I facy building a fighter in 1/48 scale. I would like some recommendations for a good kit to start with from Cold War to modern.
Cookie

Hi Paul:

If you want a good easy to work with kit in 1/48 I can not come up with anything better than just about any Tamiya kit. They are the long time industry standard for extremely well engineered kits that are very easy to assemble with almost no problems.

If you can afford it, any of their F-16 kits are a great place to start. They also have cold war era prop driven planes like the Douglas Skyraiders. If you are just starting out though,the only thing I would suggest you NOT do is get something that is a natural metal finish (unpainted bare metal) like the F-84

Gary

Tamyia F-51D Korean Markings... awesome kit.

For simplicity and ease of building, try the Tamiya Bf 109 or Spitfire. If you want something inexpensive and relatively simple, there's always the Revell Mustang which is really the ICM kit, which is kind of a copy of the Tamiya kit. This is not a bad thing.

If you want something a little older, then give the Eduard I-16 or Fokker D.VII a try.

I agree with Jessica on a Tamiya Spitfire. I did a Mk.I with a colored Eduard Zoom set for the cockpit. A pleasure to build, great fit and looks wonderful with just a little TLC. The Tamiya P-51B is also a great build.

I agree on anything Tamiya does (though expensive) if you are interested in russian aircraft maybe try Eduards MiG-21 Series. Trumpeter/Hobbyboss is not that bad too. Hasegawa F-8, F-14s and F-18s might be worth a thought too.

Problem is that modern jets are a little more complex than ww2 fighters (thus the others recommended Messerschmitts and Spitfires as a start )

cheers

Steffen

Paul,
Rather then suggest more kits, here's what not to build form Cold War to Modern, especially in 1/48 scale. Within your time frame, I'm going to assume that you're interested in jets over props. If props are ok, I'd go for any Tamiya kit over most others especially Eduard kits, as they're easier to build, and generally have less parts.

For jets, stay away from any kits that have multi piece fuselages like F-14s, F-15s, and F-18s. There is usually a step issue that needs to be taken care of before and somewhat after gluing. The smaller jets like a F-16 would be a better option.

I would also pick a subject that has a simply paint scheme. Some of the modern schemes are quite complex.

Joel

HobbyBoss kits are on clearance at Hobbyeasy. A-7, Mirage, F-80, F-105, Tornado. The Academy F-4 Phantom was recommended to me by a friend as having no issues with the build. The A-4 offers many options, if you can find one. Is there a particular aircraft that appeals to you? I would say start there and then see which kit brand looks best.

Hi Paul

Cold War to Modern? - Eduard's "Weekend Edition" Mirage III wouldn't be a bad choice.

All the best

Rowan

Eduards Mirage is fiddly! I really would recommend a small jet so a MiG-21 or F-16 would fit the bill best.(IMHO)

cheap: Hasegawa F-16, Academy MiG-21

a bit more expensive but better fit and detail: F-16 Tamiya, MiG-21 Eduard (that kit really goes together well!)

BTW Revells F-15E is both affordable and very well done (best of all F-15E's on the market)

Avoid buing aftermarket stuff!! it will steal your joy.

all the best

Steffen

Thanks guys that's give me something to think about. I have a Tamiya Sykraider might try it.