Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
Model Kit Cars
What exactly is a Model Car? A model car is a toy that is reproduced in the shape of an automobile as a small scale model. Most kits are either snap-together or glue-together replicas. Model car kits come in plastic, die-cast metal, resin, and even wood. The higher the quality of the kit, the more details the car will have when finished. Today, builders can take a basic model car kit and detail it so it resembles a real miniature car.
For more information on the history of model cars click here.
Model Car Kit History
Model cars are replica miniatures of real production vehicles. Model kits are designed for the car enthusiast and hobbyist to construct. Model car kits were first developed in the World War Two era. The first wooden model car kit was produced by Ace and Berkeley. The first plastic car kit was a 1932 Ford Roadster that was designed by Derk Brand. He later developed a line of 1:32 scale model car kits in England for the Gowland brothers. Model car kits are available in plastic, resin, wood, die-cast or metal. The most popular kits on the market include many replica parts of the real vehicle, and offer the highest level of detail. These two features incorporated in model car kits will make the miniature replica car look authentic. This type of kit is a fun challenge for the model car enthusiast or hobbyist.
Revell and Monogram are considered the most popular companies that produce model car kits. Revell has dominated the world of model car kits for over 60 years. In 1986, Revell and Monogram merged to become the largest producers of model car kits in the world. In 1994, Hallmark purchased Revell-Monogram. Revell-Monogram designs and manufactures model car kits that are made from a variety of mediums. This company has won numerous awards for their extraordinary designs. Revell's model car kits are appropriate for every age in the hobby market. Their designs consist of classic, long-time favorites, and all-new items to keep an edge on the model car kit market. Other popular plastic and metal kit manufacturers are Tamiya and Airfix.
The Most Popular Model Kits
The 1957 Chevrolet is one of the most popular model car kits produced on the market. The 1957 Chevy is one of the most recognized cars in history, and is truly an American classic. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was one of the most popular muscle cars ever made. This became the inspiration for the development for one of the best selling model car kits available on the market. The 1965 Shelby Mustang is another popular muscle car designed and developed into miniature replica form for model car kits. This kit is a great choice for those who love Mustangs. These model kit choices are always popular with the die-hard car enthusiast.
Putting Together Model Kits
Using the correct tools to properly assemble model car kits is essential. The proper tools will help the hobbyist get a more professional, realistic replica of the real production car. Artist brushes, ruler, hobby knife, glue, sandpaper, tweezers and acrylic paints are essential supplies needed to properly construct and design model car kits. If this is a hobby that you plan to invest a lot of time and money into, consider purchasing a modeler's cutting board. This board is inexpensive, and a great investment for the model car hobbyist. This type of cutting board will protect work surfaces, and help the hobbyist cut with precision.
Make sure you take a look at our model kit painting tips section. We have lots of helpful advice that will get you started in the right direction.
Model Car Kit Scales
Model car kits come in a variety of scales. The scales can range anywhere from 1:8 to 1:87. The larger scalemodel car kits are very popular with hobbyists, with 1:25 being one of the most popular scale measurements. This scale size would convert to be approximately six to seven inches in length. A larger scale size offers the hobbyist more intricate details, such as opening doors, engine assembly, working steering wheel and detailed interior. Larger scale model car kits are a fun challenge for car enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.
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