Best Model Kits for Beginners | Top Five Kits to Get Started

Want to get into scale modeling? These are my top five kit recommendations for a beginner who's just starting out!
Check out my updated 2022 recommendations here! • Best Scale Model Kits ...
You can find links to all of these kits below:
Tamiya Churchill: amzn.to/3jWbEvP
Airfix Bf-109E: amzn.to/3rn9id2
Tamiya M4A3E8 "Easy Eight:" amzn.to/3mz6pUn
Tamiya Bf-109E-4: amzn.to/2Y64M7j
Tamiya Panther Ausf. D: amzn.to/3GGoQOS
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**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
These kits offer a nice balance of quality finish & ease of construction, making them a great place to start for somebody who wants to practice their skills & make something that they can be proud of!.
What were some of the first scale models that you built? Comment below if you agree or disagree with my suggestions - and let me know if you have any kit recommendations that you think are perfect for somebody just getting into the hobby.

[@normansmith8184]

Wow, thank you Hank. I am a 69 (almost 70) year old east London cockney who suddenly decided to get back into modelling with the notion of building all the Battle of Britain aircraft in 1/48 scale. Hurricane, Spitfire Mk.1's, Messerschmidt 109 E-3, 110C, Beaufighter, Bristol Blenheim, Ju 88A-5, Stuka. But you described exactly what has happened and what I did wrong. I bought nice kits but as I have improved I can see how I messed up the first kits and am buying replacements already, ugh! So having started trying to run before I could walk I am using those to practice. However your presentation has made me feel less of an idiot than I did and so the unbuilt BoB kits are waiting in line to become awesome (I hope). Together with some Pacific war American and Japanese Hellcat F6F-3, Zero, late war Focke Wulf , Mustang, my interest sort of spread out, my poor wife! Thanks again.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks, Norman! Made my day - that's exactly why I try to share this content on KZbin. I love the Battle of Britain plan - that's going to be a great collection when it's all said & done! Tamiya makes a 1/48 Bf-109E-3 that's almost identical to the E-4 that I mentioned in this video (it's basically the same build but with the E-3 canopy & backdated details), so if you want to knock out one on your list, that one is a great straight-forward build that I had a blast with! I also really liked Tamiya's Bristol Beaufighter - I did mine up in a night fighter scheme, but you could paint it as a BoB dayfighter without any issue. It's also a very nice build, though the decals are a little tricky. Thanks again for watching & commenting - happy building! 👍

[@likier1]

Hey Norman, great times to be back to hobby. Ive recently came back after 15 years pause in modelling. Never felt better :)

[@julianmhall]

@@SpruesNBrews I'm curious why nobody makes/paints the aircraft of the AASF - Advanced Air Striking Force, the aerial arm of the British forces in France and Belgium in 1939/40. Hawker Hurricane, Fairey Battle, Bristol Blenheim and Armstrong Whitworth Whitley.

[@ChuckJansenII]

Norman, it is great that you got back into modeling. One day I will get back into modeling but I am between permanent homes and have no room to change my mind without going outside. When I was modeling and messed up a kit I would practice putting bullet holes into the fuselage, wings and tail sections. I also used those to make a diorama of a downed aircraft. You can also use those early models to practice weathering and exhausting (the art of representing exhaust showing left by the engine exhaust ports). You may find you can have the most fun with those because if you mess it up more it won't matter but you will learn a ton of technique. I used to use a jeweler's visor so I could see the fine details.

[@Sturmensky]

Thank you for sharing your story! As someone who recently got back into the hobby after about two decades, I feel the pain of trying models I wasn't ready for. Though, if one can get past the regret, I find there's a certain joy in seeing how you've improved. I adore your plan too! Massive respect for something so extensive. Hopefully I can work up the courage to try something similar one day. Hopefully we get to hear about your progress. I'm genuinely curious :)

[@longlance67]

Directs new modelers to the Sherman = instant like lol :D

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha I had to! It's required building... it's also the best building 😅🍻

[@scooter2329]

Tamiya Walker Bulldog is my choice for a first build tank. 1)Cheap 2)Easy to build. 3)Non complicated paint scheme. Hand paint, can paint or airbrush if you have one. If it turns out good, you can always add extra details.

[@SpruesNBrews]

It is a very user-friendly budget option for beginners! Good recommendation 👍

[@elliotgregory3356]

Tamiyas M8 Howitzer is a great one.

[@Typexviiib]

Ya, and hobby lobby Carrys this model and has it 40 percent off once a month, making it around 10 to 12 bucks. The od color its molded In looks pretty decent w/o paint as well. I just assembled one of these in like 2 hrs

[@panzfaust9812]

@@elliotgregory3356 i have both!

