Some comments:
As far as accuracy & detail is concerned, the Japanese import kits (ie. Tamiya, Hasegawa, etc.) are usually of a higher standard. But they come with the commesurate price. In general the US kits (Monogram, Revell, etc.) are not quite up to the same level, but they are considerably cheaper.
This isn't to say that you can't make a fine model from a US kit. Often they're only lacking in tiny little detail points that no one would really notice anyways.
I'd
strongly suggest that anyone getting into modelling starts with some inexpensive kits from their local model/hobby shop. 99.9% of us don't have the patience and skill to do such a great job as meitla has on only his second model. Most of us are gonna screw alot of stuff up and go through a learning curve. If you expect a highly detailed replica as opposed to the glue covered messes you made as a young boy, it's gonna take some time to learn to do it right. You're going to probably trash some plastic in the process. Always nice when you destroy a fuselage that cost $12 instead of one that cost $60.
There are multitudes of sites online that proffer kit reviews, tips, techniques, etc. The usenet group rec.models.scale gets a pretty good amount of traffic, with real-world reviews and plenty of good info. You can also fine several newsstand magazines, the best US one being FineScale Modeller.
http://www.micromark.com is my favorite place for tools. They cater to the hobbyist.
Speaking of tools, when you wanna take your model building to the next level you
need an airbrush. It's possible to turn out a decent paint job with a bristle brush or a spray can, but nothing compares to an airbrush. 'Specially if you wanna get into detailed camo paint jobs and such. I use an Aztec/Testors A470 with an Airmaster compressor.
http://www.testors.com/Product.asp?product%5fid=A4709Essential tools:
Exacto knife - I've got a bunch. One of the wooden box sets is a great start.
Liquid model glue - If you're not 9 years old, you better not be using that goop in a tube.
Several thicknesses of Cryoanalate glue (Super Glue) and accellerator - used for alot more than just sticking things together.
Dremel tool - Quite possibly the coolest tool ever invented. I use both a corded one and a rechargable.
Picks and tweezers - I've got lotsa sizes of tools that I use to hold, seperate, clean, adjust, etc with.
Lighted magnifying glass. I've got one of those biggish round ones that clamps to the table.
A good place to work. Dragging the kit onto the kitchen table whenever you wanna work on it isn't conducive to a quality finished product. I'll post a pic of my workspace soon.
D
