Model building: A beginner's guide to awesome kits and essential supplies.
Model making is a fantastic hobby, but knowing where to start can be daunting. With a century of injection-molded plastic models available, ranging from military vehicles to anime robots, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. However, you don't need a workshop or years of experience to create impressive models.
This guide simplifies the process, offering a curated list of kits perfect for beginners, categorized for easier selection. We'll cover no-glue, no-paint options, and then delve into kits requiring more advanced techniques. Finally, we'll cover essential tools and where to find them.
No-Glue, No-Paint Kits: A Smooth Start
Many model companies offer beginner-friendly kits that are pre-colored and easily assembled. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, plenty offer a satisfying challenge without paint or glue. Gundam kits are a prime example:
Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit (Under $25) - 1:144 scale. A great entry point.
Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit (Under $100) - 1:100 scale. More detailed and complex than HG kits.
Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG). HG is generally the easiest for beginners.
Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero (High Grade) - Another excellent HG option.
Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos (Master Grade) - A more challenging MG kit.
Beyond Gundam: Snap-Together Fun
Bandai extends its snap-together approach to other franchises:
Bandai Hobby Bandai AT-ST Star Wars Walker - A detailed Star Wars model.
Bandai Hobby Star Wars Y-Wing Starfighter - Another great Star Wars option.
Bandai Hobby Boba Fett - A colorful and detailed kit.
Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits - May benefit from some basic weathering techniques.
Anime Model Kits
Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit - From Dragon Ball Z.
Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit - From Naruto.
Giant Robot Kits (Beyond Gundam)
Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex - A large and impressive kit.
Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw - A pre-painted, high-quality kit.
Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader - Featuring Ellen Ripley!
Other Notable Kits
Bandai Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus - A detailed dinosaur skeleton.
Bandai Triceratops - Another dinosaur option.
Bandai 1:1 Cup Noodle - A unique and fun kit.
Aoshima Nissan Skyline GT-R - Easy-to-build car kit.
Military and Car Kits
Tamiya US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman - A classic tank kit.
Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank - Another excellent tank option.
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus - A detailed aircraft kit.
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II - A larger-scale Harrier.
Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii - A detailed car kit.
Revell of Germany McLaren 570S - High-quality car kit.
Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador - Another supercar option.
Aoshima Volkswagen Beetle - A classic car kit.
Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Food Truck - A fun and unique kit.
Getting Started: Essential Tools and Supplies
Basic Model Tool Set - A good starting point.
Cutting Mat - Protects your work surface.
Model Cement - For joining plastic parts.
Paints:
GSI Creos Mr. Hobby Surfacer 1000 - Excellent primer.
Vallejo Basic Acrylic Colors - Water-based acrylic paints.
Tamiya Spray Paint - For base coats.
Where to Buy Model Kits
- Amazon: Wide selection, but watch out for inflated prices.
- HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Huge selection, but shipping can be expensive and slow.
- MegaHobby: Another large online retailer.
- IGN Store: A smaller selection, focusing on anime and pop culture kits.
- Local Hobby Shops: Support your local hobby store!
Happy Modeling! Remember to explore online resources like YouTube channels (SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, Minibricks) for inspiration and tutorials.