[@tippo5341]

For some reason your video popped up on my suggested list...and I'm glad it did. Made tons of 1/72 aircraft as a young and older teenager...and loved the process, the learning, using different glues etc etc. Took it up again many years later after being married and having first child, and a year off work due to illness, loved it even more and took my modelling to newer techniques and expanding on what I'd already learned. Fast forward some more years and twin childrenn added, and got back into it yet again...further advancing skills and techniques again, and pushing myself to try lots of newer things. Now after having watched this...yes it's time to get back into it...those kids are now 27 and twins 22, so with much more time on my hands, and wanting to get back into what is probably my most favourite of pasttimes, I will once again venture into that world of crafting some creations out of a box, and loving every second of it. I have mostly stuck along the military genre...aircraft, helicopters and 1/350 ships, and will continue along that line as it's always an interest of mine. The paints may have hardened, blades dulled and tweezers been stolen by my daughters many years ago, but the greatest thing of modelling is it's relatively cheap to get into (or back into in my case), and the advent of KZbin...has certainly helped in what I'm intending on doing, creating more life like finishes, diorama's and just adding more authenticity to whatever I throw my hands and mind at. So a huge thank you from me down here in Sydney Aus, and I look forward to watching more of your videos, and might even one day share some of my own stuff on KZbin or one of these other fancy social media sites...thanks again 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh that's so great - thank you for sharing! I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoy getting back into it... and definitely share some of your stuff! It's a great community of builders & everyone is very supportive. Cheers & thanks again 😁

[@garynash7594]

In 1966 or 67 I wrote a letter to Monogram asking them to consider offering 1/48 scale WW2 Tanks and Half Tracks.. because I thought what was out there was too small, being a Hopeless modeling nerd... Of course I wrote an extensive list of all, and I mean All the Armored vehicles I wanted to see!!! And .. about a month later I got back a letter ✉️ for me!!?!! from the head guy at Monogram saying great Idea!!! I was over the moon!! (13) years old, so ... anyway... about a year or two later here comes all these WW2 Tanks panzer IV, German half track I was blown away! Thinking maybe I was the guy that started the larger WW2 vehicle choices at the hobby shops, I don't know... But in those days in the good ol' USA you could write a letter to any company and get a reply, is this a good country or what??😀👍

[@brianv769]

A friend got me into wargaming about 9 years ago, and the minis use the same plastic (mostly...some metal and resin sometimes too) and techniques as scale models. I used to build kits as a kid ages ago, and building the minis and monsters for wargaming has really sparked my interest for scale model kits again. I am glad I found your site. I may not be a beginner, but I think I will follow your guide to begin again. Thanks for the video!

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear! Thanks so much 😁

[@harryparry-okeden4165]

As a relatively junior modeller myself, i find toothpicks are amazing for linework, as you can use them just like a pencil and they are quite accurate

[@DeadDogSanders]

Ty!!!....I'm 71 yrs old..used to build about everything as a" new recruit"..a kid...your video was EXACTLY the stimulus I needed to get back into this very fun hobby..ty again Rick S.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! Glad you're getting back into the hobby - enjoy!

[@kiwifruitpoo]

Can’t beat Tamiya engineering. Their glues, paints and tools are all great too. I stick to their 1:48 armour as it is affordable and to a excellent common standard. New airfix stuff is also excellent for the price. I think I’ve build nearly all the 1:48 aircraft from Tamiya and Airfix, the common kits at least.

[@SpruesNBrews]

For sure! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@SO-ym3zs]

As good (and noob-friendly) as the engineering on most Tamiya kits is, there's a company that exceeds even them in that regard: Bandai. Their Star Wars and Gundam kits are staggeringly well designed and molded. Some state-of-the art stuff. They're beginner friendly, too, in that they don't require glue, and on many of the kits, the parts are pre-molded in the right colors, so paint is not truly necessary. This will give newcomers a chance to get used to following visual directions and cutting and prepping parts for assembly. Then they can move on to painting and weathering them when they feel ready.

[@RichardRenes]

I concur about Bandai. Just pick up one of their mecha kits and start building. No glue or paint needed. Especially good for kids to begin with (though they are not the cheapest)

[@gtanusetiawan]

Unfortunately Bandai also spoiled people too much 😅. You see people complained about kits from other manufacturers like kotobukiya, Wave, hasegawa, etc because all they know are bandai’s easy and colorful OOB builds 🤣

[@chrishenning8829]

I'm currently building Bandai's ''Perfect Grade ' Millennium falcon. I've been building models for 20+ years and its NOT for beginners, my God it's AWESOME!!!

[@gtanusetiawan]

@@chrishenning8829 Bandais PG Millenium Falcon is definitely good, i've seen videos on it and it's on my wishlist! One day i'll buy one.... 🤣

[@BlooCollaGal]

@@gtanusetiawan "Unfortunately Bandai also spoiled people too much" That'd be me you're talking about lol I was 9 when Gundam Wing aired in the US and my first ever model kit was a High Grade Gundam Heavyarms. I always thought the Warhammer box art was cool when I was at the hobby store and I got my first box of Fantasy Orcs in 8th grade. Now many many years later I was just starting to get back into Gunpla and all of a sudden everything is sold out or 3X the price.

[@davidstarre1586]

Great video for the new guy and older. I am 61 years old and I am finishing up a Russian Tamiya 1/48th Tank SU-85. It is motorized and I like to buy tank kits that have motors. What was challenging is that the kit had all broken axels on one side. I had to drill and glue brass axels on with super glue. IT worked!! I'm glad young people like you are in the hobby to keep it going! Can you do videos on kit bashing?

