What Is A Skill Level One Model Kit?

If you’re not familiar with model kit ratings your first experience may not be as fun if you get in over your head. Modeling is a hobby that takes practice, patience, and time to get your desired result. We will delve into the level one kits with some examples of easy to make kits to make it more enjoyable for you.

Level one is for those who are new to model building. A Level one model kit will generally have between 10 to 40 pieces that snap together. This level of kit is painted when manufactured and comes with peel and stick decals. Level one teaches you how a car goes together with the body parts and wheels. 

What Age Are Skill Level One Models Most Suited For?

Skill level one models are for those five to eight and older. With adult supervision a child could start building these at age five. Since these kits do not require gluing or painting there are no toxic smells or hazards used in building this level.

What Things Will A Skill Level One Model Teach?

The basic idea of these models is learning how things go together like body parts and wheels. They are a simple snap together kit that teaches motor skills, learning to do things in order and how to follow instructions.

What Tools Are Needed To Build A Skill Level One Model?

Skill level one kits only require a few basic tools to get started. A sharp hobby knife or parts cutter to remove the parts from the tree, a file to remove any burrs off of the parts and a clean flat working surface for cutting and assembling.

Here is a good level 2 kit for beginner modelers. Check price on Amazon: Ford Mustang GT

• Revell Easy-Click System Plastic Model Car Kit #85-1238 is skill level 2 and contains 12 parts. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 
• Easy-click assembly, no glue or paint required. Peel ‘n stick decals. 
• Model scale 1:25 
• Detailed interior, strong body construction, metal axles, and rotating wheels. 
• Molded in red, black, and clear with rubber tires.

Examples Of Level One Kits

Here are a few skill level 1 models that are available.

AMT 1980 Toyota Hilux SR5 Pickup

• AMT’s 1/25 scale Toyota 4×4 snap kit is the perfect project for builders just getting started.
• SIMPLE AND EASY: The Toyota 4×4 kit was created with new builders in mind. It’s a cool Hilux pickup with rad features, including rugged vinyl tires, roll bar with lights, winch crash bar, detailed raft and more! It features authentically detailed water-slide decals with 2 color options
• 1/25 Scale, 35 Parts, 7.25 inches long once assembled. Parts molded in beige and clear with black vinyl tires. No cement required. Plastic model kit paint may be used to enhance your build if desired. Paint guide included in kit. Skill Level 1.

If desired this model can be painted your choice of colors. No glue required and no paints are included in the kit. The kit includes detailed instructions with a painting guide if you decide to paint. This would make a good second or third model for a beginner.

F15 Eagle Jet

This authentic jet is a snap together kit so it doesn’t require glue. It has multicolored parts so there is no painting required. Like all Revell kits it is an accurate reproduction with meticulous details. Includes easy to follow detailed instructions which make it perfect for a beginner modeler.

Polar Lights 1966 Batmobile

This is the ever popular 1966 Batmobile from the television series and movies. It is a super accurate body with great detailing that Includes Batman and Robin figures. This kit is a pre-painted 1:25 scale snap-together assembly so no glue or paint is required. Includes detailed instructions.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Millennium Falcon

This kit includes nineteen easy snap together pieces so glue or tools will not be needed for assembling. This kit includes a light up Hyper-drive Motivator with battle action sounds ranging from machine gun fire to a realistic takeoff. Comes with detailed instructions and no painting is required.

Final Thoughts

Now you have to decide which model you want to build (or gift) first then buy it and start building. If your first model is a little too hard you can save it and finish it later when your skills catch up. Start with an easy one and soon you’ll be building skill level fives. Happy Modeling!

During the last few years, the folks at Revell-Monogram
have produced some really nice, really accurate car kits in the
SnapTite line. They’re ideal for fun weekend projects, and with
just a little extra detailing work, you’ll end up with a finished
model that no one would suspect was a snapper. -Matthew Usher

Related Topics

Here is a list of some of the skills that model making will help you develop:

• Researching
• Planning
• Cutting
• Drilling
• Sculpting
• Sanding
• Gluing
• Painting
• Detailing
• Photography
• Following detailed instructions

How do you paint a plastic model kit?

1. Wash the parts in warm soapy water.
2. Base coat with primer.
3. Sand the primer with a very fine grit sand paper.
4. Stir paint before painting.
5. Brush paint the model. Or
6. Use a spray can in light layers. Or
7. Use an airbrush.

Some Of My Favorites

Testors Model Paint Enamel 10pc Paint Set with Storage Case

53 Piece Model Tools Kit