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

Model making offers a rewarding hobby, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic models available, encompassing everything from military vehicles to anime robots, the sheer variety can be daunting. Seeing the impressive creations of experienced modelers might suggest a need for extensive tools, surgical precision, and years of practice, but that's a misconception. This guide simplifies your entry into this enjoyable pastime.

To ease your initiation, I've compiled a list of worthwhile kits, many based on personal experience. We'll start with kits requiring minimal supplies (no glue or paint!), then progress to options for those ready for a more involved build. Finally, essential tools and supply sources are detailed.

No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!

For a long time, model kits necessitated glue and paint. That's no longer always the case. Many manufacturers offer beginner-friendly, pre-colored, snap-together kits. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, numerous options provide a satisfying challenge without messy adhesives or paints. Gundam kits are a prime example! If giant robots appeal, these are excellent starting points:

Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit

1/144 Scale. Recommended age: 15+. $12.99 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit

1/100 Scale. Recommended age: 15+. $51.50 at Amazon

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). High Grade (HG) kits are typically $15-30 and around 6 inches tall, while Master Grade (MG) kits cost $30-50 and are slightly larger and more detailed. Other grades cater to varying skill levels.

Bandai Hobby 1/144 Wing Gundam Zero

Includes twin buster rifle, beam sabers, and more. $16.00 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100

Features a detailed internal frame and Ahab Reactor. $54.69 at Amazon

Gundam's popularity warrants its own detailed guide, but for those less interested in giant robots, similar snap-together kits exist for other franchises.

Star Wars Model Kits

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

See it at Amazon

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

$29.64 at Amazon

Bandai offers many pre-colored Star Wars snap-together kits. While some benefit more from this treatment than others, a basic wash or dry-brushing enhances detail on less colorful models.

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

$17.02 at Amazon

Boba Fett's colorful design looks great unpainted. Stormtroopers, however, benefit from customization.

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

Anime Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

$32.99 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

$32.58 at Amazon

Bandai's Figure-Rise line extends beyond robots to anime characters from various franchises.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

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

From Konami's Metal Gear series. Prices from $154.

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

15" long. Prices from $107.64 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Includes Ellen Ripley. See it

Good Smile Company's Moderoid line offers pre-painted kits, but at a higher price point.

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

$36.99 at Amazon

Bandai Store Triceratops

$46.00 at IGN Store

These dinosaur skeletons are snap-together and pre-colored, ideal for those hesitant about painting.

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

$27.00 at Amazon

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

$14.99 at Amazon

Aoshima's Snap Kits are easy to assemble and mostly pre-colored.

Military Model Kits

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

$44.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

$34.30 at Amazon

Tanks are forgiving subjects for painting, allowing for creative weathering techniques.

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

$21.99 at Amazon

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

$36.89 at Amazon

Model scales vary; understanding them is crucial for choosing compatible kits.

Car Model Kits

Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii 1:24 Model Kit

$25.50 at Amazon

Revell of Germany McLaren 570S

$34.99 at Amazon

Revell of Germany kits are generally preferred over Revell USA kits.

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

$33.99 at Amazon

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

$22.38 at Amazon

Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model

$9.58 at Amazon

Aoshima offers a diverse range of vehicle kits.

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tools Set

$7.99 at Amazon

anezus Rotary Cutting Mat

$8.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue

$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, a combination of spray cans and water-based acrylics is recommended. Primer is essential for paint adhesion. Hobby-grade spray paints provide a finer mist than hardware store options.

GSI Creos Mr. Hobby Surfacer 1000

$15.35 at Amazon

Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

$34.04 at Amazon

Tamiya PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint

See it

Model making is a continually evolving hobby with abundant online resources. YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks offer inspiration and tutorials.

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Options include Amazon (check for reseller markups), HobbyLink Japan (extensive selection, but expensive shipping), MegaHobby, the IGN Store, and local hobby shops.