Question about Car Model Kits

I'm looking to buy a Car Model Kit of a Lamborghini Murcielago.
I've never really bought things like this before, but I'm really interested in starting my own project on this.

I was just wondering what the price range would be for a 1:24 and 1:18 models, and would like recomendations of nice compaines.

Also, do all the kits have engines that you can assebmle and put int he car or is the engine hull just left empty in the car?

Have a look at http://www.hlj.com/ use their advanced search (top left corner) You can bring up all the models of the Lamborghini Murcielago and see pictures of them.The best scale to start with would be 1/24th.They are big enough,but not too big and have plenty of detail.Some come with a full engine,some with just the sump,so it looks like an engine when viewed from below.Fujimi make some nice Lamborghini kits in this scale and they would be ideal for your first model.

Yeah the Fujimi Mucie is about the only option. Fortunately it's a good one. They've done several versions, including the roadster. I believe the're all 1/2 engine- they have parts for the intakes, but no block. Really if you've ever seen under the hood of a Lambo, that's all you can see. A Murcie kit will probably cost you $23-30, depending where you buy/order it.

1/18 is a diecast scale- nearly everything in plastic is in 1/24 (except some of the American maufacturers still put out 1/25). Occasionally you'll find kits in 1/20 or 1/16 or even 1/12, but 1/24 is nearly always the only option.

Some kits are full engine, some are curbside (no engine). It can be hard to tell if a kit has an engine, so often a good option is to ask here- or better yet, do a search here on the kit you're looking for and look at someone else's build.

Thanks for the help, you guys. I've been searching eBay to find a decent kit for my car.

On eBay, watch out for some sellers in Hong Kong. You might end up paying the shipping of $40 for a kit that's sold for $10.

For your reference, Fujimi's real sports No.26 Murcielago is 2600 yen (which is roughly US$23.) The shipping of one kit from Japan to US will be about $10, so $33 is the kind of price range you should look for.

Also, there are a couple of deluxe versions in white and red body colors (I believe the white one is discontinued), and they have a set of thin metal parts to represent scripts, logos and wiper arm/blade more realistically than decals or plastic parts would. Those kits are 3200 yen, (600 yen extra).

On eBay, watch out for some sellers in Hong Kong. You might end up paying the shipping of $40 for a kit that's sold for $10.

For your reference, Fujimi's real sports No.26 Murcielago is 2600 yen (which is roughly US$23.) The shipping of one kit from Japan to US will be about $10, so $33 is the kind of price range you should look for.

Also, there are a couple of deluxe versions in white and red body colors (I believe the white one is discontinued), and they have a set of thin metal parts to represent scripts, logos and wiper arm/blade more realistically than decals or plastic parts would. Those kits are 3200 yen, (600 yen extra).

Which would be the best Murci base for the Scale Production R-GT transkit in your opinon? I'm having trouble deciphering the kits :rolleyes:

Thanks for your tip hirofked!
I saw this one dude selling his kit for $5, but eh S&H was $20.

I'm really stumped right now. I don't know which one to get between these two sets:

http://i21.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/7d/50/a6cc_1.JPG

or

http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imageserver.x/00000000/jigsawpuzz/Modelcarkit.jpg

I want to get the first one because it has 3 kits in one, but I like the body of the second one. Quality wise, which one would be better or opinion wise which one should I get?

SO your not really looking for a Murcielago?
those two Lambos are a Diablo and a Countach I believe.
I personally wouldnt pick either of those kits for a Lambo.
But the 3 pack is a cool find and is a good place to start since you can work on your modeling skills with the Viper lol.

that lp5000S is a re-boxed fujimi enthusiast, and is not for the faint of heart. it is a very detailed kit and takes alot of finesse to build. I wouldn't suggest it for a beginner, or novice. the others are really just typical AMT models, thick bendy plastic that doesn't fit well, globby looking details, and they are quite difficult to get a show winning finish from.

however for a beginner, or novice the AMT kits would be a good way to go. you will learn alot from building a crappy kit.

if you want a decent lamborghini, this kit (http://cgi.ebay.com/1995-Revell-Monogram-Lamborghini-Countach-Model-Kit-NEW_W0QQitemZ230061891379QQihZ013QQcategoryZ145961 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) though it has it's inacuracies, the monogram Countach is a really good kit with fit and finish. plus, it goes together well and very little problems with assembly. it's full detail with engine and interior, though it's difficult to see. the only drawback to this kit is the wheel size, they scale out to be around 14-15 inches, when they need to be like 16-17. it's a great kit and is quite readily available

the kit with the three cars has full set of testors paint, knife, cloth, cement, sand paper, and a few other things that I should get it for. Where I live, there aren't any hobby stores near by--the only one got closed and the next one is about 10 to 15 miles away.