[@eduardobonifaz]

Hi there, Ive just found this channel and let me say its awesome! Iused to build scale models when I was a kid, but I wasnt very skilled. Now Im 54 and watching this video just revived this amazing hobby in me. Im planning to try some basic models again. Keep up the work! Greetings from Mexico

[@battlejitney2197]

Brave effort at a top 5 kits for beginners. I say “brave” because modelers are SO opinionated that just about every experienced modeler would have a completely different list and wouldn’t hesitate to tell you so! We’re all experts on the topic - just ask us! 🤣Though my list might be different, I can’t argue with yours. Picking some of the older Tamiya kits is right on. All the best to you and your channel.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! And I totally agree... all I can do is provide my opinion based on my personal experience! I appreciate the thoughts for sure - a lot of folks are eager to jump all over my list 😅

[@explosiveanimator2368]

I've been making tamiyas t72m1 recently and I must say, it falls together almost perfectly, even the rubber tracks went together well and the paint scheme is very simplistic, I still haven't gained the confidence to do any sort of camo yet. It really is one of my favourite kits so far

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's great - glad to hear!

[@homefront1999]

I just got into model kits. I got a USS Missouri back in 2019. Never got the tools needed and ended up loosing parts for it and it eventually got thrown away. Earlier 2021 I got a Space Battleship Yamato model kit. I loved it. Truly. One of my favorite things about models is the boxes. I have found that a quality display usually indicates at least an ok to good quality model.

[@gerardogonzalez8085]

Thank you very much for the recommendations. suggestions. tutorials and advice , last time built a model plane I was 13 years old im 60 now. restarted again wow things and techniques have really evolved thank you again.

[@I-Saw-It-Online-Hobbies]

Excellent video. I'm in the process of getting back into scale model building again as well. I did some when I was a kid, some in my pre-teen and teenage years, and then some about 6 years ago in my mid 30's. And as you'd expect they got better each go around. I'm hoping that with the great tips, tricks, and walkthroughs that are now available here on KZbin from channels like yours, Barbatos Rex, etc. that I'll be able to continue to improve. Also shout-out to Sprue Brothers. I ordered from them and Squadron hobbies prior and both were excellent to deal with. -Shane

[@JDnBeastlet]

Hey Hank, thanks for the great videos. I have seen lots of modeling channels where builders display their amazing skills so it is really refreshing to come across material for beginners. Between the ages of about seven and fourteen I built hundreds of kits and I am thinking about getting back into the hobby. I'll be watching your beginner videos with interest!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much (for watching & for the kind comment)! I'm glad you enjoyed - I'm going to try to knock out a beginner paint essentials video in the next month or so, so stay tuned for that 👍

[@theoabbot8822]

Thank you for the great help. I too have gotten back into building models, at 60. So far, the best advice you have offered is, enjoy it and don’t be in hurry. My favorite is an F-14. I paint them any way I want. But your tips on the smaller things are terrific. I’ve always believed the key to getting better at skills is listening to those who know how to do it better. Thank you for the guidance. Theo - Wilmington, NC

[@flynn6737]

Brews…. I’m back in. My uncle taught me all about building and detail of models. He passed recently and it’s got me keen to pull out my tiger one that’s 90% complete. Thanks mate for this video

[@plasticscholar7983]

This is a really great video! Found you super engaging and the content really helpful. I’ve sent it onto my mate who has recently got back into the hobby. Keep it up

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed - thanks for watching & for sharing! 👍

[@huwtindall7096]

Great selection! I'd add the Tamiya Panzer II with DAK troopers (#35009). Classic 1970s kit. It is super simple to build and the troops allow you to create a nice diorama. More than anything else though is it's SUPER cheap. Can get it for less than £10 in the UK which is a steal. As a "getting started" kit I think the price is important as some of the expensive Dragon or Ryefield kits will scare people off having a go.

[@SpruesNBrews]

The Panzer II is a good one! I built one up myself a while back & it would definitely be great for beginners - good call!

[@woodchild2093]

That was my 1st 1/35 kit I built when I got back into the hobby. I've since got another one to build so I can see the difference in my skill level now.

[@adt70hk33]

Have to agree, first and only 1/35 kit....I did pimp it up with aftermarket parts though.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@adt70hk33 Try to get the TIGER kit from Academy ... with full interior . My favorit Tank is the Sherman in all periods of WW2 . From the first one with straight return roller suspension ( similar to the M3 Grant ) to the last easy eight HVSS . All THUNDERBOLD Shermans under Abrams command .

[@briankorbelik2873]

Thank you for this video, I'm 66 and just getting back to modeling after 50 years are more. There are so many kits now that I wish were availbe when I was young. I just picked up a Trumpeter BF-109F-4 Trop. And thank you for the video about what tools I need to pick up. I had to leave my tools behind when I moved the last time. I also had to leave behind the unbuilt USS Wasp CV-7 plus the Japanese sub that sank her. That and unbuilt Uss Ticonderoga. But what hurts the most is the Adolf Galland BF-109E4 kit with a figure of Galland. That and a BF-109F that represented the aircraft that Werner Molders flew.

