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

Model building: A beginner's guide to an engaging hobby. Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be! This guide simplifies your entry into the world of model kits, from no-glue options to advanced builds.

No-Glue, No-Paint Kits: The Perfect Starting Point

Traditional model kits often require glue and paint, but many beginner-friendly options are now available pre-colored and snap-together. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many offer a satisfying challenge without the mess. Gundam kits are a fantastic example:

Under $25### Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit

41:144 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.

Under $100### Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit

21:100 Scale. Recommended age: 15 years and up.

Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG (High Grade) are generally smaller and less complex, while MG (Master Grade) are larger and more detailed.

High Grade### Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero

Master Grade### Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100

Beyond Gundam, Bandai offers snap-together kits for other franchises:

Star Wars Model Kits

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

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

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

While some Star Wars kits benefit from a basic wash or dry-brushing to enhance detail, Boba Fett's colorful design looks great unpainted.

Anime Model Kits

1. Anime Model Kit### Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

2. Anime Model Kit### Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Bandai's Figure-Rise line offers pre-colored snap-together kits of popular anime characters.

Giant Robot Kits (Beyond Gundam)

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

### Good Smile CompanyHorizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

### Good Smile CompanyAliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Other Notable Kits:

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

### Bandai Store Triceratops

### Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

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

Military and Car Model Kits

These kits often require paint and glue, offering a more advanced challenge.

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

### Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

### Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

### Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

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

### Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

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

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

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

Essential Tools and Supplies

• Basic tool set (nippers, hobby knife, tweezers, sanding tools)
• Cutting mat
• Model cement
• Primer (e.g., Mr. Hobby Mr. Surfacer)
• Acrylic paints (e.g., Vallejo Model Color)
• Spray paint (e.g., Tamiya PS line)

### BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set

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

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

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

ON SALE!### Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

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

Where to Buy Kits:

• Amazon
• HobbyLink Japan
• MegaHobby
• Local hobby shops

This guide provides a starting point. Explore online resources (YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks) for inspiration and advanced techniques. Happy building!