Scale Models Make a Comeback for Kids #ThinkChristmas

From the 1960s-1980s, building scale models of real-world cars, trucks and other vehicles was largely a kids’ activity. Over the next few decades, however, the kids who grew up making models became the adults who designed them, and even the entry-level products became too difficult for today’s kids to build. Revell has stepped in to reverse the trend.

Revell introduced a new generation of model kits with three new skill levels that redefine the modeling experience for kids 6-12. Among the highlights: snap-together, “build and play” kits for kids 6-8 (starting two years younger than traditional products) that can be assembled in 30 minutes.
All 26 products in the new collection – which will be continually expanded – were designed and tooled from scratch based on an exhaustive one-year market evaluation that included consumer surveys, focus groups, over 15,000 ‘Make ‘n Takes,’ and experiential in-store research.

Now available at all Michaels stores, the new plastic models provide play value for the youngest modelers for the first time, reduce piece counts and build times, and decrease complexity that causes kids to abandon modeling projects. Four new Revell-exclusive product categories introduced in the collection to meet these objectives are:

• SnapTite® Build & Play™ (Skill Level 1 for ages 6-8) – These kits feature 10 to 20 pre-decorated pieces that can be snapped together in less than 30 minutes with no need for glue, paint or tools. They can also be used for play after assembly, thanks to use of safe and durable materials that can withstand handling. These are the first model kits to offer play value at the 6-year-old age rating, which is two years younger than standard.
  
• SnapTite® (Skill Level 2 for ages 8-10) – These models include 20 to 45 pre-decorated, snap-together pieces with build times of up to one hour, offering a step up from Skill 1 kits and easy-to-apply customizing stickers to challenge older modelers without presenting a level of difficulty that will discourage involvement. Assembly may require the use of a screw driver, but no paint or glue is needed.
• SnapTite® Max (Skill Level 2 for ages 8-12) – With 25 to 60 pre-decorated snap-together pieces and the same one-hour build times as SnapTite models, these kits again feature easy snap assembly and customizing stickers while also presenting a bigger challenge for intermediate modelers because of the higher piece counts. Again, assembly may require the use of a screw driver, but no paint or glue is needed.
   

• Skill Level 3 for ages 10-12 – These introductory glue kits contain 40 to 70 pre-decorated pieces (up to 50% fewer pieces than traditional glue kits for this age) and require glue and tools for assembly but make paint optional for those who want to add extra creativity, detail and customization. Project time may take up to three hours. The result is an enjoyable first-time glue kit experience that prepares builders for a transition to full glue-and-paint kits available in Revell’s existing line of Skill Level 4 and 5 models.

In addition, all packaging has been redesigned for easy identification of skill level, target ages and build time on the box front, eliminating confusion on the shelf and simplifying parents’ purchase decisions. Box backs show piece counts as well as glue/paint/tool needs, picture other kits in that particular skill level for easy parent selection, and summarize all Revell model skill levels to help parents zero in on the right products for their children.

Building model cars never go out of style, there are always new cars, planes, ships and more waiting for little hands to explore and build. I remember watching my brother build model cars as a child. Now that I have my own son, I love that my son and husband spend time together building too. Model car building it great for developing both the creative and technical parts of a child’s mind. Building a scale model of a car allows for father/son time and for the kids to build something with their hands. Afterwards the finished product can be proudly placed on display, your child while be filled with pride building something themselves and love the quality time spent with dad! As the kids get older the sets get a little more complex and they can attempt to build them on their own or still continue the tradition of family time!

This Christmas, give a gift that is a reminder of family time, time spent building and learning together and something your child will be proud of.... a model car kit!  These are available for purchase at Michaels, so pick one up today!

About Revell Inc.
Revell has been a worldwide leader in scale plastic model kits since 1945. Today, Revell offers more than 7,000 different accurately detailed cars, trucks, ships, aircraft, spacecraft and more scale plastic model kits. The company is a subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. one of the largest designer, manufacturer and distributor of radio control and model hobby products in the world. For more information, visit www.revell.com.

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