If you want to build the Murcielago, order one from a place like HLJ (or Rainbow10 or HobbySearch)- their prices are competitive, their service is excellent, and transactions with them are safe and easy.

If you're open to other options for your first build, there are certainly better kits to start with than those above, and better places to get them than Ebay. There are many very good online hobby shops. Two in the US I've had good experinces are Hobbylinc (http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/scb_tam.htm) and Weberplasticmodels (http://www.weberplasticmodels.com/category/automotive_kits__aftermarket_and_decals/). Ebay is a good place to find rare kits, particulalry if you have patince and a bit of money. But it's way too much hassle to use as a primary source of kits. Make it easy on yourself.

Also, I wouldn't be very excited about the handfull of supplies in a "everything you need" kit. Often the stuff included is truely crap- especially paint. You'll do much better to drive the 10-15mi (which many of us have to) to get to a decent hobby shop and buy the stuff you need there- or order it online. A good rule of thumb on modeling supplies is don't buy/use crap- a saving $2 is not worth the misery of having to use crappy supplies and tools.

So what do you want to build?

I really appreciate everyone's help in this.

I want to build exotic cars--the ones you don't see driving around everyday.
THe car kit I saw gave 2 cars that were exotic (the lambo and the jaguar)

Right now, my only option is to buy from eBay, as I have a PayPal account and I can easily buy my kits from there. Getting new and unsued kits on ebay for $12 including S&H isn't a bad deal at all to start on car modeling.

How is this set? (http://cgi.ebay.com/Performance-CARS-TESTORS-MODEL-KIT-LAMBORGHINI-PORSCHE_W0QQitemZ280057518210QQihZ018QQcategoryZ14 5974QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting)
This is from testors.



This is the one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220058104295&rd=1&rd=1)I want to by from eBay (the one with the three cars in it)

I've built the AMT's Viper, and it's one of their descent kits. Both the Diablo and XJ220 kits have some flaws, but I've seen some nice built-ups, so they can be built into nice replicas.

I believe both the 911 & Countach kits are tooled by the Italian company called Italeri, and their kits are just about average and fairly easy to build. Their weakness is always tires.

I think either the 3 kit or 2 kit combos would suit your need. You probably want to build more than one to improve your skills, so those sets offer a great value for money.

BTW, Rainbow 10 takes paypal, so ordering them is very easy; just so you know.

are those flaws really big and noticeabele, though?
and do these flaws really mscrew up the model or something?

PayPal is hardly a restriction these days- many online retailers happily accept it. Tower Hobbies (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0091P?&C=SCB&V=TAM) is another very reputable huge US based online retailer, and yes they take PayPal.

As for kit quality, especially for your first few builds it is definately worth getting good kits to start with. A flaw in a less than perfect kit might be an easily fixable minor annoyance for an intermediate skilled builder, but can be a frustrating, pull-your-hair-out never do it again kind of experince for a beginner. Why risk putting yourself through it? I can totally understand not wanting to layout a bunch of cash on a hobby you're not sure you'll stay with- but it's really just a few dollars more. For your first build, you deserve to try doing it right by building something you'll enjoy instead of fight with. If you cheap out an get a crappy kit, then have a miserable time fighting with it and decide modeling sucks and isn't for you as a result, have you really saved anything? Crappy kits can present fun challenges once you've done some building- but for your first time do it right!

If you like exotics, Tamiya is going to be your very best friend- followed maybe by Fujimi and Hasegawa. Revell Germany may be a good option later if you decide your thing really is somewhat cheaper, somewhat lesser quality kits.

For a first build find a good curbside (without engine) kit. If you like Porsches, it would be nearly impossible to beat a Tamiya 911 GT3, '88 Turbo, or Boxter for your first build.

Thanks very much for all of your supportive help everyone!!


