches people's attention as they try to figure out what type of tank it is.
Oh that's a really clever idea! Love the movie mockups 😅 When you can't get a real Tiger, a Patton will have to do!
Great video. You are my go store for stuff.
Thank you!!
a really good one for beginners is the premium hobbies stuka. all you need is glue, paint, and a brush. decals conform perfectly every time and the finish always looks good, takes from breakfast to lunch to finish. bought it 4 times and i have another one currently on the way, perfect kit.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Just stared getting into this Hobbie your videos have helped me so much so far I hope I continue to see your videos pop up in my feed
Oh I'm so glad to hear - thank you so much for your support!
Awesome 👌 content I'm new to scale modeling thanks.
Great video Hank. I’m not a beginner but I mostly build British aviation subjects so this is a nice insight. If I were to compile a similar list for my side of the pond it would be something like this:
1. Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk 1 (Iconic, new tool, very cheap)
2. Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire Mk V (The older tooling- reasonably priced and goes together like Lego)
3. Tamiya 1/35 Churchill (I’m not big on armour but this is iconic and you can’t go wrong with Tamiya)
4. Airfix 1/72 Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 (very similar reasons to their Spitfire)
5. Airfix 1/72 Buccaneer (escaping WW2, slightly more advanced and one of airfix’s best fitting kits).
That's a great list! Really good recommendations, thank you! 😁👍
Fantastic video! I might but the corsair really cool aircraft!
Thanks! The Corsair is a beauty 😍
Great videos! Question, how do you mask canopies to airbrush paint the frame? I am building Academy's TBM-3 Avenger 1/48 and the canopy has extensive framework. No way I can do that by hand without it looking sloppy! Thanks for your help!
I am still quite new to plastic modelbuilding but I remember how nice it was too build the churchill in 1/35th scale. Easy to build and even shade for new airbrush users. Tamiya Js 3 Stalin is another great and easy kits, so is the sturmgesütz IV.
Those are some great recommendations for sure!
@@SpruesNBrews I want to try their Sherman too ;)
I just got my first serious kit from Airfix. I ran on a total budget of less than $30, and it's the BF109E-3 "starter set". I have small wire cutters, and a box cutter I'll use in the mean time, but I also snagged up plastic cement, and masking tape. I'm looking forward to see how my first plastic kit (that's not pre-assembled, or building block based) comes together. Next stop: my own custom 3d printed warship; The Galaxy class Battle-carrier, Orion.
That'll be a great project! Enjoy!
I got a 1/48 Easy Eight kit so I can put it on a flat car for my O scale trains which have steam locomotives and railroad cars from the 40's and 50's.
Great list, excellent video.
Thanks very much!
Solid choices. I have built these kits. The Corsair is soooo magnificent. The part fit is stunning. Part clean up almost non existent. Tamiya armour is consistently very good for non hardcore modelers. The Jeep is such a fine item. I liked the SAS Jeep kit the most.
Thank you! I appreciate it 👍🍻
My first model was an Aurora 1/13 Dimetrodon for Christmas in 1975. You might be able to find the Revell-Monogram reissues('Sail-Backed Reptile) on E-Bay.
Very cool!
OK， ordering all 5 of them
Good selections the Tamiya 1/48 p47 is also particularly nice choice...
I love that kit! It came very close to taking the Corsair's spot, but I ended up going with the F4U in the end 👍
@@SpruesNBrews Yes & the Corsair seems consistently cheaper by about $10...more Corsair kits out there I suppose.
agreed! I just finished my P47D Razorback a little while ago- talk about a shake and bake kit! everything just fell together, no fit issues, just the right amount of detail where it was needed- the kit didn't fight me one bit. Well worth what I paid and then some!
great selection
Thank you! 👍🍻
Some great options in there that don't always get the nod. Also if you are looking at building another 51B/C I would suggest the new arma hobbies kit, every kit they do is better than the last.
