The Best Model Building Kits
Model building kits are a great way to unwind and focus on a fun task. These kits also result in a cool final product that you can proudly display for all to see your handiwork. Better yet, there are kits for just about every car and character you can think of, so you're sure to find a favorite. To help you in your search, we've whittled down the options to the best of the best. Here, we present our list of the top model building kits.
Meccano Erector Ducati Model Motorcycle Building Kit
Motorcycles are popular with builders at every skill level because they look awesome and aren’t as large as planes or cars. The Meccano Erector Ducati Model Motorcycle Building Kit is a great example. It includes everything you need to create an awesome motorcycle in just a few hours. You won’t be missing anything, either. This kit includes stickers, wheels, and even a suspension system in order to get the most lifelike model possible. Overall, it’s an awesome choice.
Pros:
- The included tools are high-quality
- It makes a good educational tool for kids
- Once assembled, this model can be played with
Cons:
- This model is fairly difficult for beginners
- The directions are not as clear as they should be
AMT Shelby Mustang GT-500 Model Car
A Coveted Classic
The best model cars are made to scale. That’s because if your model isn’t to scale, some of the details will be off and you won’t get the experience you’re looking for. The Shelby Mustang is a fantastic example of a classic car made to scale and you can really see the difference. It includes all of the parts and pieces you need to get the perfect Shelby and it makes a fabulous gift for your car enthusiast friends and family.
Pros:
- Decals and transfers are included
- The pictorial instructions are detail-rich and easy to follow
- You can paint it however you like
Cons:
- You will need to provide your own paints and glue
Metal Earth Fascinations Star Wars Millenium Falcon Kit
Be a Rebel
For the Star Wars fan (who isn’t?), the Millenium Falcon instills awe and wonder. If you want to bring home a piece of the galaxy, check out the Metal Earth Star Wars Millenium Falcon Kit. It’s a surprisingly accurate model of the classic ship, so both kids and adults will recognize it immediately. Better yet, the mini size makes it easy to display just about anywhere that you please. The best part of all? It’s super affordable, making it an excellent choice for the model builder on a budget.
Pros:
- You don’t need any glue or solder to put it together
- Painting isn’t necessary
- Almost everyone will recognize it, making it a great conversation piece
Cons:
- It’s pretty tricky for beginners
- The packaging is a simple envelope, which isn’t as protective as we’d like
CubicFun LED Queen Anne’s Revenge Model Pirate Ship
Adventure Awaits
We love a good pirate ship, which is why we absolutely adore the CubicFun LED Queen Anne’s Revenge Model Pirate Ship. This model is large and tends to draw attention and conversations once completed. The included light kit adds a sense of realism while the painted details and small pieces around the ship complete the final touches. It takes a while to build but it’s well worth it. Overall, this model inspires a sense of adventure and dreams of the high seas.
Pros:
- There’s no mess because you don’t need to paint anything yourself
- The instructions are easy to follow
- It can be used as a nice night light with the included LED lights
Cons:
- This model is a bit pricey
- It’s not as durable as we’d like
Revell A10 Warthog
If you’re searching for a lifelike model that comes straight out of the history books, the Revell A10 Warthog may be just what you’re looking for. This awesome model is super detailed. The cockpit shows many of the controls and parts and even includes the boarding ladder, clear canopy, and the pilot. We really like that there are multiple decals and other optional pieces included so you can really make it uniquely yours while still keeping the integrity of the original intact.
Pros:
- It’s a great choice for older kids and history buffs
- You can choose how you want it painted and where you want the decals
- Assembly instructions are clear
Cons:
- The paint and glue you need are not included
- You will need to find a way to weigh the front down for display purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can make models using model kits?
Because these kits often have small parts and may involve the use of glues and paints, the recommended age is usually over 10 years. In many cases, younger kids can help their parents or older siblings complete a model but they may be too difficult to do on their own. The glue and paint can also be an issue for children with small hands.
Why do some models not include tools or other necessary supplies?
Some models only include the actual pieces for the model with none of the additional supplies because they are designed for people who already build models regularly. There are all-inclusive kits for beginners if that’s what you’d prefer. Many of the people who often build models have preferred tools, a specific glue they like, and paints and brushes they already use.
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