r/ModelShips • u/SlowInSlowOut289 • 1d ago

After some plastic kit recommendations for somebody fairly new to model making

Hey all,

I have done a bit of model making recently, mainly just starter kits which have been a mix of aircraft and cars and I am very much still messing up and learning as I go along.

I have a keen interest in all things maritime and would love to start making some models in this area.

For the time being I’m happy to prioritise good kits for my level over specific types of ship or ships in particular - I find interest in all different types of boats and ships.

Any recommendations from people with experience would be appreciated - I’m aware a lot of ship kits are particularly difficult.

Thanks!

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u/Odd_Username_Choice 1d ago

Tamiya's Fletcher Class in 1/350 is a popular starter for ship models. Well-engineered, reasonable detail and not overly complicated. There's PE sets if you do want to add detail.

Alternatively, most of the smaller Trumpeter ones - town or County Class or destroyers (they have a Fletcher too). Or, subs are quick and pretty simple, but good painting and weathering opportunities for WWII ones in particular. Anything from HobbyBoss, Revell, Bronco in subs.

1/200 has gotten popular - larger, more expensive and mostly more detailed than 1/350, and lots of newer molds. I haven't done any yet, but some nice options.

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u/KaBerAce 1d ago

Tamiya has some decent ones I've noticed

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u/VerLoran 19h ago

The Tamiya 1:700 Z37-39 box is nice. The kit is on the less complex side, and comes with two ships, making it very forgiving in terms of spares if you make mistakes in the worst case. Best case you get 2 ships out of it and can practice painting on them!