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 building is a captivating hobby, but starting can feel overwhelming. With countless kits available, from military vehicles to anime robots, it's easy to feel lost. However, mastering this pastime doesn't require a vast workshop or years of experience.

This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated list of kits perfect for beginners. We'll cover options requiring no glue or paint, and progress to more advanced kits for those ready for a challenge. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and where to find them.

No Glue? No Paint? No Problem!

Many modern model kits are pre-colored and snap together, eliminating the need for glue and paint. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many offer a satisfying build without messy adhesives or paints. Gundam kits are a prime example:

Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit (Under $25) - 1:144 scale. Recommended for ages 15+.

Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit (Under $100) - 1:100 scale. Recommended for ages 15+.

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG kits are generally less complex and cheaper than MG kits.

Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero (High Grade)

Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos (Master Grade)

Beyond Gundam, numerous snap-together kits exist for various franchises:

Star Wars Model Kits

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

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

Bandai Hobby Boba Fett, Bandai Spirits Hobby 1/12 Plastic Model Kit Bandai Hobby Boba Fett (1:12 Scale)

Anime Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Giant Robot Model Kits (Beyond Gundam)

Kotobukiya Kotobukiya Metal Gear Solid: Metal Gear Rex (Black Ver.) Model Kit Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex (1:100 Scale)

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

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

Dinosaur Model Kits

Bandai Store Bandai Hobby - Imaginary Skeleton – 1:32 Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus Bandai Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus (1:32 Scale)

Bandai Store Triceratops Bandai Triceratops (1:32 Scale)

Other Unique Kits

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle Bandai 1:1 Cup Noodle

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

Car Model Kits

Hasegawa 621123 Model Car BMW 2002 Tii 1:24 Model Kit Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii (1:24 Scale)

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

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

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

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

Military Model Kits

Tamiya Tamiya 35346 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit Tamiya US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman (1:35 Scale)

Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank (1:35 Scale)

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus (1:72 Scale)

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II (1:48 Scale)

Getting Started

Essential Tools:

BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tools Set

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

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

Paints:

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

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

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

Where to Buy Kits:

Amazon: Wide selection, but check for reseller markups.
HobbyLink Japan: Extensive 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 like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks for inspiration and tutorials.