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 kits spanning military vehicles, sports cars, anime robots, and countless other subjects, 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 simply not true. Getting started is easier than you think!

To simplify your entry into this engaging pastime, I’ve compiled a list of worthwhile kits, many based on personal experience. We'll start with kits requiring no glue or paint, then progress to options for those ready to embrace more involved techniques. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and where to find these fantastic LEGO alternatives.

No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!

While model kits traditionally demanded glue and paint, that’s no longer always the case. Many manufacturers offer beginner-friendly, pre-colored kits that snap together easily. Note that some “beginner” kits are overly simplified, but plenty provide a satisfying challenge without messy adhesives or paints. 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
41:144 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
21:100 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 generally $15-30 and around 6 inches tall, while Master Grade (MG) kits cost roughly $30-50 and are slightly larger, offering more detail and 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 dedicated list, but for those less interested in giant robots, similarly easy-to-assemble kits exist for other franchises.

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 offers many pre-colored, snap-together Star Wars kits. While some benefit more than others from additional paint, a basic wash or dry-brushing can enhance detail, especially on monochrome vehicles.

Bandai Hobby Boba Fett
1:12 Scale
$17.02 at Amazon

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

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

Anime Model Kits

Bandai Hobby Son Goku
$32.99 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto
$32.58 at Amazon

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

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex
$154.00 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Thunderjaw
Prices vary, starting at $107

Good Smile Company Power Loader
See it

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

Bandai Hobby Tyrannosaurus
$36.99 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Triceratops
$46.00 at IGN Store

Bandai Hobby Cup Noodle
$27.00 at Amazon

Aoshima Nissan Skyline GT-R
$14.99 at Amazon

Aoshima's Snap Kits are easy to assemble and come in various themes.

Military Model Kits

Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman Tank
$44.99 at Amazon

Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank
$34.30 at Amazon

Tamiya offers a wide selection of military vehicles, forgiving of less-than-perfect paint jobs.

Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus
$21.99 at Amazon

Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II
$36.89 at Amazon

Model scales vary (1:1 is life-size, 1:2 is half-size, etc.). Common scales for cars are 1:24 or 1:32, while military ground vehicles are often 1:35, and aircraft can be 1:48 or 1:72.

Car Model Kits

Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii
$25.50 at Amazon

Revell McLaren 570S
$34.99 at Amazon

Note the difference between Revell USA and Revell Germany kits.

Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador
$33.99 at Amazon

Aoshima Volkswagen Beetle
$22.38 at Amazon

Aoshima Yakitori Food Truck
$9.58 at Amazon

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tool Set
$7.99 at Amazon

anezus Cutting Mat
$8.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement
$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, consider rattle cans and water-based acrylics. Primer is crucial for paint adhesion. Hobby spray paints offer a finer mist than hardware store options.

GSI Creos Mr. Surfacer 1000 Primer
$15.35 at Amazon

Vallejo Basic Acrylic Paint Set
$34.04 at Amazon

Tamiya Bright Red Spray Paint
See it

Model making is a continually evolving hobby with endless possibilities. Online resources 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 (beware of inflated reseller prices), HobbyLink Japan (extensive selection but potentially slow and expensive shipping), MegaHobby, the IGN Store, and your local hobby shop (supports local businesses and offers expert advice).