Thanks! And I'll have to check that kit out, thank you 👍
Hi im 10 years old and i love model kits i made 37 since 5 years old and the easiest model ive ever done is the tamiya 1/72 p-51d it doesn't have that much parts 9 steps (i believe) and its not necessary to put the rockets and bombs and it was my favourite kit in 2020
Nice suggestions... Sherman and Patton it's interesting... Good practice... Cheers bro 🍻🍻🍻 ... 🙌 ... 🔥🤘🔥 ... 🖤🐺🖤
Thanks - cheers! 🍻
I’d personally suggest the m41 bulldog, it’s a very easy build and looks sick. I built two so far
That's a great one for sure!
Nice video and list.
Thanks! 👍
Hank, the M4A3E8 easy-eight is a great kit! The only problem I found was the gun barrel and the gun blast. I wish Tamiya would get rid of the 2 parts and give a solid barrel. I missed up the making of the blast. Everything else was great to build!
For sure! And yeah, the multi-part barrels can be tough, but I think they're starting to move away from those fortunately 👍
Did that recently on their early Panzer IV kit. I too wish they went to one part barrel.
Hank, you said that the jeep was a very simple kit. I notice3d that your rendition doesn't have the radio on it. Can it be included in other kits?
I know it’s an older post, just wanted to add Tamiya’s 1/35 Walker Bulldog. It’s fit is great and easy to build. At Hobby Lobby it goes on sale a lot, usually 40% off. Ends up being just over $11
Plus, it comes with three figures too
great show. do you do DAK? and do DAK use jeep type vehicles other than kubelwagons
Get a GW tank. I got SM Rhino/Razorback. It was Great and i cant recommend it enough.
Absolutely love the recommondations! My birthday's coming up soon, and Im using it as an oppurtunity to start up in the hobby. You know any Pershing or Sherman Calliope kits? Absolutely love those two tanks.
Ah that's great! I know Tamiya has a great Pershing kit - I'm about half way through it & it's very impressive. Italeri has a Calliope kit, but I haven't picked it up myself yet. Could be a couple of good options!
Nice video / can you do a vid on how to set up a bench for plastic kit modelling? Space is always at a premium and it’s good to see how pro modellers get organised. Thanks 🙏
Sure thing! I have a video from a couple of months back giving a tour of my workspace - that might help!
Great suggestions! I've built up a number of Tamiya plans and tanks, including the M4 Sherman, and the F4U-D Corsair. Excellent easy to assemble kits, challenging enough where they need to be, and a great way to introduce beginning builders to Tamia kits. The Willys jeep was a lot of fun to put together, as was the deuce an a half US transport truck.
Just curious, what figure kits would you recommend to beginning builders ?
Thank you! For beginner figures - I would recommend Tamiya's recent 1/35 German Infantry pack - they're really nice quality and offer a lot at a very good price point. I've got a video on them if you'd like to check it out 👍
Would you tell me where you got your helmet stand in the background?
Would love some recommendations for good WWI kits for beginners!
Academy Mustang is a great shout, definitely a great cheap model.
Would have liked to see some more non-Tamiya offerings, but really, you could make a 20 kit recommendation of only Tamiya kits haha. Curious if you have any more to recommend.
Haha thank you - I admit I'm a bit of a Tamiya nut 😅
Forgot to add... you're very smooth, very comfortable in front of the camera!
Oh thank you! I appreciate it 😁👍
Any suggestions for beginner German stuff?
Airfix do a range of starter kits for beginners, the kits are easily assembled and come with paints and adhesive. so its an all in one... for 1/72 aircraft ( they do cars, tanks too ) its ideal imo for youngsters to start putting together a Spitfire,, Me109 etc .. Tamiya are def best for afv modellers starting out - some of their older range are pretty inexpensive ( despite Bidenflation :P ) so something like the M48 , Brummbar etc are affordable. the old Pz II ( with Afrika korps figures ) is very cheap and one of the best for starters. Everything simply goes together easily, great fit and no fiddling around with filler etc. instructions are super easy .. It was first 1/35 tank i ever built. Maybe because its near 4th July that all kits in video featured were American , but whatever..
Yeah that was the idea! American vehicles for the 4th - and not sure the price of models has much to do with Joe there my friend, but good point on the airfix kits
Hello Hank, Love the channel. I am completely new to modeling and would love to try and build a model.Do you have any recommendations for beginner Messerschmitt 109 kit?
