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, you don't need a vast workshop or years of experience to create impressive models.

This guide simplifies the process by suggesting kits perfect for beginners, ranging from no-glue, no-paint options to those requiring more advanced techniques. We'll also cover essential tools and where to find them.

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

Many manufacturers offer beginner-friendly kits that are pre-colored and snap together easily. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many provide a satisfying challenge without the mess of glue and paint. Gundam kits are an excellent 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 more detail and complexity.

High Grade### Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero

5The Wing Zero HG kit includes a twin buster rifle, beam sabers, pile driver shield, and machine cannons.$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 and Ahab Reactor.$54.69 save 0%$54.69 at Amazon

Beyond Gundam: Other Snap-Together Kits

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

0Your favorite Star Wars bounty hunter is now a 1/12 scale model kit with a full array of accessories including interchangeable hand parts.$29.99 save 43%$17.02 at Amazon

Anime Model Kits

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

0Recreate iconic scenes from Dragon Ball Z with this standard model kit of Son Goku featuring an upgraded Muscle Build-Up System.$34.95 save 6%$32.99 at Amazon2. Anime Model Kit### Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

0Enjoy another fan-favorite anime build for Uzumaki Naruto, with superior tooling in the joints. Achieve action poses and signature attacks such as “rasen GAN”, “rasen shuriken”, and “shadow Clone jutsu”!$32.58 save 0%$32.58 at Amazon

Giant Robot Kits (Beyond Gundam)

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

2From Konami's series Metal Gear comes an epic model kit of the nuclear-armed bipedal tank Metal Gear Rex. Buying options vary and range from $154 and up.$154.00 save 0%$154.00 at Amazon### Good Smile CompanyHorizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

1This giant model kit comes in at 15" in length and will help you get into (mechanical) beast mode. It's an amazing build for Horizon Forbidden West fans and robot fans alike. Prices vary but start at $107.$107.64 at Amazon### Good Smile CompanyAliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

3Ellen Ripley included!See it

Dinosaur and Other Unique Kits

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

0Who doesn't want to own a cool miniature dino? This 1/32 T-Rex model kit is highly rated for its attention to detail, including impressive skull and two rows of special teeth on the upper jaw. It's posed in a crouching position so it's ready to jump!$44.00 save 16%$36.99 at Amazon### Bandai Store Triceratops

0If T-Rex isn't your thing, you can build the 1/32 Triceratops version of this Bandai model kit at a similar price point!$46.00 save 0%$46.00 at IGN Store### Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

0This is a unique and fun model kit for beginners. The inside is filled with 3D scanned noodles, egg, shrimp, and "mystery meat" to bring the food staple to life.$27.00 save 0%$27.00 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Nissan C110 Skyline GT-R Custom White 1:32 Scale Model Kit

1This white 1:32 scale Nissan car model kit is affordable, easy to build (with only 30 parts), and fun to display on any collector's shelf.$14.99 save 0%$14.99 at Amazon

Car Model Kits

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

0A classic BMW car model kit that brings a little bit of a challenge.$25.50 save 0%$25.50 at Amazon### Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

0Tip: Get yourself the Revell of Germany kits and not the American ones. Only 8 left in stock of this one!$34.99 save 0%$34.99 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 11 1:24 Scale Model Kit

0This Lambo includes exclusive parts for the R-SV such as the body and engine, plus scissor doors you can open up.$33.99 save 0%$33.99 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit

1VW fans love this kit based on the classic 1973 Beetle.$22.38 save 0%$22.38 at Amazon### Aoshima Aoshima Bunka Kyozai 1:24 Mobile Sales Series No. 8 Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model

0This realistic reproduction of a food truck is adorable!$19.77 save 52%$9.58 at Amazon

Military Model Kits

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

2Meet the M4A3E8, AKA "Easy Eight" model kit, a perfect build and paint project for history buffs and Fury movie fans alike.$44.99 save 0%$44.99 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

1The "worlds' strongest tank" but smaller! This 1/35 Abrams tank model kit even comes with body figures as an extra touch.$34.30 save 0%$34.30 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

0This 87-piece build is great for intermediate builders. The AV-8B Harrier II isredesigned from the previous generation.$21.99 save 0%$21.99 at Amazon### Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

0This 166-piece build has an impressive scale down from the complex form of the Harrier II.$36.89 save 0%$36.89 at Amazon

Essential Tools and Supplies

Tools:

### BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set

0This basic tool set is ideal for beginners. Tools include pliers, a carving knife, blades, sanding tools, and tweezers. Plus, it comes in a plastic case to take on the go and store the tools in.$7.99 save 0%$7.99 at Amazon### anezus 12inch x 18inch Rotary Cutting Mat Double Sided 5-Ply Craft Cutting Board

0Multipurpose craft mat and cutting board for model builds, cutting, engraving and beyond.$15.98 save 44%$8.99 at Amazon### Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

0Ditch the glue! Grab some model cement to fill in tiny gaps in your plastic kits or to fuse two pieces together.$8.99 save 0%$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, consider a combination of spray cans and water-based acrylics. Primer is essential for paint adhesion.

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

0A go-to primer for model kits, Mr. Hobby is a trusted brand for plastic builds.$15.35 save 0%$15.35 at AmazonON SALE!### Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

0The Vallejo brand brings model builders a non-toxic paint set option for model kits and miniatures. Coming in a pack of 16 assorted colors, this set was made for use on both metal and plastic, leaving no brushstrokes behind.$59.99 save 43%$34.04 at Amazon### Tamiya Tamiya 86034 PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint, 100ml Spray Can

1This classic red paint comes in a 100ml spray can and brings your model kits a nice, matte finish. It's high quality for its price.$9.30 save 25%See it

Where to Buy Model Kits

• Amazon: Offers deals but be mindful of inflated reseller prices.
• HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Vast selection but shipping can be expensive and slow.
• MegaHobby: Large selection with generally faster shipping than HLJ.
• IGN Store: Smaller selection, focusing on anime/pop culture kits.
• Local hobby shops: Support your local stores for expert advice and community interaction.

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