first "real" model build

[superfuzz]

hi, my name is bastian

I'm looking for recomendations for my first serious model build. all i build so far was a 1/24(i think, long time ago) Mercedes "Unimog" firecar and some planes from revell when i was a kid.

now being in my mid 20s and a huge fan of race and sportscars i really would like to give the modelling hobby a second try.

after doing some research on the scalewiki, here in the forum and serval online shops i found a bunch of models that really interest me

Tamiya 1/24 Lotus Super 7 Series II
Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 25 Coventry Climax
Tamiya 1/20 Benetton Ford B192

Tamiya 1/24 Toyota 88C-V Taka Q Kit
Tamiya 1/24 Toyota Tom's 84C
Tamiya 1/24 Toyota GT-One TS020

Tamiya 1/24 Ferrari F40
Tamiya 1/24 Ferrari F50
Tamiya 1/24 Enzo Ferrari Red Version
Tamiya 1/24 Ferrari FXX

Tamiya 1/24 BMW 320i Jaegermeister

i know that most of those modells are nearly impossible to build for a beginner like me. i was thinking about making the two lotus cars my first builds. or do you guys think that's allready too hard and i should look for another kit?

thanks a lot.

[wouter1981]

well I think you best stay away from enzo and FXX. those are rahter complicated models. I also wouldn't advise a F1 for a first kit... My advise would be one of the toyota's the F-40 or F-50

[Scale-Master]

The 1/24 Lotus Super 7 by Tamiya is a good beginner kit, and it is not expensive (in case you make some mistakes). It fits well, has nice but simple details. I have built a few and always find it to be an enjoyble model to assemble... - Mark

[MPWR]

Welcome to AF!

Of your above list, I would agree that the Lotus Super 7 is the best beginner kit. The only other kit I would consider for a beginner is the BMW 320i. But the problem each of these kits shares is that they all have full engines. For your first couple of builds, I'd strongly recommend curbside (engineless) kits. I would definately steer clear of the Ferraris, F1 and prototype cars.

For a first build, I often like to recommend a curbside Tamiya Porsche- they are excellent for beginners.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBTZ3&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZR84&P=0
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...p?&I=LXKAK3&P=

But any of these others would be terrific options also:
BMW Z3
Mercedes SLK
New Beetle
Subaru STi (especially good for a beginner)
Mazda Eunos (Miata)
Honda S2000

There are probably other good ones also, but those are the ones I know are for sure curbside.

[oregon3]

I'd say the Tamiya Nissan 350Z is a great beginner kit, and also the Honda S2000.

JB

[willimo]

Not to overcomplicate things, but I noticed you seem to like motorsport and Ferrari subjects. Don't overlook the new Fujimi Ferrari kits, such as the F430. That kit builds up very simply, easily, and looks stunning when done. It'd be as simple as any of the curbside motorsport kits, but all you'll have to do is paint it red and not worry over all the decals. The only problem is that it's fairly expensive; I don't know how much you're willing to shell out.

From your list, I would probably suggest the Lotus 7, for the reasons Scale Master gave. Cheap, simple, well detailed, and most importantly, fun!

Good luck and keep us posted!