[@MrGudz788]

I have to add my appreciation for these videos Hank. I’m just starting out and I’m looking on building up my skills to make more advanced models in the future. It’s so nice not to have someone look down their nose and appreciate that we all have to start somewhere. Many thanks.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh I'm so glad to hear it, thank you! That's exactly why I'm on here... when I started years back, the KZbin scale modeling community was so helpful to me. Just want to pay it forward! Cheers & welcome aboard! Happy building 👍

[@casestudy26]

Great video. Your walk before you run philosophy is spot on. Quality kit engineering does help your state of mind. Early on I worked on a AMT car kit. The pre-prep to paint was intense and after many, many hours of dry fitting and sanding I was losing my motivation. As a beginner I can say one does not need this added pressure. I've been doing mainly racing cars (Revell & Tamiya) and have been considering a miitary build. That ME- 109 Trop looks like a great recommendation. Thank you.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much (for watching & for the thoughtful comment)! And yes, I love that 109 kit... it's a blast 👍

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

When I got back into it, my first kit was a Dragon 1/35 Sherman Firefly Vc. With individual track links that had to be joined using 2 tiny guide horns. By the time I finished them I was ready to pull my hair out. So, pro tip: If you're just starting out, check if the kit has band tracks, link & length, or individual links!

[@stephenlitten1789]

Also check to see if there are any etched metal or resin parts. Superglue can be a little unforgiving

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

I use to build my tracks from KETTENKASTEN full metal kits. Its sometimes nessacary in special to the Sherman Tanks with long Hull & wheel base like the RESICAST Sherman CRAB and DUPLEX resin modells.

[@glennrobbins2372]

Great video Hank. I am 62 and just got back into the hobby 2 years ago. I went very simple to start off, my first 3 kits were all classic Tamiya kits, the original Kubelwagen, original Ford GPA and the original Stuart. I now have a huge stash of kits, mostly Tamiya aside from the Miniart Sahara Lee, that and Tamiya's Dragon Wagon which I plan to build later after I've honed my skills more. I am building a few kits that I built as a teenager, revisiting them and applying my newly found skills.

[@jeanverjean5636]

I love the cover of Tamiya boxes. Simply brillant, amazing ! Détail, color ... so fantastic !!

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

The VERY first kit I ever made was the Revell Panther G when I was 12 years. It has a special place in my heart. The polygonal shapes of German tanks of that time are very appealing.

[@svgproductions72]

My first aircraft kit I made when I was a kid was my favorite plane, F4F Wildcat, an 1/48 scale F4F-4 from Tamiya. I modeled for years and then moved into the city and have no space to make models. I came across a HobbyBoss 1/48 scale F4F-3 (late) which I’m excited to build once I move out of the city! Great vids

[@SpruesNBrews]

I love that Tamiya Wildcat! One of my favorites, too. Enjoy the HobbyBoss kit, that'll be fun! 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@bearzilla2462]

Fantastic channel Hank! Really good advice and professionally produced. Keep them coming Sir.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it! 👍

[@charlesgarey5723]

As a completely unexperienced modeler I picked up a Tamiya Panther A after seeing some youtube comments saying it was good for beginners and cheap(20 bucks!). I'm about halfway done and having a great time!

[@arthurengelbert788]

Great Video! I started in again, a handful of years ago, by getting the cheapest kits I could find on Amazon. That way, If I messed something up, I was only out $10. As my skills get better, I add different tools and supplies. I sometimes buy the same kit again, so that I could do something a little different than the first time around. A fun hobby all around. The only drawback is where to put them all as you complete them and move on to the next one!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching - and for commenting! That's a great strategy... glad to hear it's working out for you! I like re-visiting kits as well - I've probably made up these Tamiya 109s a few too many times 😅

[@johnstudd4245]

I'm about in the same boat you are, built kits as a kid with very basic methods and tools. And at various times as an adult with somewhat better tools and methods. Now I am getting older and getting back in the hobby seriously, because it's a fun way to spend time indoors in the cold weather, and I'm am getting older with some health issues and just not as active with more strenuous outdoor pursuits. I bought a quality airbrush, a paint booth and compressor and some other tools that previously I would not have spent the money on. I dabble with woodworking a bit also and as we speak am trying to design some sort of display cabinet that will keep the dust off the models. Also building up my "stash" of unbuilt kits, for retirement and you never know when money could become tight. Now working on building my skills.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! The display cabinet sounds like a great idea - dust is a finished model's worst enemy! 😅 And I'd agree - this is a wonderful hobby for those winter months. Happy building! 👍

[@3richardrussell]

This was a great video, thanks for putting it together. I got back into model building with the Panzer II Tamiya kit and am currently working on a Hanomag half-track conversion into an Ork Trukk for 40K.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you for watching! And the conversion sounds like a really cool project 👍

[@albokolor5819]

Thanks SO MUCH for doing these videos! I just found you on KZbin tonight and I can't get enough of the great advice so far! I am a beginner approaching 60 and have been going back and forth re the hobby (unfortunately much more back) - basically I have put together 3-4 models over the past 10 years!! SAD!!! But I finally set-up a nice workstation and am ready to move forward and start really building so thanks again for the motivation here in these videos and PLEASE keep making these!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh I'm so glad to hear you've enjoyed! That's great news - thank you. I have a whole series for Beginners & folks getting back into the hobby (including best supplies & best paints to pick up) if you'd like to check those out as well. Welcome aboard!

[@That_1kidwalkinghome]

I'm a young model builder I'm currently continuing my dad's small North American p 51 and you are giving me inspiration

[@ttbean70]

Great list. Tamiya is iconic for ease and I always have a blast building. Dragon while detailed can be a hassle, definitely learn your glue technique with Dragon. I’m stretching out with different brands after a five year break.

