Model making offers a rewarding hobby, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic kits encompassing everything from military vehicles to anime robots, the sheer variety can be daunting. Seeing expert creations might suggest a need for extensive tools, surgical precision, and years of experience, but that's simply not true. This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated selection of kits perfect for beginners, regardless of skill level.
To demystify this enjoyable pastime, I've compiled a list of recommended kits, many based on personal experience. We'll start with glue- and paint-free options, then progress to kits for those ready to delve into more intricate builds. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and supplies, and where to find them.
No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!
For a long time, model kits required glue and paint. Today, that's not always the case. Many manufacturers offer beginner-friendly, pre-colored, snap-together kits. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many provide a satisfying challenge without the mess of paint and glue. Gundam kits are a prime example. If giant robots appeal to you, these are excellent starting points:
Under $25
Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit
1:144 Scale. Recommended age: 15+. $12.99 at Amazon
Under $100
Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit
1:100 Scale. Recommended age: 15+. $51.50 at Amazon
Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). High Grade (HG) kits are typically $15-30 and around 6 inches tall; Master Grade (MG) kits cost roughly $30-50 and are slightly larger and more detailed. Other grades offer varying levels of complexity.
High Grade
Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero
$16.00 at Amazon
Master Grade
Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos
$54.69 at Amazon
Gundam's popularity warrants its own dedicated list. For those less interested in giant robots, similarly straightforward kits exist for other properties.
Star Wars Model Kits
Bandai Hobby AT-ST
See it at Amazon
Bandai Hobby Y-Wing Starfighter
$29.64 at Amazon
Bandai offers snap-together Star Wars kits. While some benefit from painting, others, like Boba Fett, look great unpainted.
Bandai Hobby Boba Fett
$17.02 at Amazon
Simpler kits, like Stormtroopers, might benefit from customization.
Anime Model Kits
Bandai Hobby Son Goku
$32.99 at Amazon
Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto
$32.58 at Amazon
Bandai's Figure-Rise line extends beyond robots to include anime characters.
Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)
Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex
$154.00 at Amazon
Good Smile Company Thunderjaw
$107.64 at Amazon
Good Smile Company Power Loader
See it
These kits offer a different take on giant robots, with varying levels of complexity and price points.
Bandai Hobby Tyrannosaurus
$36.99 at Amazon
Bandai Store Triceratops
$46.00 at IGN Store
Bandai Store Cup Noodle
$27.00 at Amazon
Aoshima Nissan Skyline GT-R
$14.99 at Amazon
Military Model Kits
Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman Tank
$44.99 at Amazon
Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank
$34.30 at Amazon
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus
$21.99 at Amazon
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II
$36.89 at Amazon
Military kits offer opportunities for weathering and detailing techniques.
Car Model Kits
Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii
$25.50 at Amazon
Revell McLaren 570S
$34.99 at Amazon
Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador
$33.99 at Amazon
Aoshima Volkswagen Beetle
$22.38 at Amazon
Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Food Truck
$9.58 at Amazon
Car kits offer varying levels of detail and complexity.
How to Get Started with Model Kits
Tools:
BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tool Set
$7.99 at Amazon
anezus Cutting Mat
$8.99 at Amazon
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement
$8.99 at Amazon
Paint:
For painting, consider a combination of spray cans and acrylics. Primer is essential for paint adhesion. Hobby-grade spray paints provide a finer mist than standard spray paints.
GSI Creos Mr. Surfacer 1000 Primer
$15.35 at Amazon
Vallejo Basic Acrylic Paint Set
$34.04 at Amazon
Tamiya PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint
See it
Water-based acrylics are easy to clean up. Lacquer spray paints offer a convenient alternative for larger areas.
Model making is a continuously evolving hobby. Numerous online resources, such as YouTube channels (SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, Minibricks), offer inspiration and tutorials.
Model Kit FAQs
Where is the best place to buy model kits?
Several options exist: Amazon (check for reseller markups), HobbyLink Japan (extensive selection, but expensive shipping), MegaHobby (good selection), IGN Store (smaller selection, but regularly updated), and local hobby shops (support your local businesses!).
