My local Wal-Mart carries a new item, 1/32 scale model kits by 21st Century Toys. They come boxed like regular kits and are described as unassembled, unpainted model kits. The two they had on hand, the Corsair and Fulgore described working and movable parts, much like the Monogram kits of old. Opening cockpits and retractable landing gear are some features. I noticed the Stuka and a few other planes in the line.

Are these good starter kits for the kids?

I hear they are pretty good and have been wanting to get a corsair myself - unfortunately never in stock at the local walmart.

Here is a nice build up from Brett Green of hyperscale. He worked to make his more than most kids would start with, but it gives a great idea of what the kits are and what can be done with them.

http://www.hyperscale.com/features/bf109f221c32bgbg_1.htm

Allen

Hi Robin!

There are some VERY NICE pictures of a finished model here.

I think they are very good starter kits especially since they are cheap, well detailed (but not too much), and with a good paint job they look fantastic (see link). The only problem is to eliminate the screw holes which are present on the kits as these were originaly supposed to be pre-build models I believe. If you are not into 100% accuracy they are definitely an option from what I've read so far on the web and perfect starter kits!

Jean-Luc

OH! I WANT I WANT I WANT!!!

More 1/32 scale kits are music to me ears! Well... Okay, I'm being silly now.

I just like large scale kits and 1/32 seems to be producing a lot of nice stuff.

I find 1/48 just a wee bit too small. a bit disappointing really...

I'd love a 1/32 Avro Lancaster!

..here's their latest release, III./JG 300 Oblt. Kurt Gabler's aluminum G-6 Moskito chaser..and a photo of the real machine from my website by way of comparison.... amazing to think that these 'kits' retail for something like $20 in the States and getting on for three times that over here in Europe....

Hmm, three times the American price over here?

Maybe I won't bother then.

Actually I've been able to get them for under $10 USD. From what I've been told the Zero is very accurate OOB. Wal-Mart doesn't standardize their inventory between stores, so finding a specific kit is a crapshot at best. If you find one or more of the kits, buy them all! Use them as trade goods with others to get the kits you're missing. That reminds me, time to make the rounds of the four Wally Worlds in my local area to check stock.

I ran out to purchase one, a Bf109 which I did as a slam kit. I built this in just a couple of hours. It was fun and it showed me the potential of the kit had I wanted to spend hours detailing it further.