[@lostdragn]

Great vid. Often people have a hard time finding a place to start, because so much of this hobby is driven by the non-modeling interests of those doing the modeling. I've found if poeple have a good experience building a model, they are likely to do it again in the future. Good recommendations too.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I appreciate it! 👍

[@stevesolomon7713]

Hello Hank. I haven't built a model since 1982 and am going to try to build one again. I was on Reddit, and while that community is great for newcomers, the sheer volume had me swimming in an ocean of information. I found it difficult to parse out what I needed, until I found your videos. So, just a quick thanks for what you are doing here and keep it at it.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm really glad to hear it! Welcome aboard 👍

[@das5813]

Excellent ideas, I've made most of the old 1/72 kits but I've advanced to making the wheels turn and undercarriage open and close using various options added to the original manufacture. Obviously some kits it's not feasible but I'm also converting some 1/30/35 kits to become motorised. The challenge adds to the build. You need a variety of tools including powered tools. The choices for this is huge and it could be the next modeling craze. Great show. Always looking out for the next modeling and engineering shows, from Bristol UK.

[@nurichselbst]

Very nice video again. I really like your thumbnails!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it! 😁

[@gerrycoogan6544]

Very enjoyable and useful video. I note that four of the top five recommendations are kits by Tamiya. Being British, I was pleased to see that the sole exception was Airfix because I grew up (b. 1961) buying an Airfix 1/72 WWII aircraft kit every time I had enough money (which would be about once a month). It was a while before I discovered that other companies even existed! To this day, I still think of all of these kits as "Airfix" models, even if they're made by Tamiya, Revell, or any other company! 😁 I'd be interested to hear from experienced modellers how they would rate the various companies which are still manufacturing? A top five would be great (and in my case, I'm particularly interested in 1/72 scale WWII aircraft.)

[@jmc7034]

I came back to the hobby last year and I love Tamiya. No stress when building them

[@SpruesNBrews]

Welcome back! Totally agree - always a blast working on a Tamiya kit 😁

[@AnthonySmith-xo8yy]

Thank you for the beginner videos. Before seeing your videos I bought a couple of planes that I liked but they were over my skill set right now. So after seeing your videos I think I need to take a step back and start slow. The ones I have can wait later. Thank you sir!

[@ef7andapp170]

Great video! For those that might not be into armor or aircraft, I'd recommend some car kits from Aoshima. They seem to have a good mix of value and quality. The kits usually come with extra parts to customize the cars (even raise or lower the suspension). As someone mentioned below, you can't beat Bandai for awesome sci-fi kits. They have small, cheap Star Wars kits with amazing fit and detail!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - and thanks for the great recommendations! I do love me some Bandai kits 👍

[@maszellz]

Love the sherman. I built the 1/48th version and followed Nightshifts tutorial on how to make concrete armor. Could you make a tutorial about how you made and weathered the logs?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! And that's great - he does some super stuff. Good idea on a log tutorial... I'll add it to the list! Thanks for watching 👍

[@JohnDL212]

Really helpful list and advice. Thank you!

[@user-pm3sc1sw4y]

You have given me lots to think about. Thanks!

[@liamgray9805]

Great video sir, some great kits for me to get back into modelling. I’m starting off with a Revell spitfire mkII 1/48 scale which was given as a gift, then ill be keen to go through your 5 examples, cheers very helpful.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! Welcome back 😀 and thank you for watching!

[@liamgray9805]

@@SpruesNBrews pleasure 👍🏼

[@jackdemask4177]

Great video! Just getting into military models. Very helpful recommendations! Subscribed.

[@ChuckJansenII]

This is a very good video. From someone who used to be a master model builder I really love this. One day when I get settled in a new place and have room and time I will get back into model building. My favorite aircraft model was the Monogram F6F Hellcat with folding wings. I think it was 1/48. The B-17 was a fun build with working turrets and bomb bay doors. My favorite ship builds were CVN-6 USS Enterprise and CVAN-65 USS Enterprise. Those were complex builds and came at the height of my modeling time.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you Charles - I really appreciate it! That Hellcat sounds like a blast, I really hope to do a folding-wing bird someday. I hope you can get back into the hobby soon! Take care & be well 👍

[@julianshawyer4718]

The Tamiya 109 is a great kit to start with. I made about 6 of these when they were first released as the E3. I’m making another E3 at the moment as I wanted an easy relaxing build. The only addition is a Quinta Studio 3D interior decal set. Great choice for a beginner.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

I build my first ME 109 made by airfix in 1970 .... when the kits was sold in plastig foil bags ......

[@julianshawyer4718]

@@wolfgangemmerich7552 I remember that kit. I started making Airfix kits in a bag in the mid 60s. I got the 109 to dogfight with my Spitfire & Hurricane. Happy days.

[@wolfgangemmerich7552]

@@julianshawyer4718 My first dogfight kit was the airfix ME 110 & the Spitfire ..... Happy days indeed!!!

