An Upmarket Beginner Set?

Let’s face it, getting into this hobby requires a few tools and supplies. But it doesn’t have to be a huge entry barrier for someone starting out. In fact, many of the tools needed can be easily sourced at a dollar store. For around $10 one can get started with the basics: a cutting mat and a xacto style hobby knife can be had in the craft section along with some half-decent paint brushes to paint cockpits, wheels, ordnance, and other bits. Fine-grade sanding paper (200-1000 grits) can be found a few aisles over in hardware and sanding sticks and polishers can be had in the cosmetics section.

Ten bucks and you have a pretty good start on decent model construction. However, I wholeheartedly do not recommend dollar store paints for anything but scenery, bases, or backdrops. The paints are not designed to be thinned down to the level one needs to cover a model while preserving the detail.

Of course, there are “in-the-box” solutions as well. We all remember those scale model ‘beginner’ sets. Typically they hung on a rack and featured either little cans of paint or one of those plastic runners with the paint pots all stuck together. I particularly remember the useless nylon brush with the white handle. And no set was complete without some extra stringy (and stinky) tube glue! Ahh the hallucinations after an afternoon of kit building…

I digress…

Well, these old sets are still available and are typically marketed towards the younger builder. But have a look at this:

Liquid glue, Vallejo paints, a decent brush, a decent set of nippers…. Seems to me this is a little upmarket compared to the Revell and Airfix beginner sets out there. Maybe I am overthinking this but I’d say this set is aimed at teens and adults who might want to roll up their sleeves, get messy and give this thing of ours a try.

If so, I think that is an excellent idea and I hope other manufacturers take notice.

Last Thing

I see other hobbies (knitting, crafting, scrapbooking) with their ‘beginner sets’ available a craft stores, I wonder how successful those are in converting the curious into the hardcore.

What do you think it would take for an adult to return to the hobby or give this hobby a try for the first time? Over the years I have heard various theories ranging from having them pick up cheap kits or having them start with the very best brands. I’d like to hear your thoughts!