Plastic modeling for the complete beginner

[Ferrus Manus]

I recently had a conversation with a coworker about model ships. I showed him my current and past projects, and he decided he wanted to at least give scale model shipbuilding a try. He has zero experience with scale modeling or anything close to it. I did my best to explain the core tenets of scale model shipbuilding with the time I had. 

What are some plastic scale model sailboats/sailing ships that would be good for the complete beginner? Preferably a small subject at a large scale. Any information would be useful. 

[GrandpaPhil]

In plastic, I would recommend some of Heller’s simpler plastic ships or boats.  Those are what I learned on.

 

If your friend wanted to try a wood model, Midwest’s kits are great learning tools that are cheap and back in production.  I learned a lot from building their Sharpie Schooner back in the late 1990’s.