There's the Dory from ModelExpo. Is the first kit of the Shipwright Series, for modelers with no previous experience. You can buy just the kit or the combo, with all the tools and paint needed.
Like some of the replies, I also recommend plastic kits which often are not too expensive and easy to put together and the two of you can cooperatively assemble it as a shared project without the need to get many tools.
Another suggestion is to join a local club to see what others are doing. While ship model clubs are actually not that common, a better choice would be the more commonly available chapters of the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) and look for a local branch. Aside from ships, also lots of airplanes, armor, cars, etc. Also much more likely to find other kids of similar age. Although ostensibly about plastic models, the branches welcome models made from anything. Check https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Plastic_Modellers'_Society
Thank you, Ken, I was looking into your resource guide and it looks great but... incomplete! I have not found any words pointing to the ShipOfSale resource.
@penbleworm that’s a great idea. Another thought is if he really wants to build his first model, doing a video conference/conversation is a good remote way to “be there” for support. Set him up for an easy route to fun and success.
www.hobbies.co.uk
The tug looks a nice kit but just a bit concerned about all the curves for a first kit! Also been 'stung' in the past by buying something direct from China. It wasn't as per description and we sent it back at great expense and they never credited us! They approved the return and they said they would credit us and they didn't. They returned it back to us 6 months later which meant it was outside the timescale for PayPal to reimburse us. I said I would never buy anything direct from China again!can you help with the build if the need arises?
Nothing too expensive please.
i don't know what too expensive is. i was looking at a new pickup truck and the price was $92,000.00 so a $120.00 RC kit seems reasonable.
here is a nice model of a tug and i see there is a motor supplied with the kit so i am not sure if it an RC controled model or not
but take a look
View attachment 326439
The police boat kit does look like a fairly simple build for a young beginner. Not sure about the conversion to RC without a little help nearby at the bench. From the photo it appears to me that the shaft runs parallel to the keel line. This would mean removing a large section of the top of the keel piece, due to its' elevation to fit the stuffing box and motor. It certainly could be done with a few design changes.Good idea to perhaps use Zoom to help him remotely with the build. Thanks.
Has anyone built the Mantua Police Launch? It is suppose to be an easy to build display model but it that it can be converted to R/C. I'm wondering how easy that would be as I can't see any build blogs for this model.
Thanks in anticipation.Mantua Models 1/35 Scale Police Launch Boat Model Kit
Mantua Models Police Launch Wooden Motor Boat Kit Scale= 1:35 Length= 400mm Designed for the non-expert as an introduction to model shipbuilding. Contains all the small fittings to complete the boat. The model is easy pre-cut hard chine, panel-on-frame construction. With full diagrammmatic and...
