Model making offers a rewarding hobby, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. With nearly a century of injection-molded plastic kits encompassing everything from military vehicles to anime robots, the sheer variety can be daunting. While master model builders' creations might seem to require extensive tools, surgical precision, and years of experience, that's simply not true. This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated list of kits suitable for all skill levels, starting with those requiring no glue or paint.

To make this enjoyable pastime more accessible, I've compiled a selection of kits based on personal experience. We'll begin with kits needing minimal supplies, then progress to recommendations 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!

Traditionally, model kits required gluing and painting. However, many companies now offer pre-colored, snap-together kits perfect for beginners. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, plenty offer a satisfying challenge without the mess of paint and glue. Gundam kits are a prime example. If giant robots intrigue 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). High Grade (HG) kits are usually $15-30 and around 6 inches tall; Master Grade (MG) kits cost $30-50 and are slightly taller, with more detail. Other grades cater to different skill levels.

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, Bandai Spirits MG 1:100
Detailed Gundam frame and Ahab Reactor.
$54.69 at Amazon

Gundam's popularity warrants its own detailed guide, but for those less interested in giant robots, similar snap-together kits exist for other franchises:

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 Star Wars 1:72 Y-Wing Starfighter Building Kit
$29.64 at Amazon

Bandai Hobby Boba Fett, Bandai Spirits Hobby 1/12 Plastic Model Kit
$17.02 at Amazon

Bandai offers many Star Wars snap-together kits. While some benefit from painting, others, like Boba Fett, look great unpainted.

[Image Gallery of 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 extends beyond robots, offering colorful snap-together kits of anime characters.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

Kotobukiya Metal Gear Solid: Metal Gear Rex (Black Ver.) Model Kit
$154.00 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit
$107.64 at Amazon

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit
See it

These pre-painted kits offer a satisfying build without the need for painting, but they tend to be pricier.

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 Nissan C110 Skyline GT-R Custom White 1:32 Scale Model Kit
$14.99 at Amazon

These kits offer a variety of subjects, from dinosaurs to food trucks, and are generally easy to assemble.

Military Model Kits

Tamiya 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit
$44.99 at Amazon

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

Military kits, particularly tanks, are forgiving of less-than-perfect paint jobs.

Car Model Kits

Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii 1:24 Model Kit
$25.50 at Amazon

Revell of Germany McLaren 570S
$34.99 at Amazon

Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 1:24 Scale Model Kit
$33.99 at Amazon

Aoshima Volkswagen 13AD Beetle 1303S ’73 1:24 Model Kit
$22.38 at Amazon

Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Plastic Model
$9.58 at Amazon

Car kits offer varying complexity levels, from simple snap-together models to more intricate builds.

How to Get Started with Model Kits

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Tools:

BXQINLEN 8-Piece Model Tools Set
$7.99 at Amazon

anezus Rotary Cutting Mat
$8.99 at Amazon

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Glue
$8.99 at Amazon

Paint:

For painting, a combination of spray cans and water-based acrylics is recommended. Primer is essential for paint adhesion. Mr. Hobby Surfacer is a popular choice.

GSI Creos Mr. Hobby Surfacer 1000
$15.35 at Amazon

Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set
$34.04 at Amazon

Tamiya PS-34 Bright Red Spray Paint
See it

Water-based acrylics are easy to clean up. Tamiya spray lacquers provide a convenient alternative for larger areas.

Model making is a continuously rewarding hobby. Numerous online resources, such as YouTube channels (SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, Minibricks), offer inspiration and tutorials.

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Several options exist: Amazon (check for reseller markups), HobbyLink Japan (extensive selection, but expensive shipping), MegaHobby, IGN Store (smaller selection, but regularly updated), and local hobby shops (support your local businesses!).