For sure! Check out my other "Best Kits for Beginners" video - it should be one of the first ones you see on my channel. It's got a couple of great 109 recommendations 👍
Thanks for watching!
@@SpruesNBrews thanks for the reply. I forgot you covered the 109 in that other video. So between the Airfix and the Tamiya which would you say is better for a first build. Sorry for the questions.
"The F-4U was the most powerful fighter in the pacific"
*Chuckles in Hellcat*
But no seriously, some great ideas, Though I...started my relearning journey on the premium hobbies F-86F, and its going quite well! but Ill keep these ones in mind for a future pickup!
Love the American freedom fighters you picked. My dad recently started getting into scale modeling and ironically the went straight for the tamiya easy eight he’s doing the scene where there fighting off the ss division. I had to help him and correct his mistakes and make a 30 cal machine gun near the commander’s cupola. It is pretty beginner friendly kit he had to ask for help only three times.
Thank you! And that's awesome - sounds like a fun build! 😁🍻
@@SpruesNBrews it was I’m showing him the right colors to use when he paints it
My idea is to wash the plastic parts in the dishwasher prior to painting and assembly. Good plan or not?
noooo they will melt
What putty/filler do you recommend for filling cracks?
Tamiya putty works well for me!
Hank, maybe you know my nephew. He's a WWII nut. build's a lot of German units. His name is Rob Mettee.
I really thought we'd get recommendations for Revell, Monogram and AMT
I went with what I know best! And I think you can't go wrong with Tamiya & Airfix at the beginner level.
@@SpruesNBrews I can't dispute Tamiya as a range, Airfix is a bit different given how far back some of their tools go. At least they've added a bit of honesty with the 'Vintage' name on some old mouldings. Great choices supported with good reasons.
I want to start this as a hobby. Never done this before I'm super néw to this so where do I start
Great! You can check out some more of my "Best _____ for Beginners" & "_____ Made Easy" videos for some more tips!
So what are these kits made out of? Back in the '70s, most kits were plastic. Is Ravell still in the game?
They're still plastic! And yes, Revell is still around 👍
Great starter kit? AMT's USS Enterprise from Star Trek. Best first kit ever...
Can you do Best Scale Modelkits for Beginners but Soviet Armor and Aircraft that would be fantastic!
Ooo I might just have to! 👍
Be careful with the drive sprocket axle on that Patton. It's a weak spot and can snap as the tracks are a bit tight.
Ahh yes! Fair point
Older Tamiya kits are cheaper, but some of the more modern kits such as the P-38, or the newer spitfire have even more Lego like fit.
There are some beauties for sure! I only shy away from those for beginners because they've got pretty high part counts 👍
I just return to "glue require" model kit as I have move into the snap fit kits.
Nice list...but never seen the Mustang for 13.00...
It's $13 USD on Amazon right now! 👍
I am a beginner model builder I enjoyed your video but I think it would be better if you showed the model it's self like the Insertions parts and so on
Thanks for the feedback!
1:35 Shermans baby...
You got it!
To Me, all tamiya kits are for beginners. Not that they are bad kits, they are actually ok. I just like something a little more challenging.
Fair enough!
Great info. Thanks.
Thanks for watching! 🍻
Hey Hank, this is my second comment, sorry, but I was wondering if you got the email I sent you with pics of the Tamiya M18 I did? I think I sent some other pics of some builds I did earlier on!
Oh I'll have to check! I've been very busy, my apologies
Any Tamiya kit in the last 20 years lol
Haha safe bet!
The price of these model kits is getting way out of hand. In another year the price will be too high for young kids to buy
The model makers are riding the inflation wave until someone stops it
for real 😢
Wearing the helmet while assembling is critical.
Oh for sure!
All this "beginner" model kits, and still not a single one from Zvezda. Guess author just likes his slightly more expensive Tamiyas.
Avoid this waste of time and money. Learn a language or instrument.
I'm learning Spanish & have played music for nearly two decades... any other suggestions? If something makes you happy, it's worth investing in 👍