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

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

Model making is a captivating hobby, but starting can feel overwhelming. With countless kits available, from military vehicles to anime robots, it's easy to be intimidated. However, creating impressive models doesn't require a vast workshop or years of experience.

This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated selection of kits suitable for all skill levels. We'll start with no-glue, no-paint options, then progress to kits requiring more advanced techniques. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and supply sources.

No-Glue, No-Paint Kits: A Perfect Start

Many model companies offer beginner-friendly kits that are pre-colored and snap together. 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:

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 greater 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, Bandai offers snap-together kits for 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

Anime Model Kits & More

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

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

0Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit.$32.58 save 0%$32.58 at Amazon

Bandai's Figure-Rise line extends beyond Gundam, encompassing characters from Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and more.

Giant Robot Kits (Beyond Gundam)

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

3Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model KitSee it

Kotobukiya and Good Smile Company offer pre-painted, high-quality giant robot kits.

Other Notable Kits

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

01:32 Tyrannosaurus Rex model kit.$44.00 save 16%$36.99 at Amazon### Bandai Store Triceratops

01:32 Triceratops model kit.$46.00 save 0%$46.00 at IGN Store### Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

01:1 Cup 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

11:32 Nissan Skyline GT-R model kit.$14.99 save 0%$14.99 at Amazon

Aoshima's Snap Kit series offers easy-to-build car models.

Military & Car Model Kits

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

21/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit.$44.99 save 0%$44.99 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

11/35 M1A2 Abrams Model Kit.$34.30 save 0%$34.30 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

01:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus.$21.99 save 0%$21.99 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

01:48 AV-8B Harrier II.$36.89 save 0%$36.89 at Amazon### Hasegawa 621123 Model Car BMW 2002 Tii 1:24 Model Kit

01:24 BMW 2002 Tii Model Kit.$25.50 save 0%$25.50 at Amazon### Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

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

01:24 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Model Kit.$33.99 save 0%$33.99 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit

11:24 Volkswagen Beetle 1303S 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

01:24 Yakitori Ryuho Food Truck Model.$19.77 save 52%$9.58 at Amazon

Tamiya and Hasegawa offer high-quality military kits, while Aoshima and Hasegawa provide detailed car models.

Essential Tools & Supplies

### BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tools Set

08-Piece Model Tools Set.$7.99 save 0%$7.99 at Amazon### anezus 12inch x 18inch Rotary Cutting Mat Double Sided 5-Ply Craft Cutting Board

012inch x 18inch Rotary Cutting Mat.$15.98 save 44%$8.99 at Amazon### Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

0Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue.$8.99 save 0%$8.99 at Amazon

Invest in good-quality hobby tools, a cutting mat, and model cement for optimal results.

Painting Techniques

For painting, consider using hobby-grade spray paint and water-based acrylics. Primer is essential for proper paint adhesion.

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

0GSI Creos Mr. Hobby Surfacer 1000 Primer.$15.35 save 0%$15.35 at AmazonON SALE!### Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

0Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set.$59.99 save 43%$34.04 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya 86034 PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint, 100ml Spray Can

1Tamiya PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint.$9.30 save 25%See it

Where to Buy Model Kits

• Amazon: Offers a wide selection but be mindful of inflated reseller prices.
• HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Extensive selection but shipping can be expensive and slow.
• MegaHobby: Another reputable online retailer with a large selection.
• IGN Store: Carries a curated selection, often featuring anime/pop-culture kits.
• Local Hobby Shops: Support your local hobby stores for personalized advice and community engagement.

Happy Modeling! Remember to explore online resources like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks for inspiration and tutorials.