An Expert's Guide to the Best Model Kits For Adults in 2025

Model building: A beginner's guide to fantastic kits and essential supplies

Model making is a rewarding hobby, but starting can feel overwhelming. With countless kits available, from military vehicles to anime robots, it's easy to be intimidated. However, you don't need a vast workshop or years of experience to create impressive models. This guide simplifies the process, offering recommendations for various skill levels and highlighting essential tools and resources.

Snap-Together Kits: No Glue, No Paint Required

Many companies offer beginner-friendly kits that require no glue or paint. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplistic, others provide a satisfying challenge. Gundam models are a popular entry point:

Under $25### Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit

41:144 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.$15.14 save 14%$12.99 at AmazonUnder $100### Bandai Hobby Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit

21:100 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.$59.20 save 13%$51.50 at Amazon

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG kits are generally affordable and simpler, while MG kits offer more detail and complexity.

High Grade### Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero

5The Wing Zero HG kit includes a twin buster rifle, beam sabers, and more.$20.99 save 24%$16.00 at AmazonMaster Grade### Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100

2The Gundam Barbatos 4th form MG kit features a detailed internal frame.$54.69 save 0%$54.69 at Amazon

Beyond Gundam: Other Snap-Together Options

Bandai's snap-together approach extends to other franchises:

Star Wars Model Kits

### Bandai Hobby Bandai AT-ST 1:48 Scale Star Wars All Terrain Scout Transport Walker

0Y-Wing Starfighter kit has an inner cockpitSee it at Amazon### Bandai Hobby Bandai Hobby Star Wars 1:72 Y-Wing Starfighter Building Kit

1AT-ST from Star Wars was recreated as a detailed model kit with articulated legs, rotating head and weapon systems.$29.64 save 0%$29.64 at Amazon

### Bandai Hobby Boba Fett, Bandai Spirits Hobby 1/12 Plastic Model Kit

0Boba Fett model kit with accessories.$29.99 save 43%$17.02 at Amazon

Bandai also offers Figure-Rise kits featuring anime characters:

1. Anime Model Kit### Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

0Son Goku model kit.$34.95 save 6%$32.99 at Amazon2. Anime Model Kit### Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

0Uzumaki Naruto model kit.$32.58 save 0%$32.58 at Amazon

Giant Robots (Beyond Gundam) & Other Kits

Several manufacturers offer non-Gundam mecha kits:

### Kotobukiya Kotobukiya Metal Gear Solid: Metal Gear Rex (Black Ver.) Model Kit

2Metal Gear Rex model kit.$154.00 save 0%$154.00 at Amazon### Good Smile CompanyHorizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

1Thunderjaw model kit.$107.64 at Amazon### Good Smile CompanyAliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

3Power Loader model kit with Ellen Ripley.$See it

Other unique kits include:

### Bandai Store Bandai Hobby - Imaginary Skeleton – 1:32 Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus

0Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton model kit.$44.00 save 16%$36.99 at Amazon### Bandai Store Triceratops

0Triceratops skeleton model kit.$46.00 save 0%$46.00 at IGN Store### Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

0Cup Noodle model kit.$27.00 save 0%$27.00 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Nissan C110 Skyline GT-R Custom White 1:32 Scale Model Kit

1Nissan Skyline model kit.$14.99 save 0%$14.99 at Amazon

Military and Car Model Kits

Tamiya and Hasegawa offer high-quality military kits:

### Tamiya Tamiya 35346 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit

2M4A3E8 Sherman tank model kit.$44.99 save 0%$44.99 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

1M1A2 Abrams tank model kit.$34.30 save 0%$34.30 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

0AV-8B Harrier II model kit.$21.99 save 0%$21.99 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

0AV-8B Harrier II model kit.$36.89 save 0%$36.89 at Amazon

Car kits are available from Hasegawa, Revell, and Aoshima:

### Hasegawa 621123 Model Car BMW 2002 Tii 1:24 Model Kit

0BMW 2002 Tii model kit.$25.50 save 0%$25.50 at Amazon### Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

0McLaren 570S model kit.$34.99 save 0%$34.99 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 11 1:24 Scale Model Kit

0Lamborghini Aventador model kit.$33.99 save 0%$33.99 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit

1VW Beetle model kit.$22.38 save 0%$22.38 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Bunka Kyozai 1:24 Mobile Sales Series No. 8 Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model

0Yakitori food truck model kit.$19.77 save 52%$9.58 at Amazon

Essential Tools and Supplies

Basic tools include:

### BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set

08-piece model tool set.$7.99 save 0%$7.99 at Amazon

A cutting mat is crucial:

### anezus 12inch x 18inch Rotary Cutting Mat Double Sided 5-Ply Craft Cutting Board

0Cutting mat.$15.98 save 44%$8.99 at Amazon

Model cement is preferred over regular glue:

### Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

0Model cement.$8.99 save 0%$8.99 at Amazon

Paints: Primer is essential for paint adhesion. Spray cans and water-based acrylics are recommended.

Best Primer### GSI Creos Mr. Hobby B519 Mr. Surfacer 1000 Large Spray

0Mr. Hobby primer.$15.35 save 0%$15.35 at AmazonON SALE!### Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

0Vallejo acrylic paint set.$59.99 save 43%$34.04 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya 86034 PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint, 100ml Spray Can

1Tamiya spray paint.$9.30 save 25%See it

Where to Buy Model Kits

• Amazon: Offers a wide selection but be mindful of inflated prices from resellers.
• HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Extensive selection but shipping can be expensive and slow.
• MegaHobby: Another large online retailer with a good selection.
• IGN Store: A smaller selection, primarily anime/pop-culture kits.
• Local Hobby Shops: Support your local hobby shop for personalized advice and community interaction.

Remember, model making is a journey. Enjoy the process, explore different techniques, and don't be afraid to experiment! For inspiration, check out YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks. Happy building!