Starting out

[Noz]

Came across this board completely by chance, but it's taken my fancy

I used to make model aircraft a few years ago, and would like to give this a go. I've read the sticky's etc, but lack any local model/hobby stores which would stock kits.

Does anyone have any mail order stockists to reccommend me, preferably UK based. A reccommended kit to start on would be great too, I know my way round plastic models, but I don't think anything too stressful just yet

I think I'm alright for tools and the like, having many such implements left from my aircraft days.

Many thanks guys,

Tom.

[Jay!]

Originally posted by Noz
Does anyone have any mail order stockists to reccommend me, preferably UK based. A reccommended kit to start on would be great too, I know my way round plastic models, but I don't think anything too stressful just yet

Check this thread for a few:
International model retailers?

And make sure to look in your phone book. We have a few folks in here from the UK, maybe they can throw out some ideas...

As for recommended kits... what cars do you like? :flash:

[Noz]

Heheh, thanks fella

I had a quick look at that thread, I don't quite fancy importing a kit unless I can't find one in the UK.

How tricky are the Tamiya Skyline (R33/R34 GTR) kits? Just been looking for some UK stockists of the above, but without much luck.

[Jay!]

Originally posted by Noz
I had a quick look at that thread, I don't quite fancy importing a kit unless I can't find one in the UK.

Like I said, I'll let the other UK folk comment on where to buy, but you may find that HLJ.com, among others, will challenge both the prices and selection of your local shops. (At least for Japanese kits.)

Originally posted by Noz
How tricky are the Tamiya Skyline (R33/R34 GTR) kits? Just been looking for some UK stockists of the above, but without much luck.

Both the R33 and R34 are curb-side kits, meaning they lack full engine detail. So they're simple enough for your first go at it. Guiddy has one of each in our gallery. There will be others soon, too (as soon as I get to it... )

[Guiddy]

Ok, checked out one of my favourite sources in the UK, www.grandprixmodels.com and they have the following in stock.

They have a live online database and are very fast at sending models instock, about 3 days within the Uk from when you phone the order. Using the online system may add a day!
Do a search specifying 'in stock' and Tamiya, and you will get the stock list.
Out of what is there I would recommend:

Honda S2000 Hardtop 2001
Subaru Impreza 2001 Road
Mercades CLK Warsteiner
Subaru Impreza WRC 2001
Toyota Celica Road 1999

The other have either two tone paint jobs or other things I wouldn't recommend to a starter.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

And just as an aside, can you state your location too, it helps us guys!

[Noz]

Thanks guys

Location, I though I'd filled the filed in when registering, must have missed it

As it happens, GrandPrixModels seems to be based just up the road from me, never knew it was there :o

[Noz]

OK, I've spent the morning looking around various online retailers, I intend to pop over to GPModels this afternoon to see what their shop is like

HLJ... I am a few clicks away from ordering an R33 and an R34, both Tamiya, what are HLJ like? Judging from other user's comments they seem quite reputable, how about shipping times etc?

[pkw1]

HLJ is a VERY good place to order Hobby kits and supplies

i've ordered TONS of stuff from them from the past few years

[Noz]

Excellent, I'll place this order then

Cheers guys, I'll let you know what I manage to pick up from GPModels later on.

Boohoo, just noticed the R33 is out of stock Guess I'll have to wait a bit longer, nothing at GPModels really took my fancy.

[Steve Gibbins]

Hi Noz,

Welcome to AF, be careful about visiting Grand Prix Models, I think they are only open to visitors on Saturdays. As for kits, if you stick with Tamiya for your first few kits at least you can't go far wrong.

Steve

[Noz]

Just as well I didn't go there today, then I decided against a trip after seeing they had little in the way of Tamiya stock.

So now we wait for HLJ.

[Jay!]

Do make sure you read about HLJ's shipping policies. If one item in your order is out-of-stock, they will hold the whole order and try to get you the last item. However, if two months go by and you're still waiting, they will just ship whatever part of your order is in stock...

Many us just modify our orders to get around out-of-stock items.

:flash:

[Noz]

Hehe, yeah, I am waiting on my order number to come through, so I can see what they reckon on the lead time for the R33. I may end up cancelling the '33 for now. We shall see.

[Noz]

Well I'm perfectly happy to wait a week or three as the prices seemed quite reasonable. Both the Skylines came out to just over £9 sterling, totalling about £25 when I add shipping. Much better than the usual hundreds of pounds I have to spend on computer hardware

[Noz]

My order was just confirmed, the R34 is ready to ship and the R33 is on backorder

Oh well, I guess this gives me a chance to get some practice in before I build m favoured R33. I cancelled the '33 and have requested the R34 to be shipped now.