Starting out in the world of building plastic scale models can be rather exciting but choosing the first plastic scale model kit to build can be daunting with so many options from building aircrafts, military tanks, naval ships or vehicles of your choice. This guide aims to give you all the details you’ll need, when you are going to choose your first kit, it is essential that the kit you choose is appropriate for your skill level. The key is and always will be, selecting a kit which is not too daunting and matches with your experience as well as your interests so you are able to build the model with ease.

1. Are You a Beginner or a Pro

The very first deciding factor when selecting any model kit is your experience and that’s only rightly so because it is crucial to understand what you are getting yourself into. To help get an appropriate kit and make an easier decision model plastic scale kits are categorized into skill kits which assist in determining the complexity of a kit.

  • Skill Level 1 (Beginner): This is the perfect kit for a rookie scale modeler as it contains anywhere between 50-100 pieces making it easier to assemble, not only that but it comes with glue-less snap fit joints as well as basic painting techniques, to bring the model to life.
  • Skill Level 2–3 (Intermediate): For someone who has little experience with scale model building this is a perfect kit for building your military, aircraft and naval models. It does away with the struggle of having to use multiple tools by containing over 200 detailed components along with the appropriate amount of paint and glue.
  • Skill Level 4–5 (Advanced): Such model kits are very sophisticated, as there are a thousand which need, airbrushing, assembly and weathering, and several other techniques, which are rather complex. Suitable for seasoned model builders who like to do the nitty-gritty.
Revell plastic model kits for beginners, Level 3, 38 parts.
Revell plastic model kit for beginners – Level 3, 38 parts.

As someone just getting started, you should stay on the look out for skill rating 1 or a basic induction kit which includes of all the resources to set you off.

2. Choose the Right Type of Model

After you have gained a general understanding of the task at hand, begin considering what style of model your end result will be. Models have several sub-heads and the specific model can be designed whilst focusing on its challenges or attractiveness. The most common forms of military mock ups available are as follows.

Tanks and Armored Vehicles: although tanks are the first amongst the few model kits that can be worked upon with ease, weathering effects and customizing them is very much possible as they are relatively simplistic in shape and also, they are less brittle than airplanes or ships. Which are why they are a preferred choice for beginners.

Aircraft: planes come in a variety of forms, from World War II combat aircraft to more recent models. Because they are more detailed with smaller pieces, they may be more difficult to design, but they also produce fantastic outcomes. A 1/72 scale Spitfire is a good choice for anyone who wants to build a simpler aircraft model kit.

Models of Ships: one of the most complex military models is naval models, which includes battleships or destroyers containing numerous small details such as gun turrets, anchors, radar equipment, and other associate components. These are quite fun to construct although they may prove difficult to a novice.

Various types of plastic military models: tanks, airplanes, and ships.
Various types of plastic military models: tanks, airplanes, and ships.

Pick a model type that suits your preferences and one that you will have fun while constructing.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Model’s Scale

The size that a model is scaled into gives an idea of how many times smaller it is to the actual tank. For example, a tank model of scale 1:35 indicates that actual tank is thirty five times bigger than the model. The scale also determines the dimensions of the completed model and the details that would be incorporated within it.

  • 1/35 Scale: Common for tanks and armoured vehicles. These models are big enough to reveal great deal of detail but not too small to be difficult to deal with
  • 1/72 Scale: Aircraft and tanks are popular. These models are smaller and therefore relatively easy to make but take up less space.
  • 1/48 Scale: Military aircraft use this scale. This scale is sort of inbetween in terms of detail and size which is probably why its so popular.
  • 1/700 Scale: Ships are the focal point. These models are relatively small which means they require a lot of patience along with precision to put together.
Comparison of plastic model tanks.
Comparison of plastic model tanks.

If you are a beginner, a 1/35 or 1/48 scale will be the ideal choice owing to its convenience in dealing with larger models and are effective in getting you accustomed to the methods without having to deal with the intricacies of extremely small parts.

Article: Appropriate Scale of Plastic Models

4. Complete Starter Kits: A Perfect Solution for Newcomers

In case you are getting accustomed to model construction and have no prior knowledge or experience, it may be worth your effort to search for a kit that includes all the materials needed. You don’t only get the model in such packages along with the requisite tools like glue, paint, and a brush. They are wonderful choices for those who would want to avoid the stress of getting the right materials together and just build models.

