Maya Ellison
Plastic model kits are a fun and engaging hobby for people of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced model builder, there's a wide variety of kits available online and in-store to choose from. From military vehicles and aircraft to science fiction and historical models, you're sure to find a kit that piques your interest. In this discussion, we will explore some of the best places to buy plastic model kits, including online retailers and specialty stores, to help you get started on your next project. We will also cover important considerations such as pricing, shipping, and customer reviews to ensure you have a seamless and enjoyable model-building experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online stores | MegaHobby.com, Hobbylinc.com, FactoryDirectHobbies.com, WonderlandModels.com, Atlantis-Models.com |
| Range of kits | Military vehicles, aircraft, ships, automobiles, figures, engines, historical items, science fiction, spacecraft, puzzles, paint by numbers, science kits |
| Additional services | Rewards, shipping protection, pre-orders, payment plans |
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What You'll Learn
Online hobby shops
There are many online hobby shops that sell plastic model kits. Here are some options:
- MegaHobby.com: The USA's largest online hobby shop, MegaHobby.com offers a wide variety of models catering to different skill levels. They also stock a range of paints, supplies, detailing sets, and books.
- Hobbylinc: Hobbylinc carries 29,605 plastic models from 192 manufacturers, including popular brands like Eduard-Models, Tamiya, Trumpeter, and AMT. Categories include parts and accessories, cars, trucks, vehicles, airplanes, and figures.
- Tower Hobbies: Tower Hobbies offers plastic model cars, airplanes, and figurines. They sell kits from brands like AMT and Tamiya, which offer a range of detail and accuracy.
- Factory Direct Hobbies: Factory Direct Hobbies has an extensive collection of scale model kits, including military vehicles, aircraft, automobiles, and figures. They offer high-quality kits from top brands.
- PM-Store: This Ukrainian hobby shop offers a wide range of stock from fewer brands. They sell scale model kits from manufacturers like ACE Models, AA Models, and UM.
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Model kit specialists
There are several online retailers that specialise in model kits, with a wide variety of kits available for different skill levels. MegaHobby.com, for instance, is the USA's largest online hobby shop, offering a range of model kits, paints, supplies, detailing sets, and books. Similarly, Hobbylinc.com offers a wide range of plastic model kits, including Star Wars-themed kits, military vehicles, aircraft, and boats.
Factory Direct Hobbies also offers an extensive collection of high-quality scale model kits, including military vehicles, aircraft, automobiles, and figures. They offer a membership programme with rewards and a simple 5% back on all purchases. However, they have recently implemented a non-refundable 10% good-faith down payment policy for pre-orders.
Spruebrothers.com offers plastic model kits and accessories that require assembly and painting. Their kits are intended for ages 14 and up and are not toys.
These specialist retailers provide a range of model kits to suit different interests and skill levels, along with the necessary supplies and accessories to complete the models.
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Shipping and returns
Factory Direct Hobbies offers a range of shipping and return options for its model kits. Before your pre-ordered items arrive at the warehouse, you will receive an invoice to pay in full, at which point you can provide your shipping address and select your preferred shipping method. Your item will be reserved for 7 days from the sending of the invoice, after which the pre-order will be cancelled. Factory Direct Hobbies also offers shipping protection for an additional cost, which will ensure that lost, damaged, or stolen packages are replaced.
OldModelKits.com ships kits daily worldwide. The website provides detailed information on shipping costs, which are calculated based on the box size and "postal zone", i.e. the distance from the sender to the receiver. The website recommends using the US Postal Service (USPS) as the most economical option, but also notes that dropping off kits in person can be significantly cheaper than shipping.
Hobby Wholesale offers free shipping on orders over $80 within Canada, with some exceptions.
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Top brands
There are numerous brands that sell plastic model kits, and they can be purchased from online shops as well as physical stores. Here is a list of some of the top brands:
Tamiya
Tamiya is a Japanese company that offers high-quality plastic and RC model kits of cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, and ships. Their product range includes model-making tools, painting materials, replacement parts, and accessories for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Some of their popular kits include the German Panther Medium Tank, German Panzerkampfwagen II, and the US Navy PBR31 MkII Pibber Boat.
Revell
Revell kits tend to have thinner plastic and require more cleanup of mold lines. Their German branch offers a range of German military equipment. Revell kits generally require more effort from the user for assembly. Some of their popular kits include the Monogram B-17G Flying Fortress Bomber Plane, Monogram P-51B Mustang Fighter Plane, and the Monogram U.S.S. Missouri Battleship.
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby is a company that specializes in selling kits, large-scale vehicles, helicopters, airplanes, cars, boats, trains, and accessories for hobbyists. They offer a wide range of products and brands catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Eduard Model Accessories
Eduard, based in the Czech Republic, is an online store that specializes in plastic model kits and accessories.
Megahobby.com
Megahobby.com is an online shop that offers a wide variety of models, paints, supplies, detailing sets, and books for all skill levels. They also stock educational and historical items, puzzles, and science kits.
Factory Direct Hobbies
Factory Direct Hobbies offers a wide range of high-quality scale model kits, including military vehicles, aircraft, automobiles, and figures. They also provide rewards and discounts to their members.
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Discounted kits
If you're looking for discounted plastic model kits, there are several online retailers with a wide variety of options. Mark Twain Hobby Center has a clearance sale section on its website, offering discounted model building kits, slot cars and sets, and model train items like locomotives, tracks, and accessories. Tower Hobbies also offers plastic models, parts, and accessories at affordable prices, including model airplanes, ships, and cars.
For those interested in military models, Hobbylinc has a range of plastic model kits featuring tanks, military vehicles, and airplane kits, with some discounted options available. The website also offers Star Wars-themed plastic model kits, including Darth Vader and Stormtrooper figures, as well as science fiction kits from other franchises like Star Trek.
MegaHobby.com, the self-proclaimed USA's largest online hobby shop, offers a wide variety of models, paints, supplies, and books. While specific discounts are not mentioned, the website states that it is updated daily to keep it interesting for visitors, implying that sales or promotions may be offered from time to time.
With a range of options available, it's worth browsing these sites and signing up for newsletters to stay informed about the latest discounts and promotions on plastic model kits.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online retailers that sell plastic model kits, including:
- MegaHobby.com
- Hobbylinc.com
- Factory Direct Hobbies
- Wonderland Models
- Atlantis Models
Plastic model kits are available in a variety of themes, including military vehicles, aircraft, automobiles, and figures. Some popular themes include Star Wars, Star Trek, and historical vehicles such as the Revell-Monogram 2017 Ford GT.
The scale of a plastic model kit refers to the size ratio of the model compared to the real-life object it represents. Common scales for plastic models include 1/12, 1/24, 1/48, 1/72, and 1/144.
When purchasing plastic model kits online, it is important to consider the complexity of the kit and ensure it matches your skill level. Additionally, check the policies of the retailer regarding pre-orders, returns, and shipping protection.
Some websites, such as Factory Direct Hobbies, offer membership programs that provide perks such as rewards and discounts on purchases. Becoming a member can be a great way to save money and access exclusive benefits.