MPWR, seeing that you are an expert in such an art, I'll take your advice in buying this kit. (http://cgi.ebay.com/1995-Revell-Monogram-Lamborghini-Countach-Model-Kit-NEW_W0QQitemZ230061891379QQihZ013QQcategoryZ145961 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

I was hoping to start with something that had the interior and the engine.
This kit that you reccomended me, would this have any of that?

Everything has an interior, so no worries there. But I would not recommend doing a kit with an engine as a first build. Engines really can't be done without an airbrush. They simply cannot be brush painted, and buying a spray can for each color you need gets impractical in a hurry. A decent airbrush/compressor will run around $200- so it's best to build a couple of curbside kits using spraycans first to be sure you like modeling before buying one. And even if you did by one now, you don't want to learn to use it by painting an engine with it on you first build.

Start simple- you're going to be alot happier with your first build if it's something you can still look at after finishing your third build and think "yeah, I did a good job on that". Painting a body and fitting an interior together is plenty to learn without having to go into the advanced detail masking and painting skills you'll need for an engine. You'll learn all that stuff in later builds- but you'll enjoy it much more if you have the basic skills first.

The Porsches I suggested above are all curbside.

Thanks a lot for your help MPWR, as well as everyone else.
I took your advice and bought the Lamborghini Cantouch kit that you reccomended.

Now, I just wait with great anticipation to start on my first build!

Oh crap, dude.
I'm really sorry, but I mixed up rsxse240 with MPWR.

I thought that the Lambo kit that was reccomened was by you (MPWR) and that it didn't have an egnine in it. So I ordered it and now I realized the mistake I made after re-reading this thread. (:banghead::banghead::banghead:)

Anyways, it won't matter that much becuase about 5 years ago or so, I did aircraft modelling (bought those cheap kits from the dollar store or from the flea market and assembled them with cement, etc.) I'm going into car modeling for a hobby because I know for a fact that I'll stick with it. I've bought scale models from the Maisto company and Im really interested in this.

For a while, I've only drawn cars and worked with cars in 3D graphics design (http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q32/OlVlni/blend.jpg). I knew that kit modeling existed but when I saw MPWR's works and other people's, I suddenly felt that I wanted to do something like this and start with a Lamborghini to give to this girl who I like for her birthday...(only if she knew...:disappoin)

I appreciate everyone's help in this matter. (And personally, no matter how new I am to something, I always do something that is one or two levels harder because that is the only way you learn and get better)

...give to this girl who I like for her birthday...(only if she knew...:disappoin)

That'll change this whole discussion upside down. (LOL)
Okay, make sure you first give a nice (not the supermarket one!) flower bouquet. It's a must.

That'll change this whole discussion upside down. (LOL)
Okay, make sure you first give a nice (not the supermarket one!) flower bouquet. It's a must.

lol...I already have.
And lets not change this topic into that, rogl.

It's cool- but I'm glad I'm not the only one who was confused. :eek7:

Having built some wingie things (and I love me some wingie things, too! :p) will definately help. But there are also some skills that are specific only to car modeling. The only way to learn car body painting is by painting car bodies. Get some Tamiya sprays, use the hot water bath trick to warm them, and apply them slowly and patiently. Above all else, that is the one trick in car modeling to master.

Most people can tell pretty quickly if modeling is somehting they will like enough to stick with. If you've built planes and done CG modeling, it's a good bet you'll be building cars for years. So make yourself comfortable, you're going to be here for a while.

As for the full engine, obviously you can either jump into it now or shelve it for when(if?) you get your airbrush. For under $10 you could almost consider it a throwaway if thing go badly- but it would be a good option to learn airbrush skills on.

The CG work yours? Looks like good stuff. It seems like if you're good at it, CG would really be the tool for designing body kits and the like.

I made the car (Toyota Celica) early this year with the guidance of my friend. But I have a pretty good handle of 3D CG.

ANd I understand that painting either makes or breaks your model. If you have a apply it in a crappy way, you're gonna get something like this. (http://www.hotrodder.com/Z28_454/rs5.JPG)
But if you've mastered airbrusing, it can really boost the realism of your car like this (http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/list/24car_img/24129m.jpg) XJ 220 beauty

Airbrushing is a good option and I plan to look into that. But what I was speculating on was getting paint with 60% zinc in it (the make up for car paint), and pouring it over the car body that needs to be painted. However, I still see that AirBrushing is a superior option.