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

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

Mar 04,2025 Author: Carter

Model building: A beginner's guide to this rewarding hobby. Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of model kits available? Don't be! This guide provides a curated selection of kits perfect for novices, from simple snap-together builds to more challenging projects.

No Glue? No Paint? No Problem!

Traditional model kits often require glue and paint. However, many entry-level kits are now pre-colored and easily assembled. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many offer a satisfying challenge without messy adhesives or paints. Gundam kits are a great example:

Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit (Under $25) - 1:144 scale. A fantastic starting point.

Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit (Under $100) - 1:100 scale. More complex and detailed.

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG is a good starting point.

Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero (High Grade)

Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100 Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos (Master Grade)

Beyond Gundam, numerous other pre-colored snap-together kits exist:

Star Wars Model Kits

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

Bandai Hobby Bandai Hobby Star Wars 1:72 Y-Wing Starfighter Building Kit Bandai Hobby Star Wars Y-Wing Starfighter

Bandai Hobby Boba Fett, Bandai Spirits Hobby 1/12 Plastic Model Kit Bandai Hobby Boba Fett (Highly detailed and colorful)

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

Anime Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit Bandai Hobby Son Goku

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto

Giant Robot Kits (Beyond Gundam)

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

Good Smile CompanyHorizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw

Good Smile CompanyAliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader

Other Unique Kits

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

Bandai Store Triceratops Bandai Triceratops

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle Bandai 1:1 Cup Noodle (Surprisingly complex!)

Aoshima Aoshima Nissan C110 Skyline GT-R Custom White 1:32 Scale Model Kit Aoshima Nissan Skyline GT-R

Military & Car Model Kits

These often require more skill and tools.

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

Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II

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

Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S Revell McLaren 570S

Aoshima Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 11 1:24 Scale Model Kit Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador

Aoshima Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit Aoshima Volkswagen Beetle

Aoshima Aoshima Bunka Kyozai 1:24 Mobile Sales Series No. 8 Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Food Truck

Getting Started

Essential Tools:

BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set Basic Model Tool Set

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

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

Paints:

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

Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set Vallejo Acrylic Paint Set

Tamiya Tamiya 86034 PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint, 100ml Spray Can Tamiya Spray Paint

Where to Buy:

  • Amazon: Wide selection, but check for reseller markups.
  • HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Huge selection, but shipping can be expensive and slow.
  • MegaHobby: Large selection, generally faster shipping than HLJ.
  • IGN Store: Smaller selection, focusing on anime/pop culture kits.
  • Local Hobby Shops: Support your local stores!

Enjoy the rewarding world of model building! Remember to explore online resources for inspiration and tutorials. Happy building!

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