As long as we have had the car, we’ve had scaled down versions, too. The world of model kits that you can build yourself is not only immersive - it’s also vast and full to the brim of new techniques and skills that you can learn.
They’re more than just toys, that’s for sure. Want to know what we’re on about? Read on and discover five reasons why building scale model cars is awesome.
01 You can teach yourself real world skills
When you were a kid, painting a model car may have seemed like a laborious task. Plus, you probably hadn’t yet mastered the dexterity needed to do it well. As an adult though, building models cars has real-world implications.
To get a good finish on your 1/24 scale kit, you need to prime, you need to sand, you need to lacquer and you need to polish. Handily though, you can do all this at your dining room table, without having to take the family car apart. Get the paint on a model car right, and you’ll soon build your confidence.
02 It’s a good way to learn cars
Okay, so you’re not going to be able to see the tiny details, but for a general overview of how a car works, how its packaged if you like, you can’t do much better than a model kit. You are, after all, building a car.
Most decent models go together in exactly the same way as a real car, so when you assemble one, you’ll see where the prop goes, how the engine fits, how the steering works. It’ll be fun and educational, so needless to say, it’s a great one for the kids to get involved with.
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03 You can build the car or your dreams
You can buy a model kit of almost any car, so there you go, you can own and build the car of your dreams. Great stuff, put it gets better. Not only can you get your dream ride, you can get it with no compromises.
You want a certain style of wheel, you can fit it. You want it on a weird and wonderful colour? Your only limit is the paint shelf at your local model shop.
You want to fit an engine from a different car? Then you crack on. All it takes is a bit of glue!
04 There’s a world of help out there
Much like real cars, scale model cars benefit from a vast and knowledgeable following that is full of people willing to offer advice and inspiration.
If you’re not sure how to do something, or would like to see someone else’s attempt, you’re never more than a couple of clicks away. The model car world is a passionate and enthralling one, and once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
05 It’s easy on the wallet
So you want to buy or build that Ferrari F40. You’re going to need half a million to buy it, and probably the same again to build it into your specification. If you go down the scale model route, though, you could do the whole thing for £50.
Not only that, you can display the finished product on a shelf in your lunge, which is pretty cool. Plus, if you get bored of it, you can take it all apart and change it for minimal outlay. Seriously, real cars are overrated!