Small Scale – Five Kit Classics

For almost as long as we have had the car, we have had the scale model car. There is something so captivating about the intricate detail that comes from a smaller scale vehicle. Plus, these models allow us to indulge in our motoring wants without having to clog up the driveway or sell our favourite items. Many of us have collections of model cars, be they eclectic or focused on one brand/model. Some collect just to have them, some collect to build impressive displays. Others buy them to build them, which leads us to the world of scale model kits. 

Buying a model car is one thing, but buying one and building it is another altogether. There is nothing quite as satisfying as putting a model on display that you yourself have built. Rich in detail, perfect paint and precision panel gaps, building a modern car is hugely enjoyable. And that’s why we’ve gathered five of our favourites here. Buy one of these and you’ll still get your car tinkering fix, but without having to be in a cold garage. It really is the best of both worlds. 

1) Revell Opel GT 1/32

German brand, Revell, is a long-standing champion of the model car world. The kits it offers are always wonderfully cast and need minimal tinkering in order to build them. They’re rich in detail, but aren’t so complicated that they become frustrating to build. And the good thing about Revell kits is the fact that if you build them right, they always look excellent. A lot of time is spent to make sure these little cars are proportionally perfect and faithful to their roadgoing counterparts. If you like detail, these kits are for you. 

This Opel GT, in 1/32 scale, it set at skill level three, meaning it only consists of 25 parts. If you’re new to the world of building scale models, but you want a proper ‘glue and paint’ affair, this is a perfect place to start. 

Top tip: Dedicated model paint is thinner than car paint, so preserves the details.

2) Revell Chevrolet Chevelle 1/25

Big, noisy American cars are awesome, there’s no denying that. However, they’re also a bit of a handful to own. They’re heavy on fuel, you have to get parts from thousands of miles away and of course, you need a garage the size of Wandsworth if you want to keep them inside. Which you have to, because they’re about as secure as a tupperware tub. How do you scratch the itch, then? You build a small one of course. 

This 1/25 scale Chevelle, again by Revell, is a skill level four model, meaning well over a hundred parts. Building this, you’ll actually get to see how the real car is built. And at the end of it, you’ll have your own small scale muscle car. 

Top tip: Invest in a filing kit to sand the body and parts to avoid sharp edges

3) Haynes V8 Engine

Model making isn’t just about building cars, you can build bits of them, too. Take a look at this brilliant kit that sees you build a ‘working’ V8 engine. By which we mean an engine that goes through the motions – it doesn’t actually run, that would be lunacy! Made by Haynes, the same people famous for many a guide, this transparent model allows you to see the internals of the engine as it cycles through the four strokes. 

Not only is this kit just good fun to build, it’s also a great one to get the kids involved with. With this, you can teach them how an engine works without needing to get oily and greasy. Instead, you get to build it on the dining room table. And that’s good, because passing on the passion for cars to the next generation is important. 

Top tip: Never use superglue on your models – it will fog up clear plastics

4) Italeri Mk2 Ford Escort 1/24

Everyone likes an old Ford, especially if it has got a hint of motorsport to it. Sadly though, the real cars are a tad on the pricey side when they come up for sale, so for now we have to make do with small versions like this 1/24 scale kit from Italeri. Packing loads of detail, this is a kit for the more experienced modeller. Though, don’t be put off if you’re not, it’s just a plastic kit – it’s not like you’re taking an angle grinder to the real thing! 

This is a must for any rally car fan, and one that definitely looks the part. Okay, so it doesn’t say ‘Rothmans’ on it, but it’s the right livery design at least, and your paint brush isn’t limited by copyright issues, so you could change the ‘racing’ graphics it comes with. Get a bit of Ari Vatenen in your display cabinet, you know you want to! 

Top tip: Some weathering powders will make this car look stage fresh!

5) Tamiya 1:12 Ducati 916

How about building a two-wheeled icon in the form of this Ducati 916 from Tamiya. If you’re all about the intricate details, the Tamiya kits are for you. The quality within the moulding is stunning. Of course, you still have to do some sanding and fine-tuning once the parts are off the spriggs, but that’s all part of the fun! Once done, and if done well, you’ll have an incredible little model to show off. 

Tamiya models are definitely for the more experienced builder, as the parts can be extremely fragile and small. But once the model is done, you can see how it all pays off. The proportions are spot on, the decals and details are perfect. You’ll be incredibly proud of yourself. And rightly so!

Top tip: Special decal solution will help the graphics fit to the model more snugly