Examples of complete starter kits:

  • Airfix Starter Set: These sets often incorporate a model, some glue, basic paints and a brush for use while assembling the model. A case in point, the Airfix 1:72 Spitfire Starter Set is a favored starter kit.
  • Revell Model Set: Revell has kits for example the Revell 1:35 Panzer IV that include details for assembly.
Airfix 1:72 Spitfire Starter Set
Airfix 1:72 Spitfire Starter Set

With these kits by your side, you are certain that you shall not overlook any of the vital tools or components needed for your first assembly as they come packaged together or as one set.

5. Investigate the Kit’s Level of Detail

Before committing to a kit purchase, it is best to study the specific kit model in question as some may be marked as ‘beginner’ but come with somewhat difficult components and instruction sets.

  • Check Online Reviews: Several online journalism articles, forums, and product review sites might help you gauge the level of detail of a specific kit in question.
  • User Manual: Certain manufacturers provide pdf versions of the user manual on their websites. Thus, reviewing a manual before making a purchase can say a lot more about what to expect.
Revell - Eurofighter detailed assembly instruction
Revell – 1/144 Eurofighter detailed assembly instruction

6. Snap-fit And Glue Models Into Place

Kits come in different varieties, particularly snap-fit kits and glue kits; while it is not a strict separation, both types are best suited to levels of experience. No one has a definite edge.

  • Snap-fit Kits: Not only is glue not required to assemble these models, but they are also beginner-friendly which means all you need to do is put the pieces together in their appropriate slots. These are also ideal if you’re looking to put one together quickly, or to learn some of the basics.
  • Glue Kits: In the past, many traditional plastic model kits used parts that were glued using plastic cement. This offers more control and realism but requires a higher skill level. For the detail and flexibility that they provide, the most advanced and intermediate modelers prefer glue kits.

For starters, snap-together kits seem like a great way to relieve someone from frustration that they are bound to face as they start this hobby. If however they are willing to take that challenge and want to put in the effort to work in a specific area, a basic glue kit would be an ideal choice.

7. Historial Context is Important

The advantage of assembling military models is the opportunity to create an element of history. Many model kits include description about the importance of the vehicle in history which helps to bring one’s model building enjoyment to another level. For beginners, these historically accurate kits provide a fantastic foundation to get started, as they include instructions and details that are easy to follow while still offering rich historical significance.

For instance, a history of WWII might accompany the information about the building of the Tiger I Tank model. This historical context makes the process more meaningful and also assists you in understanding the model beyond just a built one.

For Beginners- These kits are easy to assemble and have specific instructions because they are based on a real historic event. Therefore, they serve as good building block towards not only model building skills, but also getting rich history as well.

U-2B assembled by Yuriy Kuznetsov basing on photo
U-2B model built by Yuriy Kuznetsov basing on photo

For Advanced Modelers: It is obvious that there will be an incremental degree of modification and historical fidelity in the approach while creating the model. Be warned that to many experienced modelers, reality is not a constraint. Some scale the extreme by constructing models based on photographs or replicate a certain battle and its minute details. With some kit together and right abilities and tools, a simple kit can be converted to a unique and accurate scale model. This may involve repainting the model, constructing alterations or even recreating the effects of battle all based on a deep understanding and references from photographs.

For example, at an advanced stage, modelers may seek to draw inspiration from captured images of a particular tank or airplane being used at a battle and seek to recreate a similar model, depicting all the stresses the vehicle model was subjected to. Of course some focus is required to achieve such details, but it’s a great way to make history real through 3D modeling. 

Conclusion: Start Simple, Build Confidence

The planning and assembling of the plastic model kit should begin with the selection of the kit as this may in the long run determine the success of the entire endeavor. It is therefore reasonable to begin with less complicated kits that meet the requirements of the novices such as their interests in tanks, aircrafts or ships but also the scale and the level of the model.

Once you become confident in the assembly of your first models, you can gradually proceed to more complicated kits that require assembling small pieces, have complex instructions, and additional features like painting and weathering. Regardless of the kit that you select, just keep in mind that the most essential element is to have fun and to learn along the way.

Happy working on your Models!

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