[@julianshawyer4718]

@@wolfgangemmerich7552 Ah, that was a proper dogfight double. Both kits in the same box complete with stand. 😁

[@mitchverr9330]

I would say after deciding to get back into model building that the Tamiya Matilda II is a great easy to build kit to put together, though the rubber tracks can be prone to snapping, the hull itself can hide that pretty well if you build it smartly if that happens to you. The kits also really good if you want to venture into the field of slightly more complex camo or weathering as its already got a slight texture to it and isnt overly busy, but busy enough that you can play around with different techniques. Also of course, make sure to thin your paints guys! After that kit I went on to get the Gecko models A9 and A10 cruisers (caunter camo for a nice med feel), way more complicated but the kits are just lovely when painted up.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh I've heard good things about the Matilda! I really need to pick one of those up - thanks!

[@caliosaly]

thank you this video as well as some of your other vids actually brought me into scale modeling i love doing definitely not the greatest still learning new techniques from youtubers every single time i watch yours or other peoples vid on this topic but its fun so thankyou for helping me get into it and i made my first model a he 123 and then the bf 109's you suggested

[@georgeperez8344]

I am completely new and still haven't started building the Lamborghini Aventador I got. I have no equipment to get started but I am highly interested in this being my hobby. I'm watching all your videos rn to get educated and to get started. Loving it so far can't wait to get everything I need to get started.

[@Bstuchlik]

I’ve built three of the Tamiya E8 Shermans! Absolutely love this model but the only drawback in my opinion is the decals provided.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Yeah I know sometimes Tamiya decals can be difficult - I actually used some from a different Tamiya kit when I refurbished mine & they worked nicely 👍

[@brianbond8669]

Man GREAT VIDEO !!! Just recently purchased the Sherman kit. Can't wait to get started. You gained a new subscriber !

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! Welcome aboard & happy building! 👍

[@9501599]

You say some really good things, make it the way you like it. 👍This is what modeling is about, I was scratch building a bridge in oo gauge/scale. The piles were wooden and I measured them but when I scaled it down the dowel didn't look right, the size before it did. My hobby shop guy said "it's about what you see as correct, scaling down dosen't always look like it should." So I did what I thought looked good and that's an approach I very always modeled too. Great job 👏

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it - and you're totally right... as long as you're enjoying yourself (and you like what you're making), then that's all that matters! Happy building & thanks for watching 👍

[@Lukabrazi69]

You're doing super helpful videos. Thank you very much!

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm really glad to hear it - thank you!!

[@uranusimploding9830]

Tamiya kit ..... shake the box, open it up .....and voila..... a built kit ! I'm 54, been building models since about 1973 ..... my first model was a Monogran snap fit Spitfire in 1/72 scale ..... my dad helped me, and thus a monster modeler was created ..... a few years later I found Tamiya armor in the late 70s and 80s ...... HOOKED ! ......I've been building on and off since then, but I finally finished the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog last year .....The M41 is my recommendation for a first armor model from Tamiya, as it is easy to build and paint ...... this kit has been out the entire time I've been modeling, but it took me almost 50 years to build one ..... Thanks for the videos, and for encouraging new and young modelers to try a kit and have fun doing it 😁👍❤🇺🇸

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha pretty much! They make some great stuff. And that's a good call with the M41 - thanks for watching! 👍

[@AJBa83]

You make a great point about having fun and not obsessing over perfection straight away. When they are sat on a living room shelf who's really looking that close anyway? And the arrangements make it - the Blackbird and Convair Hustler look so cool side by side, as do the Navy Buccaneer and Sea Vixen or the F22 and F35. And there's memories and getting closer to the subject matter there too - take the massive XB70 Valkyrie on the shelf for example; I didn't know it was that big in real life until the box showed up. Didn't know the dropped wings hung down under the wheels until I test fitted it. Gives me a fond memory of my old flat since there was no way I could spray paint it white inside, so the pieces got carted around down to the courtyard in the lift and then carefully carried back up. Nothing wrong with impuse buys of old cheap kits, the Internet isn't everything. There's a 1: 48 GeeBee on the TV stand that I found in a second hand store, one of my favourites. However if there is one you really want, get them when they're there because some kits turn into ebay gold dust if you're not careful. There's also no shame with trying to improve on your kid self models by trying again with benefit of 25 years wisdom.8

[@yuriurbanavicius7013]

Great video! Very well explained to the guy who is just starting out.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it! 👍

[@jim9106]

Great video, thanks for the suggestions. I’m just getting into the hobby and the ideas have helped for my next project!

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's fantastic! So glad to hear it - thank you for watching 👍

[@nicholaspoplawski601]

Hi I'm Nicholas. I started building airfix models in the 60's.my father was a ww2 vet.he told me that German Aircraft were painted various colors late in the war.i,e a yellow fuselage band on the western front

[@scaleworksRC]

Been building since I was a kid off and on and this is nice to see what's current for new builders. I'm saving up for a 1:72 scale B-52 kit after finishing a smaller one recently. There is something special about the shape of that bird.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh for sure - it's an icon! Thanks for watching 👍

[@n228sk]

Thanks for all the things to think about. I built many models as a kid in the 1970's, then bought many of them again years later when my son was born...but his generation turned to XBox and PS4/PS5 games!!! (They are pretty cool, I probably would have, too, if they were around when I was his age.) Now I have plenty of model to build and will watch more of your videos.

