For many modellers, one of the most appealing aspects of the hobby is the sheer scope and diversity of subject matter available.  This inevitably offers great opportunities for modellers to periodically tackle subjects outside their normal area of interest or field of expertise.  Modellers who normally work on modern Railways may choose to tackle an aircraft kit, or those who normally tackle ship models may take on an armour subject.  Vehicle and car kits are often a popular choice for those looking for something a little different.  Vehicle kits offer a number of advantages to a modeller, namely they are generally produced in larger scales than other subjects and so offer high levels of detail without a need for large areas of display space.  Additionally, they often have a lower parts count than large scale kits in other fields, making them reasonably straightforward, yet highly detailed subjects.  For this week's newsletter, we will look at some of the available options for those who maybe tempted by the prospect of building an iconic vehicle kit.

The  Robin Reliant metal construction set  by Coach House Partners will no doubt generate an air of nostalgia for many who fondly remember the comedy series Only fools and horses , and the trusty steed used by Delboy and Rodney Trotter.  This kit is also likely to evoke fond memories for those who remember Meccano kits in their youth.  For newcomers to the hobby and children it offers the opportunity to develop engineering skills and manual dexterity.  New modeller's are also catered for by a number of the major manufacturers, including Airfix who have aimed their starter sets at new and returning modellers, such as their  Bugatti Chiron  in 1:43 scale.  These models contain the basic kits plus glue, paints and a brush to get started.  Similarly, their 'Quickbuild' series offers a great range of subjects such as the  Ford Mustang GT 1968 , offering a great starting point for children to get into the hobby.

One of the most popular scales for vehicle kits is 1:32 scale.  It offers a very good balance between high levels of detail and completed size.  As such, it is a great choice for novice modellers or those who are trying a vehicle kit for the first time, as it offers great level of detail without being overly complex.  The  VW Beetle  by Revell will allow Modellers an opportunity to build a truly iconic vehicle in this popular scale.  Another popular scale is 1:24, which provides all the advantages that 1:32 has to offer whilst producing a slightly higher level of challenge to the modeller.  The  Delorean  from  Back to the future  offers an interesting challenge with a film tie-in for 1:24 scale afficionados.  The ubiquitous  1/4 Ton Truck Willys  kit from Mistercraft will allow modellers to recreate the  famous  Willy's Jeep  in the popular 1:72 scale.  This scale offers great advantages for those wishing to build a collection of models or for those wishing to try their modelling skills in building a simple diorama.

For our next items we are returning to 1:24 scale and specifically two iterations of a classic and iconic French vehicle.  With over 3.8 million vehicles produced between 1948 and 1990, the Citroen 2CV is instantly recognisable with its distinctive shape and silhouette.  The  Citroen 2CV Cocorico kit by Revell reflects a specific 2CV limited edition of 1,000 vehicles, produced in 1986 to celebrate the French team participating in the 1986 World Cup.  Likewise, the  Citroen 2CV Charleston  kit by Heller reflects another special edition, this time from 1980.  The  Charleston , with its distinctive round headlights and distinctive maroon and black paint scheme proved so popular that it entered mainstream production the next year.  Rounding off our selection of iconic French cars is the  Citroen DS19.   First produced in 1955, the DS19 remained in production for 20 years and was produced in a number of countries including the UK.  The  DS19  kit produced by Heller in 1:43 scale captures well the distinctive shape of this classic car.

For modellers looking for a vintage subject there are plenty of available options to choose from.  The  1930 Bentley 4.5 Litre Supercharged  kit produced by Airfix is almost as iconic as the real thing.  Originally produced in 1971, this 1:12 scale kit has recently been re-released and is a fitting tribute to the supercharged car that drove at Le Mans in 1930.  The  Model T 1914 Fire Truck  kit by ICM is a slightly unusual kit.  Based on the standard Model T car of 1908, this 1:35 scale Firetruck variant was used by the U.S. Military to guard military camps and airfields from the ever present threat of fire.  Rounding off our selection for this week is the  Citroen 11 CV gift set  by Heller in 1:43 scale.  First produced in 1934, the 11 CV was the World's first monocoque-bodied, front wheel drive mass produced car and remained in production until 1941.  The gift set by Heller contains the standard 11 CV kit plus a selection of paints with glue and a brush.

Although for many modellers making car and vehicle kits is their main area of interest, for many others it may well be an interesting diversion from their usual interests.  Nonetheless, the sphere of automotive modelling offers plenty of scope and interesting opportunities for all modellers.  The combination of high detail associated with large scales and the compact footprint of a completed model offer significant advantages.

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