Much of the scale model passion divides pretty neatly into two worlds - the craft-driven hobby of scale modelling, and the collector-driven desire for a ready-built collection.
The two camps are both quite well served today, and there is certainly some crossover between the two.
There are pros and cons for the two sides. Building a scale model from a kit is likely to be deeply satisfying and indeed much more personal – after all, every iteration of an F-4 Phantom (II for example) is effectively a one-off, depending on skill level, amount of added super-detailing and the particular colour scheme chosen.
On the other hand, ready-built models give the satisfaction of ownership and the chance to buy into a limited-edition run, without needing a high skill level or have the time required to produce a top-class replica.
Expense is also an issue. An Airfix Avro Lancaster typically costs less than a quarter of its Corgi diecast equivalent. However, if you factor in the time and effort taken to construct and finish a decent kit, especially to top-marks show level, then the kit will almost certainly end up costing far more!
I don’t know if I’m typical, but work and family pressures don’t allow much in the way of spare time, so I’m a prime target for a third type of model: easy-build. This is a form that has been perfected by Revell especially, with its well-made selection of cars, aircraft and sci-fi subjects.
Which camp are you in? Or do you do a bit of all three?
Click here for Lancasters of all sorts, plus the really interesting Haynes Manual on this famed World War II aircraft.
Click here for Revell Easykits, including an interesting Pirate Ship.