Top Model Kits for Adults in 2025: Expert Picks

Model making is a fantastic hobby, but knowing how to get started can be overwhelming for beginners. Injection-molded plastic models have been around for nearly a century, offering kits of everything from military vehicles to sports cars, anime robots, and even household objects. Looking at the incredible work of seasoned model builders, you might think you need a fully equipped workshop, the precision of a brain surgeon, and years of experience. But that's not the case at all!

To make diving into this delightful pastime less daunting, I've curated a list of model kits that are perfect for beginners. Many of these recommendations come from my own experience. The list starts with kits that require no glue or paint, ideal for those just starting out. As you scroll down, you'll find more advanced kits that allow you to experiment with paints and adhesives. And at the bottom, you'll discover essential tools and supplies for model building, along with where to purchase these great alternatives to LEGO.

No Paint? No Glue? No Problem!

Traditionally, model kits required glue and paint, but that's not always necessary anymore. Many companies now offer entry-level kits that come pre-colored and snap together easily. While some "beginner" or "entry-level" kits can be overly simplified, there are still plenty that provide a satisfying build experience without the mess. For instance, if you're into giant robots, Gundam kits are an excellent starting point. Here are two great options:

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

1:144 Scale. Recommended for ages 15 and up. $15.14 save 14% - $12.99 at Amazon.

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

1:100 Scale. Recommended for ages 15 and up. $59.20 save 13% - $51.50 at Amazon.

Gundam kits are categorized by grade: High Grade (HG) kits cost between $15-30 and are about 6 inches tall when complete. Master Grade (MG) kits, priced around $30-50, are taller and more detailed. There are also Real Grade, Entry Grade for absolute beginners, and Perfect Grade for advanced builders.

High Grade: Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero

The Wing Zero HG kit includes a twin buster rifle, beam sabers, pile driver shield, and machine cannons. $20.99 save 24% - $16.00 at Amazon.

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

The Gundam Barbatos 4th form features a detailed Gundam frame and a recreation of the Suit's Ahab Reactor. $54.69 save 0% - $54.69 at Amazon.

Gundam modeling, or Gunpla, has become incredibly popular, but if giant anime robots aren't your thing, there are other no-fuss kits to explore.

Star Wars Model Kits

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

Y-Wing Starfighter kit features an inner cockpit. See it at Amazon.

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

The AT-ST from Star Wars is a detailed model kit with articulated legs, rotating head, and weapon systems. $29.64 save 0% - $29.64 at Amazon.

Bandai has transformed many beloved pop-culture properties, like Star Wars, into pre-colored, snap-together kits. While some may look bland without paint, a basic wash or dry-brushing can enhance the details of monochromatic Original Trilogy machines.

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

Your favorite Star Wars bounty hunter as a 1/12 scale model kit with a full array of accessories including interchangeable hand parts. $29.99 save 43% - $17.02 at Amazon.

Boba Fett's colorful design looks great without paint, reflecting his kitbashed aesthetic. However, for a more personalized touch, you can enhance Stormtrooper kits with techniques like drybrushing:

Bandai Stormtrooper Model Kits

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Anime Model Kits

Anime Model Kit: Bandai Hobby Son Goku Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Recreate iconic scenes from Dragon Ball Z with this model kit featuring an upgraded Muscle Build-Up System. $34.95 save 6% - $32.99 at Amazon.

Anime Model Kit: Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit

Build Uzumaki Naruto with superior joint tooling, allowing for action poses and signature attacks like "rasen GAN," "rasen shuriken," and "shadow Clone jutsu." $32.58 save 0% - $32.58 at Amazon.

If full-color injection-molded action figure model kits work for giant anime robots, they can work for anime characters too. Bandai’s Figure-Rise line covers Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Digimon, and even human characters from Gundam.

Giant Robot Model Kits (That Aren’t Gundam)

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

An epic model kit of the nuclear-armed bipedal tank Metal Gear Rex. Buying options vary and start at $154.00 save 0% - $154.00 at Amazon.

Kotobukiya’s 1:100 scale Metal Gear Rex is at the top of my "pile of shame." Its large size and complexity can be intimidating, but its more straightforward design compared to Metal Gear Sahelanthropus makes it a more approachable build.

Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

This 15" long model kit is perfect for fans of Horizon Forbidden West and robots. Prices start at $107.64 at Amazon.

Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader Moderoid Plastic Model Kit

Includes Ellen Ripley. See it at Amazon.

Good Smile Company’s Moderoid kits come pre-painted, making them ideal for those who want to assemble and display without painting, though they are on the pricier side.

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

A highly detailed 1/32 T-Rex model kit, posed in a crouching position. $44.00 save 16% - $36.99 at Amazon.

Bandai Store Triceratops

A 1/32 Triceratops model kit at a similar price point. $46.00 save 0% - $46.00 at IGN Store.

Bandai's dinosaur skeletons snap together and are molded in the correct color, making them perfect for those who want to try painting. I've used various weathering techniques to make my T-Rex look prehistoric and even created a custom base.

