What scale?

[hooperpride]

Been thinking of buying some models just to pass the time but was wondering what scale most people use and what would be best for a complete novice like myself? or does scale matter at all?

I am a complete novice so can't imagine my painting and putting together will be up to much so any advice would be welcome.

Cheers

[Red Firecracker]

Before you can really decide on what scale, you'll be wanting to think about a few things (and I'm guessing you're thinking of building them as you mention painting rather than diecast), so, to name a few;

• Where are you going to display them
• What subjects are you interested in
• Who makes those subjects (if at all)

The most important thing is to gain enjoyment out of the process so maybe start with a cheap kit and see how that goes and then move on to maybe a larger/more expensive kit.

There have been some good threads here about what tools are ideally required and lots of advice given out so you're in welcoming hands!

[Anthony Micallef]

If you want to build aircraft then 1/48 is a good scale to work in. Ive recently started modeling again so if you want any more advice then let me know.

[Shar2]

As RF has stated, what space do you have to display the models, and what models would you like to make. I generally have stuck to certain scales for different classes eg.

1/48th or larger for Aircraft, although 1/72 is a good scale if display space at a premium.
1/35th for Tanks/Military vehicles
1/350th for warships
1/32 or larger for cars and motorbikes.

[hooperpride]

Cheers for the advice so far, it's going to be cars that I'm going to look at doing first.

They'll be displayed on a book shelf that I've got empty at the moment which is quite deep and I do like the idea that if I do a few models keeping them all the same scale, think I'll be looking at 1/24 or 1/32.

Are there any recomendations for websites to use or am I a better off going into a shop to buy models?

[Red Firecracker]

It's always worthwhile getting a relationship with your local model shop, not only as you can help them survive.

What sort of cars are you thinking of?

The most likely scale for you is going to be 1:24th. There are plenty of subjects by plenty of manufacturers with plenty of add on bits as well.

A few supplier websites are;

Hiroboy

HobbyLink Japan (Based in Japan, I've used HobbyLink many times with no issue)

Model Hobbies

A good forum for possible more specialist advice than here is;

Automotive Forums Modelling Section

and of course;

Britmodeller which although more centered towards the aero modeller has some extremely good tips and tricks that cross genres.

[Shar2]

If you haven't got a local model shop then there's always www.hannants.co.uk

[hooperpride]

Thinking road cars and probably Japanese, there seems to be an abundance of models to choose from in 1/24.

I think I'll take a trip to nearest model shop on the weekend, it's only about 20 minutes drive, so I can get a good look at what I'm getting and can get all the necesary bits at once.

[Anthony Micallef]

Netmerchants is another good model site http://www.netmerchants.co.uk/section.php/18/1/aut...

Im currently building a Tamiya 1/24 1969 Mini Cooper. Again if you want any advice as to what equipment to buy etc then just ask.