I don't know what I want...

[parapaul]

Well, I do, but I'm not sure how to find it!

I'd love to get my kids (currently aged 7 & 9) into cars, and I had an idea of building a collection of 'cool' model cars for them, something to build up their recognition and awareness and hopefully create an interest that way.

Size-wise I was thinking something around 1/10 scale, maybe 1/12 or 1/16 but not any smaller. I want them to be big enough to see the details.

I was hoping to start with things like a current M3/5, RS4/6, Skyline, Impreza, Evo, etc. Cars they might see on the roads while we're out. Then maybe add more exotic things like Lamborghinis and Ferraris if they show any interest.

I've tried Google but the only results seem to be a poor selection of Tamiya RC cars and I didn't really want that.

Does what I want exist? And where would I find them?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can offer any suggestions

[Big Fat Fatty]

If you're talking about plastic kits in 1:12/1:16 scale then the choices are very limited I'm afraid and can be very expensive. There is a huge selection of cars in 1:24 scale plastic kit form but they are half the size of a 1:12 kit. Typically there are certain 1:12 kits that are very collectable; Skyline R32, 300ZX, Mazda RX7 and can fetch silly money, other than that there are a few classic F1 cars and a few sports race cars like the Lola T70. If you're set on a 1:12 scale model go for either the Datsun 240ZG or the Rover Mini 1.3i, both by Tamiya, the Mini is around £60, the Datsun £110. Bear in mind they will need an awful lot of work to turn them into good looking models.

There is a bit more selection in 1:16 but again nothing you may have seen on the roads, have a look here to give you an idea of what's available in these scales.
http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/plastic-model-k...

Usually the only models available in 1:10 are RC cars with vacuum formed bodies you paint inside out.

ETA: Bike kits are almost exclusively available in 1:12 (given their size in 1:1) but you didn't mention bikes so neither did I

Have you thought about Lego?

Edited by Big Fat Fatty on Tuesday 21st May 15:39

[BlueMR2]

There are some amazingly detailed larger models.

They are a few thousand £ each however.

Definitely get them into LEGO, you could start with the camper van.

[dr_gn]

parapaul said:

I'd love to get my kids (currently aged 7 & 9) into cars, and I had an idea of building a collection of 'cool' model cars for them, something to build up their recognition and awareness and hopefully create an interest that way.

Kids.

Recognition.

Awareness.

Interest.

Yeah, right.

Just admit you want to buy model cars - it's fine to admit it here, once you've admitted it, things seem better - there are lots of people on here willing to help. The kids will just break them anyway

[parapaul]

Thanks for the replies

OK, maybe 1/10 is out then. And I wasn't necessarily looking for kits to build, I'd be equally happy with anything ready made.

LEGO sounds fun, I'll have a look at that!

[Big Fat Fatty]

When you said "building a collection of cool model cars" I assumed you meant you wanted to actually build and paint them, sorry that was me mis-reading your post.

Look at 1:18 scale die casts, they're large enough to see the details and not so big they take up huge amounts of room. There is also a huge choice of cars and models if your know where to look.

But definitely look at Lego!

[MarkwG]

parapaul said:

Well, I do, but I'm not sure how to find it!

I'd love to get my kids (currently aged 7 & 9) into cars

This is the best way http://www.under17carclub.co.uk/ - I love models (quiet at the back!) but you can't beat the real thing, a couple of years & your eldest will be at the right age.

[g3org3y]

Big Fat Fatty said:

When you said "building a collection of cool model cars" I assumed you meant you wanted to actually build and paint them, sorry that was me mis-reading your post.

Look at 1:18 scale die casts, they're large enough to see the details and not so big they take up huge amounts of room. There is also a huge choice of cars and models if your know where to look.

But definitely look at Lego!

That was my understanding too.

If you're wanting to go down the 1:18 route, be wary that at minimum you'll be paying £40 for anything of good/detailed quality. Have a look on ebay, you'll prob be able to pick up some of the cheaper Maisto/Bburago models for £<20.

At 7 and 9, I suspect they'll want to play with the models rather than just look at them. They're pretty delicate and likely to get broken.

I think Lego would be a more fun, interesting and interactive option.

[BlueMR2]

http://shop.lego.com/en-GB/Volkswagen-T1-Camper-Va...