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Model building: A beginner's guide to fantastic kits and essential supplies.
Model building offers a rewarding hobby, but starting can feel overwhelming. With countless kits available, ranging from military vehicles to anime robots, knowing where to begin is key. This guide simplifies the process, offering recommendations for various skill levels and interests.
No Glue? No Paint? No Problem!
Many kits now offer pre-colored, snap-together designs, perfect for beginners. While some "beginner" kits are overly simplified, many provide a satisfying challenge without the mess of glue and paint. Gundam kits are an excellent example:
Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit (Under $25): 1:144 scale, recommended for ages 15+.
Bandai Hobby MG Gundam RX-78-2 Version 3.0 Action Figure Model Kit (Under $100): 1:100 scale, recommended for ages 15+.
Gundam kits are graded (HG, MG, RG, EG, PG), offering varying complexity and price points.
Bandai Hobby 174 Wing Gundam Zero (High Grade): Includes accessories.
Bandai Hobby Gundam IBO Gundam Barbatos (Master Grade): Highly detailed and complex.
Beyond Gundam, numerous snap-together kits exist for various franchises:
Star Wars Model Kits:
Bandai Hobby Bandai AT-ST: Detailed model with articulated parts.
Bandai Hobby Star Wars Y-Wing Starfighter: A classic Star Wars vehicle.
Bandai Hobby Boba Fett: Colorful and detailed.
Anime Model Kits:
Bandai Hobby Son Goku: Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit.
Bandai Hobby Uzumaki Naruto: Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit.
Giant Robot Model Kits (Beyond Gundam):
Kotobukiya Metal Gear Rex: A large, detailed kit.
Good Smile Company Horizon Forbidden West: Thunderjaw: Pre-painted and detailed.
Good Smile Company Aliens: Power Loader: Includes Ellen Ripley figure.
Other Notable Kits:
Bandai Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus: Detailed dinosaur skeleton.
Bandai Triceratops: Another dinosaur skeleton kit.
Bandai 1:1 Cup Noodle: A unique and fun kit.
Aoshima Nissan Skyline GT-R: Easy-to-build car kit.
Military Model Kits:
Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman Tank: A classic tank kit.
Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Tank: Another tank kit.
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus: A detailed aircraft kit.
Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II: Larger scale aircraft kit.
Car Model Kits:
Hasegawa BMW 2002 Tii: Detailed car kit.
Revell McLaren 570S: High-quality car kit.
Aoshima Lamborghini Aventador: Detailed supercar kit.
Aoshima Volkswagen Beetle: Classic car kit.
Aoshima Yakitori Ryuho Food Truck: Unique and fun kit.
Getting Started:
Essential Tools:
Basic Tool Set: Includes essential tools for beginners.
Cutting Mat: Protects your work surface.
Model Cement: For fusing plastic parts.
Paint:
Mr. Hobby Surfacer Primer: Excellent primer for even surface.
Vallejo Acrylic Paint Set: Water-based acrylics for easy cleanup.
Tamiya Spray Paint: Hobby-grade spray lacquer for large areas.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Wide selection, but watch for reseller markups.
- HobbyLink Japan (HLJ): Huge selection, but shipping can be expensive and slow.
- MegaHobby: Large selection with generally faster shipping than HLJ.
- IGN Store: Modest selection, focusing on anime/pop culture kits.
- Local Hobby Shops: Support your local hobby store!
Remember, model building is a journey. Enjoy the process, learn from others, and create amazing things! Explore YouTube channels like SpruesNBrews, NightShift, Jun’s Mini Garage, Laser Creation-World, and Minibricks for inspiration and tutorials.