[@BAGHEAD1995]

I couldn’t agree more with your choices!. I’m not primarily an armour modeller, but my mate has built the easy 8 and Churchill, and thinks pretty much the same as you. As for 109s, I’ve built a few Tamiya 109Es over the years. A brilliant kit. Best thing about 109s are the massive range of interesting paint schemes to choose from. Great videos and channel, keep up the good work!.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I appreciate it - and agreed, the Tamiya 109s (all of them, really) are a real treat 👍

[@stephanhirons3454]

I love it when any modeller says "have fun"

[@SpruesNBrews]

You've gotta! 😁

[@rebsarge]

In the late '50's, I built 3 or 4 of the Revell B-25 "Flying Dragon." I loved that kit! When Atlantis issued it with the original box art, I had to have one. Now, it's a little rough because those molds must have a bazillion strikes, but for less than 20 bucks it's a great starter. I built it OOB and diid some paint and weathering details, and it was a blast! Not a context-ready build, but those old dogs are a lot of fun, and make really nice displays. Great video, amigo.

[@scotthughes7208]

Hey mate. Thanks for the video. I fell down the Gunpla rabbit hole a few years ago. Thanks to you, about to fall down another. Love ya work!

[@Yuehanlad]

Wow, this guy really loves the word "awesome" so now you know what top 5 kits are Super Awesome.

[@SpruesNBrews]

SUPER awesome kits - the awesome-est 👍

[@TimeBoogeyMan]

I love that you included actual historical footage and reference to your video! Thanks to you I will be picking up the Sherman tank, I've done lots of war hammer builds in the past (I know it's not completely the same) hopefully I'll have a good edge for starting?

[@SpruesNBrews]

For sure - it's the same general concept! And glad you liked the historical footage - thanks for watching! 👍

[@johnashleyhalls]

Great to see this kind of content! You have done am excellent job of making the process easy to get into. I found, during my begining days of assembling, that prepainting made the final product much nicer. I built an A-10 Warthog and assembled and painted all of the ordinance, the halves of the wings and the fusselage and the landing gear parts. Just don't make my early mistake, DO NOT PAINT THE GLUE SURFACES! Painting the pilots uniform and seat before assemly really gives an authentic result. Prepainting also eliminates the need for masking, unless you finish the camo job with an airbrush. Now I have to go and subscribe.

[@jimharkin8802]

Thank you, great video and it's inspired me to make the jump and attempt a build after many years since my last one.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for watching! Good luck & happy building 👍

[@paulaneary7877]

Thank you so much for the information! My mom and I were in Cambria California for an autumn scarcrow festival of all things and found a museum dedicated to war site battle dioramas. I was flabberghasted at the amount of work and detail that went into each display. I think they were scenes of WWI battles but I am not sure if it was WWI or WWII. Just starting to get into modeling, this video will help, thanks again.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very cool! Sounds great - and thank you for watching 👍

[@garethbater6900]

Build something small you are interested in so think you will have fun putting together - if you get a small Tamiya kit they are almost always well manufactured - if its fun you may something try something more complex -try to add some new skills with each kit - some of the models on you tube are simply stunning and with super talented modelers with loads of different skills and added pieces / finishes not in the box of the kit you buy - cant expect to paint a masterpiece first go - just have fun and build up some skills - air brush painting takes model finish to next level and a game changer skill to develop - great video

[@briandeleon7753]

SpruesNBrews??? Awesome name!!! Never seen your channel before, got recommended by KZbin, subscribed, modeling for adults; building kits and brinking some brews!!! Cheers 🍻

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's the idea! Thanks & welcome aboard! 🍻

[@oda781Savoy7]

Aloha Hank~ First, my congratulations on winning the Will Wheaton look-a-like contest 5 years in a row... I am a retired Special Forces combat veteran, now 60 and disabled. In 50 of those years, I have built close to 1,000 models, all fighter aircraft from WWII to present. Back in the 70's, we weren't allowed to get airbrushes due to the cancerous mist scares and I never was able to purchase one since being disabled and on a fixed income but I have enjoyed this true passion with great satisfaction and, if I must say, I've gotten pretty damn good! The one notion I could never subscribe to was weathering. No one goes to an airshow to see a pilot get into something that looks like it would fall out of the sky moments after take-off so, I build "show birds", factory new gorgeous ladies of grace & death. I suppose this is a really long way to tell you how much I enjoy your videos and have watched almost all of them, as far as I can tell. PLEASE don't stop making them! I'd like to see a piece describing how to (or NOT to) brush paint with acrylics. In my opinion, they... well, I shouldn't use such language but suffice to say, I'd rather spend time with my mother-in-law than use them. I like how you enlist an armored corp patch as part of your logo too! Clever... I was also amused as to how many Me/Bf-109's I saw and how big your kits are. I do 1:48 exclusively. Just remember sir, too many brews and you'll never get to the sprues! ~De Oppresso Liber

[@SpruesNBrews]

Cheers! Thank you so much for the kind words - I'm so glad to hear you've enjoyed the videos. I'll try to get a brush painting video up sooner than later! Stay tuned 👍🍻

[@BarryDaykin-zb6jz]

Nice video, it really helped me get hooked on modelling, I did the bf109 and i loved it, it was an absolute gem and it’s one of my favourites of the airfix models i have completed.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh fantastic! That's great to hear - I'm so glad 👍🍻

[@theogantenbein7870]

Advice for a mew modeler: If you purchase your first tank, try to buy one with vinyl tracks. Building tank tracks is a tedious task, you are looking at at least 150+ parts each track. If you never built this before it’s very likely you screw it up or quit the tanks altogether. Vinyl tracks are a quick build and if you are fed up with their mediocre looks all it takes to get rid of them is a pair of snips and aftermarket tracks.

