Building plastic model kits is one of the most satisfying hobbies you can take up — there's something genuinely rewarding about turning a box of grey plastic sprues into a finished aircraft, tank, or ship. If you've been thinking about giving it a go, the hardest part is often just knowing where to start.
This guide covers everything you need to know before buying your first kit: how skill levels work, what the different scales mean, what tools you'll actually need, and how the main brands compare.
Understanding Skill Levels
Most kit manufacturers grade their kits by difficulty. These ratings vary slightly between brands, but broadly:
- Level 1 / Starter — Snap-together or minimal glue, simple parts count, often pre-painted or with basic markings. Perfect for children or complete beginners who want a quick, satisfying result.
- Level 2 — More parts, requires glue and basic painting. Still accessible for newcomers who are comfortable taking their time.
- Level 3 — A proper challenge. More complex assembly, finer detail, and longer build time. You'll want some experience before tackling these.
- Level 4 and above — Advanced kits with photo-etch parts, complex sub-assemblies, and the expectation that you'll be spending considerable time on finishing and detail painting.
Our honest advice: start at Level 1 or 2. Even experienced modellers often pick up a simple kit now and then just to enjoy a relaxed build. There's no shame in starting small, and completing a kit gives you the confidence and skills to tackle something more ambitious next time.
Scale: What Does It Mean and Which Should You Choose?
Scale refers to the ratio between the model and the real subject. Common scales in plastic kit modelling include:
- 1:72 — Small, popular for aircraft. A Spitfire at 1:72 fits comfortably on a shelf. There's a huge range available at this scale, and kits tend to be affordable.
- 1:48 — Slightly larger than 1:72. Aircraft at this scale have a bit more presence and are easier to detail. Popular with modellers who want more surface area to work with.
- 1:35 — The standard scale for military vehicles (tanks, trucks, AFVs). Models at 1:35 are substantial and rewarding to build.
- 1:32 — Popular for larger aircraft. Kits at this scale are impressive in size but can be complex.
- 1:144 — Very small. Often used for spacecraft or miniature aircraft.
For your first kit, we'd suggest 1:72 for aircraft (good selection, affordable, manageable size) or 1:35 for armour and vehicles (satisfying to build, widely available).
Tools You'll Need
You don't need a workshop full of specialist tools to build your first kit. Here's a basic list:
- Sprue cutters or side cutters — For removing parts cleanly from the frame. Nail scissors will do in a pinch but proper cutters are much better.
- Plastic polystyrene cement — The correct glue for plastic kits. Don't use superglue for your first build — poly cement gives you a little working time and creates a strong chemical bond.
- Hobby knife — For trimming mould lines and cleaning up parts. A basic craft knife works fine.
- Sandpaper or sanding sticks — Fine grit for smoothing joints and cleaning up surfaces.
- Paint and brushes — More on this below.
You really don't need much beyond this for a first build. Add tools as your builds become more ambitious.
Painting Your First Kit
Most plastic kits are supplied in plain grey or olive plastic and need painting to look their best. You don't have to paint them — some beginners just build and enjoy the assembled model — but a basic paint job transforms the result.
For a first kit, hand-brushing with model paints is perfectly adequate. Acrylics dry quickly, clean up with water, and are forgiving of mistakes. Don't thin them too much, apply light coats, and allow each coat to dry before adding the next.
Decals (the small printed transfers that provide markings) are usually included with the kit. Apply them with a small amount of water, position them carefully, and allow to dry completely before varnishing over the top.
Airfix vs Tamiya vs Revell: How Do They Compare?
These three brands are the mainstays of the plastic kit world and between them produce models covering almost every subject imaginable.
Airfix
Airfix is a British institution — the brand has been producing kits since the 1950s and is synonymous with the hobby for many modellers. Their Starter Set range is genuinely excellent for beginners: the kits include paints, a brush, and glue, so you have everything you need in one box. Airfix kits range from very simple to quite complex, and their catalogue of British aircraft, vehicles, and ships is particularly strong. Recent toolings from Airfix have been impressive.
Tamiya
Tamiya is a Japanese company with a reputation for precision engineering. Their kits are extremely well engineered, with parts that fit together cleanly and instructions that are models of clarity. Tamiya's 1:35 military vehicle range is regarded as some of the best in the world. They tend to be slightly more expensive than equivalent Airfix kits but the quality shows. If you want a 1:35 tank for your first armour build, Tamiya is a strong choice.
Revell
Revell is a German brand with a broad catalogue covering aircraft, ships, cars, and spacecraft. They offer good value and their range is extensive. Revell's skill level grading system is clearly marked and they produce some excellent beginner kits. Their car and truck range is particularly good if that's your area of interest.
Choosing Your First Subject
Pick something you're actually interested in. If you love World War Two aircraft, a Spitfire or Messerschmitt at 1:72 is a classic starting point. If you prefer armour, a basic Sherman or Tiger at 1:35 will teach you a lot and look impressive when finished. Spacecraft, sailing ships, racing cars — there's a kit for almost everything.
The most important thing is that you want to build it. A kit you're enthusiastic about will hold your attention through the stages where things get fiddly. A kit you picked because it seemed sensible will sit half-finished in a box.
Browse our full range of plastic model kits to find something that catches your eye, or see our best model kits for adults UK guide for our recommended picks. Don't hesitate to ask us for advice if you're not sure where to start.