Model building is a rewarding hobby, but starting out can feel daunting. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic kits, options range from tanks to sports cars, anime mechs to everyday items. While expert builds may look complex, requiring specialized tools and years of skill, beginners can create impressive models with ease.

To simplify your entry into this engaging craft, I’ve curated a selection of top kits. Many recommendations draw from my own experience. Start with no-glue, no-paint kits for simplicity, or explore advanced options if you’re ready for a challenge. Scroll to the end for must-have tools and supplies, plus where to find great LEGO alternatives.

No Glue, No Paint, All Fun!

Historically, model kits required glue and paint, but modern options are more accessible. Many brands now offer pre-colored, snap-together kits. While some “beginner” kits are overly basic, others deliver a rewarding challenge without the mess. Gundam kits are a prime example. If you’re new to modeling and love giant robots, these two kits are excellent starting points.

Under $25

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

1:144 Scale. Ages 15+. $12.99 at Amazon (14% off, was $15.14)Under $100

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

1:100 Scale. Ages 15+. $51.50 at Amazon (13% off, was $59.20)

Gundam kits come in grades: High Grade (HG, $15-30, ~6 inches tall), Master Grade (MG, $30-50, taller with more detail), Real Grade (mid-tier), Entry Grade (beginner-friendly), and Perfect Grade (expert-level).

High Grade

Bandai Hobby Wing Gundam Zero

Includes twin buster rifle, beam sabers, pile driver shield, machine cannons. $16.00 at Amazon (24% off, was $20.99)Master Grade

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

Features detailed Gundam frame and Ahab Reactor. $54.69 at Amazon

Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) is hugely popular, deserving its own list. For non-robot fans, I’ve selected snap-together kits from other genres with similar ease and appeal.

Star Wars Model Kits

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

Features articulated legs, rotating head, weapon systems. $29.64 at Amazon

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

Includes detailed inner cockpit. $29.64 at Amazon

Bandai brings its snap-together expertise to Star Wars, turning iconic vehicles and characters into pre-colored kits. Monochromatic models may benefit from a basic wash or dry-brushing to enhance details.

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

Includes interchangeable hand parts, accessories. $17.02 at Amazon (43% off, was $29.99)

Boba Fett’s vibrant, kitbashed look shines without paint. Stormtroopers, however, may need customization to avoid a plain appearance, as my colleague Brian Altano and I discovered.

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

13 Images

Anime Model Kits

1. Anime Model Kit

Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Dragon Ball Z’s Son Goku with Muscle Build-Up System. $32.99 at Amazon (6% off, was $34.95)2. Anime Model Kit

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Features posable joints for rasengan, shuriken, shadow clone poses. $32.58 at Amazon

Bandai’s Figure-Rise line brings anime icons like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Digimon to life with pre-colored, snap-together action figure kits.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

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

Nuclear-armed bipedal tank from Metal Gear. $154.00 at Amazon

My unbuilt Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex awaits due to its complexity and my frustrating experience with the Sahelanthropus kit. Rex’s sturdier design promises an easier build.

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

15-inch beast-mode robot for Horizon fans. $107.64 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Includes Ellen Ripley figure. $107.64 at Amazon

Good Smile Company’s Moderoid kits are pre-painted for quick assembly but come at a higher price.

Bandai Store Imaginary Skeleton – 1:32 Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus

Detailed T-Rex with skull, double-row teeth, crouching pose. $36.99 at Amazon (16% off, was $44.00)

Bandai Store Triceratops

1:32 Triceratops, perfect for prehistoric builds. $46.00 at IGN Store

Bandai’s dinosaur kits snap together in a single color, ideal for practicing weathering techniques to achieve a prehistoric look.

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

3D-scanned noodles, egg, shrimp, and mystery meat. $27.00 at Amazon

This quirky snap-together kit mimics a real Cup Noodle with surprising complexity, rivaling Gundam builds.

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

30-piece car kit, easy and display-ready. $14.99 at Amazon

Aoshima’s Snap Kit cars are quick to assemble, with pre-colored parts and stickers. Painting is optional for a polished look.

Military Model Kits

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

Easy Eight tank, ideal for history buffs. $44.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

1:35 Abrams with figure details. $34.30 at Amazon

Tanks are forgiving for messy paint jobs, mimicking real-world dirt and wear. Tamiya offers diverse military kits, including unique add-ons like 1:35 farm animals.

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

87-piece jet for intermediate builders. $21.99 at Amazon

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

166-piece detailed Harrier II. $36.89 at Amazon

Model scales vary: cars (1:24/1:32), military vehicles (1:35), aircraft (1:48/1:72). Find matching scales for cohesive displays.

Car Model Kits

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

Challenging classic BMW build. $25.50 at Amazon

I built this detailed BMW 2002 Tii as a Father’s Day gift, matching my dad’s real car. Great for experienced builders.

Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

High-quality McLaren kit, 8 in stock. $34.99 at Amazon

Revell of Germany kits outshine Revell USA’s offerings, per modeler consensus.

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

Includes R-SV body, engine, scissor doors. $33.99 at Amazon

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

Classic 1973 Beetle for VW fans. $22.38 at Amazon

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

Charming food truck replica. $9.58 at Amazon (52% off, was $19.77)

Aoshima’s range spans supercars to quirky food trucks, perfect for diverse tastes.

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLENX 8-Piece Model Tools Set

Includes pliers, knife, blades, sanding tools, tweezers, case. $7.99 at Amazon

Perfect starter toolset. Upgrade to Tamiya side-cutters or God Hand nippers for cleaner cuts.

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

Versatile mat for builds and crafts. $8.99 at Amazon (44% off, was $15.98)

Protects surfaces and simplifies project mobility.

Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

Melts plastic for seamless bonds. $8.99 at Amazon

Model cement fuses plastic parts with precision, unlike regular glue.

Paint:

For painting, I recommend rattle cans and water-based acrylics over airbrushing. Primer ensures better paint adhesion. Hobby spray paints offer finer mists than hardware store cans, preserving details.

Best Primer

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

Top primer for smooth, matte finishes. $15.35 at Amazon

Covers plastic imperfections, enhances paint grip.

ON SALE!

Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

16 non-toxic colors for metal, plastic. $34.04 at Amazon (43% off, was $59.99)

Water-based acrylics simplify mixing and cleanup with dropper bottles.

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

Matte red lacquer, ideal for large areas. $9.30 at Amazon (25% off)

Tamiya’s spray lacquers ensure smooth base coats, minimizing brushstrokes.

Model building is endlessly engaging, with constant learning opportunities. Experts share tips online—check YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, and Jun’s Mini Garage for techniques, or Laser Creation-World and Minibricks for diorama inspiration. Happy building!

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Amazon: Great deals, but watch for reseller markups. Compare prices online.HobbyLink Japan: Vast selection, but shipping can be slow (4-7 months) and costly. Bulk orders save on size-based shipping.MegaHobby: Wide range, ships within 6 months.IGN Store: Curated anime/pop-culture kits, frequent sales.Local hobby shops: Support them! Knowledgeable staff and community vibes, though specialties vary.