Looking for a first plane

[countzero99uk]

Hi there,

Before I set myself loose on my kits for the group builds id like to try my hand at an aircraft. What could people recommend as the best starting aircraft for someone with some modelling experience?

Id be looking at 1/72 scale.

Thanks.
Brian.

[Goose]

Academy do some easy kits with a correct level of detail fir this scale. I've got the A-10 wihch is already a big plane at 1/72nd scale

Tamiya (top of the top) zero or any plane they propose

If you want something very basic just to try your hand as you say, try to find an old kit like an old matchbox or an old airfix BUT you'll have some big work to do in terms of fitting.

The new Airfix kits are quite good. I saw a Spitfire that was really nice even in the details.

Good hunting

Goose

[Daishi12]

I'll second the Academy series, they do some nice kits, also look at Hasegawa, they are nicely detailed and have some unusual subject matter. The newer Airfix kits are now coming up to a nice standard but avoid the older kits as they can be total mongrels. There are some exceptions to the old Airfix range such as the Vought Kingfisher (ref A02021) which is coming up to 50 years old, and with just a bit of work can be made into a reasonable kit. (I think as it was less popular among modellers, the casting mould hasn't deteriorated)

If you want something surreal, try the Hasegawa "Idolmaster" range - modern jets which are very nicely detailed in 1/72 and 1/48 but given a Manga twist

http://www.hlj.com/scripts/hljlist?Word ... eCode2=air

Hope this helps

[cib2265]

I would suggest an egg plane actually - lots of funny quick and easy to build!

As for Airfix in 1/72, go for the Spitfire Mk 22, the Typhoon or any of the Bf-109s. Avoid older kits like the plague....

For Academy I really like their Zero, lots of detail and a beaut fit. The rest are hit and miss...

[schweinhund227]

No brainer !

1/48th Me109 or Spitfire... from Tamiya.

(Shake n Bake) type of kit !

good fit and great results every time !

[Joesdad]

I guess Brian it's about cost and availability mate, if it is then you can't go wrong with the new tool Airfix stuff, BUT make sure you go on to their website to check old from new 'cause you won't know from looking at the box (b******s). If it isn't then try something an Eduard 'weekend edition' kit. You won't find nicer kits than Tamiya IMHO.

Enjoy bud...

[LudvigN]

I like the look of the Revell's new tooled 1/72 Corsair. Looks simple, but with good details. Other kits I would consider are:

Airfix 1/72 F-86 Sabre
Airfix 1/72 Zero (new tool)
Tamiya 1/72 Zero
Hobbyboss 1/72 AH-1s Cobra (i know its a helicopter, but its the easiest kit ive built up to date)
Meng 1/72 F-102 Delta Dagger

All are relatively cheap if you look around

[countzero99uk]

Just ordered the Academy Zero in 1/72 ive also got a B-57G Night Hawk by Italeri in 1/72 so ive some bits to be working on Still wanting to paint my tank but ill wait for hands to totally mend.

[RayB24]

Airfix any new tool, but the Sabre is almost a doddle to build. Mig 15 too, Problem with that is you probably dont want bare metal markings.
The zero was a really nice build. But as someone else said stay away rom the old airfix. Not that they are not easy to build, just way surpassed.

[Sturm]

Try Airfix's new A6m2 Zero It was one of my first kits.Goes together very easily.

[Homerlovesbeer]

I agree with an Airfix kit but it must be a new tool. Cheap and goes together very nicely, my 1/72 spitfire turned out really nice for a Aus $10 kit.

[Lee]

New tool Airfix in 1/72 - If 1/48 then Tamiya Spit/109