[@timcarson8146]

Great content. Just returned to the hobby this year after 30+ years away. I do have all of your +10 tools...which helps. :) Thanks again!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Welcome back - happy building! 👍

[@jakegriffiths590]

I’ve just started my first kit, after thinking about doing it for a long while now. I’ve gone with the Tamiya, Sherman “jumbo” kit. It’s all new, but so far seems to be going great and I’m having a blast doing it.. very grateful to come across your channel (almost like it was meant to be 😂). Anyways, love your vids man!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh thanks so much! I’m really glad to hear it - enjoy, the Jumbo is a fun one!

[@paperpass6834]

great video i subscribed and now have a few of these models on my wishlist

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And thanks for the sub 👍

[@racheladkins6060]

As an Illustration grad it is a great art form, and useful for illustrators.

[@tomt373]

The Tamiya 1/48 Bf-109E is so straight-forward that I found one in my stash where I misplaced the instructions, and didn't really need them to build and finish the complete kit. It is a true "shake the box and it falls together" kit!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Agreed! Love that kit 👍

[@WallyngroveMinistries]

Thank you for the video. I got the last Airfix 1:72 ME 109 from your link!

[@kevinjmercer]

Just seen your channel and I was smiling in the first minute.... My first model as a child was the Tamiya Churchhill tank with a Trailer and Flamethrower(?) back in early 80's.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh that's wonderful! Thank you for sharing - I'm glad to hear you enjoyed 👍

[@MrVr2xtd]

Agreed on your point that scale modelling is an art!

[@pauldeatherage7661]

I'm into brews and recently into models, so your channel is perfect. My son and I are into Star Wars, so he randomly gave me a model to build of an Tie Advanced two months ago. I wasn't a modeler, so searched on KZbin for tips to build and paint it. I found your channel, and especially liked your tip videos for models, paints and accessories. I watched a lot of other videos on painting and especially loved your video on the BF-109. I've purchased everything to get started, some through your links, some at my local store, and some through Sprue Brothers. I did order the 1/72 scale BF-109 you recommended to start, so that will be my first build. I'm trying to buy local when I can, so bought Vallejo paints there, and also bought a 1/48 scale Academy Bf-109G-6 from there for my next project. I'll let you know how things go.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's so great to hear - thank you for sharing! Sounds like a great lineup to get started - enjoy & happy building 👍🍻

[@Okido24]

Here is the thing I can paint really well (warhammer taught me a lot). But I suck in building. I really like to have pleasure to built and paint again.thanks for the inspiration!

[@Crash33333a]

Back in 2010 I became unable to work and I got back into building models. I don't do anything specific, if it looks fun I'll pick it up. At 60 now, I'm still building away, the fun never goes away just some of the techniques do until you get going. lol. Thanks for your videos.

[@80GhostDog]

Hi! I started this modeling hobby about two years ago. I always painted the road weels before i attached them.

[@siamodyssey]

Thanks for the video watched it 2 times!

[@felippejonsson6078]

Finaly i took the plunge. Been following your videos for a while and been taking notes. So i ordered the tamiya churchill, airbrush, mig ammo and vallejo paints and acessories 🍻

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! That's great - enjoy & happy building!

[@simonleib1992]

Great video thank you. I came back to modelling recently starting with Matchbox 1/72 planes. Built them as a kid in the 70's true nostalga. And my go to kits of Airfix. I know many do not rate Airfix but they do some great stuff. I recently did a Tamiya model. I loved it. So well moulded, wet together well great quality. I see why so many rate this brand. Will do more of them.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@liezllyncanlas2936]

We have the same TAMIYA BF 109 YOU MENTIONED!

[@lancerevell5979]

I've been building models for most of my 65 years. Retired now, and handicapped, so it's my primary hobby. Tamiya ("TAMiya" correctly) is one of my favorite companies. Been doing more Airfix these days.

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a wonderful hobby for sure - and Airfix is great, too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@dbaider9467]

This is a Great advice video. Buy Tamiya if you are new to this, or returning. Everything fits perfectly.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's a good summary! Thanks for watching 👍

[@spinster4000]

I'd wager that Tamiya is probably the best manufacturer for beginners, the kits are simple with relatively low part counts but also pretty high detail, for the more experienced modelers stuff like GWH, Trumpeter, Amusing Hobby, Academy, Zvezda, RFW, TAKOM, MENG, etc are all perfect. Takom and Trumpeter being the most detailed kits that actually go together without any real issue, GWH is a very good manufacturer for aircraft and I've loved everything I've built from them. TAKOM has some fantastic kits and they release such cool and unique vehicles. Trumpeter is similar to TAKOM only they have FAR more weird and never seen kits, like an IS-7 or a Object 279 or hell even the BMD-4. Great video!

[@rudiutomoputra8792]

I agree with you start with these modkits plant , tank and and don't forget the submarine version is ez to assemble.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Subs are a good call! 👍

[@jamiesale9460]

Great presentation, experienced,