Bandai Store 1:1 Cup Noodle

A unique model kit for beginners, filled with 3D scanned noodles, egg, shrimp, and "mystery meat." $27.00 save 0% - $27.00 at Amazon.

This kit is deceptively complex despite being snap-together. The finished product looks remarkably like real instant ramen, which is both amusing and concerning.

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

An affordable, easy-to-build 1:32 scale Nissan car model kit with only 30 parts. $14.99 save 0% - $14.99 at Amazon.

Aoshima’s The Snap Kit series of model cars are easy to assemble, with pieces molded in the correct colors and stickers for additional details. They're great for quick projects, though painting can enhance their realism.

Military Model Kits

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

The M4A3E8 "Easy Eight" model kit is perfect for history buffs and fans of the movie Fury. $44.99 save 0% - $44.99 at Amazon.

Tamiya Tamiya Models M1A2 Abrams Model Kit

The "world's strongest tank" in 1/35 scale, complete with body figures. $34.30 save 0% - $34.30 at Amazon.

Tanks are forgiving of imperfect paint jobs, as real ones often get covered in dirt and grime. Techniques like dry brushing, washes, and pigments can recreate this effect. If you make a mistake during assembly, you can just call it battle damage!

Hasegawa 1:72 AV-8B Harrier II Plus

An 87-piece build for intermediate builders, redesigned from the previous generation. $21.99 save 0% - $21.99 at Amazon.

Hasegawa 1:48 AV-8B Harrier II

A 166-piece build with an impressive scale representation of the Harrier II. $36.89 save 0% - $36.89 at Amazon.

Model scales can be confusing, but they're just fractions. Cars are typically 1:24 or 1:32, military ground vehicles are 1:35, larger aircraft models are 1:48, and naval vehicles use even smaller scales. There's plenty of overlap, allowing you to mix and match for creative dioramas.

Car Model Kits

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

A classic BMW car model kit that offers a bit of a challenge. $25.50 save 0% - $25.50 at Amazon.

I'm not much of a car enthusiast, but my dad is. I once gave him a 1:24 BMW 2002 Tii kit for Father's Day, painting it to match his real car. The detailed parts might overwhelm beginners, but it's a rewarding project.

Revell Revell of Germany 07051 McLaren 570S

Choose Revell of Germany kits over the American ones for better quality. Only 8 left in stock! $34.99 save 0% - $34.99 at Amazon.

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

Includes exclusive parts for the R-SV, such as the body and engine, plus scissor doors. $33.99 save 0% - $33.99 at Amazon.

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

A favorite among VW fans, based on the classic 1973 Beetle. $22.38 save 0% - $22.38 at Amazon.

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

A realistic and adorable food truck model. $19.77 save 52% - $9.58 at Amazon.

Aoshima offers a range of vehicles, from luxury supercars to civilian cars and even food trucks.

How to Get Started with Model Kits

Tools:

BXQINLENX8-Piece Model Tools Set

A basic tool set for beginners, including pliers, a carving knife, blades, sanding tools, and tweezers, all stored in a plastic case. $7.99 save 0% - $7.99 at Amazon.

For a serious hobbyist, consider investing in quality hobby shears or side-cutters like Tamiya's or the "God Hand" line for cleaner cuts and less post-assembly work.

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

A versatile cutting mat that protects your work surface and is easy to move. $15.98 save 44% - $8.99 at Amazon.

Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

Model cement is a solvent that melts plastic to fuse parts together, ideal for plastic kits. $8.99 save 0% - $8.99 at Amazon.

Paint:

For painting without an airbrush, I recommend using "rattle cans" and water-based acrylics. Primer is crucial for paint adhesion, and hobby spray paint produces a fine mist that's easier to apply than hardware store spray paint.

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

An excellent primer that evens out the surface and provides a matte finish for better paint adhesion. $15.35 save 0% - $15.35 at Amazon.

ON SALE! Vallejo Vallejo Basic USA Acrylic Colors Paint Set

A non-toxic paint set for model kits and miniatures, with 16 assorted colors suitable for both metal and plastic. $59.99 save 43% - $34.04 at Amazon.

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

A high-quality, matte finish red paint in a 100ml spray can. $9.30 save 25% - See it at Amazon.

Model making is a rewarding hobby that offers endless opportunities for creativity. No matter your skill level, you'll find inspiration and tips from experts online. YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, and Jun’s Mini Garage are great resources, while Laser Creation-World and Minibricks showcase impressive dioramas. Happy modeling!

Model Kit FAQs

Where is the best place to buy model kits?

Amazon: Offers great deals, but be cautious of resellers marking up prices. Always compare prices online.
HobbyLink Japan: A vast selection of model kits and supplies, though shipping can be slow and expensive. Consider bulk orders to save on costs.
MegaHobby: A wide range of kits with relatively quick shipping.
IGN Store: Features a solid selection of anime and pop-culture kits, with regular updates and sales.
Your local hobby shop: Support local businesses and benefit from expert advice. Hobby shops often specialize in different areas of the hobby, so you might need to visit a few to find what you're looking for.