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

Model making is a fantastic hobby, but knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic models available—from military vehicles and sports cars to anime robots and everyday objects—the sheer variety can be daunting. Seeing the incredible creations of experienced modelers might suggest you need a fully equipped workshop, surgeon-like precision, and years of practice. But that's simply not true. To make getting started easier, I've compiled a list of kits worth exploring, many based on my own experiences. We'll start with kits requiring no glue or paint, then move on to options for those ready to get their hands a little dirty. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and supplies and where to find them.

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No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!

While model kits traditionally required glue and paint, that's no longer always the case. Many companies offer beginner-friendly kits that are pre-colored and easily snap together. Keep in mind that some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, but many offer a satisfying challenge without the mess. Gundam kits are a prime example! If giant robots appeal to you, these are great starting points.

Under $25

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

1:144 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.
$12.99 at Amazon

Under $100

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

1:100 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.
$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. Master Grade (MG) kits cost roughly $30-50 and are slightly taller, with more detail and complexity.

High Grade

Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero

The Wing Zero HG kit includes a twin buster rifle, beam sabers, pile driver shield, and machine cannons.
$16.00 at Amazon

Master Grade

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

The Gundam Barbatos 4th form features a reproduced Gundam frame and Ahab Reactor.
$54.69 at Amazon

Gundam's popularity warrants its own dedicated list, but for those not interested in giant robots, here are some other options with the same ease of assembly.

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

The AT-ST features articulated legs, a rotating head, and weapon systems.
$29.64 at Amazon

Bandai offers snap-together Star Wars kits. While some benefit more than others from painting, a basic wash or dry-brushing can enhance details on monochrome models.

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

Boba Fett's colorful design looks great without paint.
$17.02 at Amazon

My colleague and I customized some Stormtrooper kits:

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 offers various anime characters.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

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

Prices vary from $154 and up.
$154.00 at Amazon

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

Prices vary but start at $107.
$107.64 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Ellen Ripley included!
See it

Good Smile Company's Moderoid line is pre-painted and pricier.

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

$36.99 at Amazon

Bandai Store Triceratops

$46.00 at IGN Store

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

$27.00 at Amazon

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

$14.99 at Amazon

Aoshima's Snap Kit series is easy to assemble.

Military Model Kits

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

$44.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

$34.30 at Amazon

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 (1:1 is life-size, 1:2 is half-size, etc.). Common scales include 1:35 for ground vehicles and 1:48 or 1:72 for aircraft.

Car Model Kits

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

$25.50 at Amazon

Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

$34.99 at Amazon

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

$33.99 at Amazon

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

$22.38 at Amazon

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

$9.58 at Amazon

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set

$7.99 at Amazon

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

$8.99 at Amazon

Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, I prefer a combination of spray cans and water-based acrylics. Primer is essential for paint adhesion. Hobby spray paints create a finer mist than hardware store paints.

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

$15.35 at Amazon

Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

$34.04 at Amazon

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

See it

Model making is a rewarding hobby with a vast online community offering inspiration and tutorials. Check out YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks.

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Amazon: Offers deals but watch out for inflated reseller prices. HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Huge selection but expensive and slow shipping. MegaHobby: Good selection with faster shipping than HLJ. IGN Store: Modest selection, mainly anime/pop culture kits. Local hobby shops: Support your local stores!