Model making offers a rewarding hobby, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic kits spanning everything from military vehicles to anime robots, the sheer variety can be daunting. Seeing the stunning creations of experienced modelers might suggest a need for extensive tools, surgical precision, and years of practice, but that's simply not true. This guide simplifies the process, offering approachable kits and essential supplies to get you started.
To make entering this hobby easier, I've compiled a list of worthwhile kits, many based on personal experience. We'll start with glue- and paint-free options, then progress to kits requiring more hands-on assembly. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and where to find them.
No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!
While traditional model kits demanded glue and paint, that's no longer always the case. Many companies offer beginner-friendly, pre-colored snap-together kits. Note that some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, but plenty offer a satisfying challenge without messy materials. Gundam kits are a prime example. If giant robots appeal to you, these are excellent 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). HG kits are usually $15-30, around 6 inches tall. MG kits are $30-50, slightly taller and more detailed. Other grades offer varying levels of complexity.
High Grade
Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero
Includes twin buster rifle, beam sabers, and more.
$16.00 at Amazon
Master Grade
Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos
Features detailed internal mechanics.
$54.69 at Amazon
Gundam's popularity warrants its own category, but for those less interested in giant robots, similar snap-together kits exist for other properties.
Star Wars Model Kits
Bandai Hobby AT-ST
1/48 Scale
See it at Amazon
Bandai Hobby Y-Wing Starfighter
1/72 Scale
$29.64 at Amazon
Bandai Hobby Boba Fett
1/12 Scale
$17.02 at Amazon
Bandai offers numerous pre-colored Star Wars snap-together kits. A basic wash or dry-brushing can enhance detail on less colorful models.
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How to Get Started with Model Kits
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Like any hobby, model making is endlessly engaging. Many experts share their work and tutorials online. Check out channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks for inspiration.
Model Kit FAQs
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