SPA Modeler

I remember a discussion long ago between a few modelers while recommending kits to a person and something reminded me of it. The discussion ended up turning into a recommendation thread about a persons top model that everyone should have in their stash and actually build.

Figure I would start this (there can be others made like it too) thread for those who may not ask but sure do wonder about kits they should have in their stash and plan on building soon. These kits should be something that won’t require a master modelers tool set to build into a great model. Something that is accurate to at least look pretty spot on to the real thing (doesn’t have to be down to the .005mm perfect, you get the point), not require insane amount of work to look good, something that like that one model you did that showed you that “yeah you can make something really nice,” that even impressed you and gave you that boost in the hobby.

So.... Take some time to think, your top five kits that you feel are a must have in the build line up that would make a great kit for someone to take that leap into the hobby like they never thought they could have done before. Also include a quick tip if the kit would need it and maybe a couple items that would help make it easier to do (canopy masks are pretty much a must!).

Ok...I didn't see anything regarding scale, so I'll just add that alongside...

In 1/48, the Tamiya Thunderbolt kits (both razorback and bubbletop) are two of the best in the scale...same goes for the Accurate Miniatures Avenger kits. The rear turret was a little tricky, but they had awesome online tutorials that helped with that before they closed down. Their Dauntless kits were also pretty good.

In 1/32, the Wingnut Wings kits are premier kits in all ways...finely engineered. I'll throw in the Trumpeter 1/32 Dauntless as one of my favorite all-time builds.though.

I build in both 48th and 72nd so I'll give my top 5 in each scale
48th
1.Tamiya P-47's. Almost perfect
2.Tamiya Mosquito
3.Eduard 109's
4.Eduard Hellcat
5.AM Avenger

72nd
1.Fujimi A-7
2.Airfix P-51
3.Airfix AV-8A/Harrier GR.1
4.Fujimi A-4
5.Tamiya P-47

I’ll bite....
1, Revell 1/32 Hawker Hunter FGA.9- hands down the best fitting kit that I’ve ever built. The only AM I might suggest is a new bang seat. But OOB, it is a fantastic kit.
2, Revell 1/48 F-84E/G- another superbly engineered kit. The only AM enhancement it can really use is a harness for the seat. Again, the fit is superb.
3, Tamiya 1/48 Dewontine D.520. A true shake and bake kit
4, Accurate Miniatures 1/48 Mustang Mk.I. Another gem of a kit that practically builds itself. If you MUST add any AM, perhaps some aircraft specific exhaust pipes (there were several types used), and a seat harness to replace the kit harness decal.
5, Accurate Miniatures 1/48 IL-2 Sturmovik. Another beautifully detailed well fitting kit by Accurate. It could use a seat harness to replace the kit decal harness, but OOB it is a seriously good looking build.

Of course these are based off what I have built, and not what I have in my stash that looks as good as, or better than, some of these. And I would suggest AM decals for each kit in most cases, except for perhaps the Accurate kits.

Oh yeah....I really like this topic. I like it because you get good honest feedback on kits. Great kits mentioned thus far.

Lots of overlap in just a few posts. Ditto on the Tamiya P47s. I'd add the Tamiya P51D and the Pro Modeler Helldiver. Very enjoyable kits in terms of assembly. The Hasegawa F16s are nice as well if you can polish the seam out of the canopy.

Good stuff, my "5 cents"

1. Eduards 1/48 Mig-21, all different versions.
Fit is excellent, well engineerd, enjoyable to build.
And a cool plane with lot of camo options on top of that! :-)

Many other good ones mentioned already, therefore won't repeat.

- Kari

Might be interesting to add the complement to this list which would be kits that are problematic - not necessarily to avoid, but they are going to be bears.

1. Hobby Boss 1/48 A-10. Almost perfect fit and it comes with the entire gun!!

2. Tamiya 1/48 F-16. The true "shake and bake" kit.

3. Trumpeter 1/35 Strykers. Not ONE problem building them.

I can't think of 5.

Medicman71 wrote:1. Hobby Boss 1/48 A-10. Almost perfect fit and it comes with the entire gun!!

2. Tamiya 1/48 F-16. The true "shake and bake" kit.

3. Trumpeter 1/35 Strykers. Not ONE problem building them.

I can't think of 5.

I presume that you are not referring to the original 1/48 F-16, but instead mean their recent F-16C family... Their original 1/48 F-16 looks a bit basic and rough, like their Harriers....

Strykers can fly?