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.

[Ferrus Manus]

I wanted to start him off with plastic kits, as that is the skill set I have and can help him with. I am aware of some of Heller's smaller boats, the ones that come to mind right now are the Sinagot and the Kurun. I have never managed to find a place where the Kurun was available online, for one thing. That leaves us with the Sinagot. I have seen several build logs for the Sinagot, and there are multiple listings on eBay. I have also done some research on French working luggers, and I can say that Heller's Sinagot would need a considerable amount of modification/scratchbuilding to look halfway decent. I am searching for something that he could build relatively easily out of the box. 

I have found that some of the modern-ish cruising yacht models made by Japanese manufacturers like Otaki are available, and they are extremely varied. They seem to be of a decent quality and relatively easy to build. I may at some point buy myself one of the more complex ones for a fun little project, who knows. 

Edited May 7 by Ferrus Manus

[Ferrus Manus]

I have found that the wood model ship scene (as a more challenging medium for a total beginner, but easier than advanced-level plastic modeling) has far more and far better beginner kits than the plastic scene. A great example that comes to mind is Model Shipways' beginner set, with the Dory, Pram and Lobster Smack.