Models and young builders seem to have always been around but the way models would have been built, fifty years ago would have been very different. The model builders in the World War II era built their models out of balsa wood and tissue. A few more ambitious modellers carved their creations from solid wood using a plan as a guide and about this time, the solid plastic (known as Bakelite plastic) identification models began to appear. These models were used to help pilots recognise Allied and Axis aircraft. In Europe, the simple styrene plastic models from the FROG company that were issued in the pre-war period began to be manufactured again and distributed worldwide. In North America, companies such as Revell, Aurora and Monogram began to make plastic model kits in the late 1940Us. The model kits were, at first, very toy-like and other than the required assembly, did not resemble modern models.
Once it is constructed well and painted accurately, a model kit today is a miniature replica. The main difference between a toy and a model is the model builder who takes the time and care to build a model to look real. If you have never built a plastic model kit, what you purchase is actually a complex set of detailed parts that have been designed to fit together precisely. The manufacturer typically provides an instruction sheet (or manual in some cases), often including suggestions for ease of assembly along with colour references for markings and colour schemes to be used.
Selecting your first model takes into consideration a number of factors: What scale should be used? Models are miniature replicas that are scaled down versions of the real thing. In aircraft modelling, you have a choice over the popular 1/72 and 1/48 scales along with larger 1/32 and even 1/24 scales. Smaller scale aircraft in 1/144 or smaller scales are also available. The general rule is that the larger the scale (1/32 or greater), the more detail you will have due to the model kit being much larger. What complexity do you want? Many model kits now have complete interiors and fine detailing but at a price not only in money invested in the it but also in the time needed to finish a complex kit carefully. Finally, what subject do you want to model? Although we will concentrate on plastic scale aircraft models, there are many different types of aircraft models available. The choice is even greater when you realize that there are also cars, trains, figures, tanks, spaceships, buildings, animals,etc., etc. to choose from.
Model building is a skill to be learned but with help and practice, it can also be a skill that is fun to learn. The actual construction process is basically a two-stage process. The model kit is 1. assembled by gluing parts together and then 2. painted or finished. Having a guide in the form of a more experienced modeller may be much more useful than any of the model kits information sheets. The skills you learn in building your first models will result in each future model project becoming much better and more realistic. Having a chance to improve your models through displaying or even entering competitions hones your skills even more quickly. Above all, remember, it,s the fun of modelling that really counts. Don't be overly critical of your own or others first efforts, everyone starts that way! If you do want to go on improving modelling skills, it's your decision, but it will take a little time and effort.