The Best 5 Models I Built in 2021!

[@petersmith2112]

My favourite for this year is the airfix Lancaster b11 with some of the bomb resupply set. Made a little diorama with some RAF personnel too. Good kits and the figures show their age, was great to build.

[@ModelMinutes]

Sounds pretty cool!

[@thomasbell6655]

Hi Matt, My most enjoyable builds this year we're 1. Tamiya P38 lightning.in 1/48.....a very complex but amazingly engineered kit, Airfix could only dream of reaching this level of model tooling and design 2. Hobby Boss 1/32 Thunderjet........went together perfectly with amazing fit and detail.......3. Airfix Javelin 1/48 I was surprised at how Airfix could produce such a well engineered kit when others of a similar vintage have been terrible 4. Airfix TSR2 1/48 another very satisfying kit and finally my build of the 1980s Monogram B58 Hustler was a labour of love , the kit was very 80s and came with the usual issues found in old kits but as these aircraft are just amazing I went the extra mile in filling and finishing and it's came out as a stunning centre piece of my ever expanding collection of aircraft builds.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the info!

[@lancerevell5979]

I too have built a few of those 1/72 P-40. Good little kit.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@BobMuir100]

Love that black model and the printed one, just amazing! Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@matthistory9955]

My favourite this year was my Tamiya Valentine. Enjoyed the desert paint scheme and build quality.

[@ModelMinutes]

Very nice!

[@jazzmusician46]

Thanks once again Matt for your video. I’m learning much and am into my 5th build now, with spray paint gun from Santa. I’m sure it’ll take awhile to master this, but it’ll be fun. I still enjoy hand painting my canopies. 😀

[@ModelMinutes]

Good luck!

[@Aardvark-dk]

Excellent video, as always, Matt. My best build this year, was the 1/35 scale, Tamiya Wespe, or the M60, also from Tamiya.

[@ModelMinutes]

Very nice!

[@PiperStart]

Well done on the Spitfire from Eduard. My best kit in 2021 was the Academy Panzer iii - challenging with the individual tracks.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, i can imagine those tracks were tricky :P

[@Ducknuck84]

Kind of a light year for model building for me this year as most of my hobby time was spent painting miniatures. So my top builds of the year are the only 3 models i finished. 1. Bandai 1:144 Thirty Minute Missions BEXM-15 Portanova mech: If you have never tried these they are as the name suggests made so they can be assembled in 30 min or less with only minor sanding of nubs, though if you want to paint them it will take extra time but at the end of the build you have a fully articulated mech and I think is an other good entry for getting a beginner into model building. 2. Airfix 1:72 scale Fokker E.III Eindecker: simple kit if a bit fiddly on the fuselage fit and the 4 part decal wrap, good model to practice rigging on. 3. Minicraft 1:144 Mig-21 PF: Old tooling, Low detail (doesn't even have afterburner internals ) and very fiddly landing gear and weapon hard points. but on the plus has options for raised and lowered gears and 2 marking options.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the info! I've got an Eindecker in the stash so I'll have to keep those points in mind

[@Niskan40]

My favorite kit this year was the KM (or KP) models S-199 in 1/72 scale. A bit clumsy here and there to put together but in the end a great kit. 2nd favorite was the Airfix Spitfire Mk1 in 1/72 scale. I used weathering for the first time, and the end results are something I am quite proud of.

[@ModelMinutes]

very cool!

[@mikedietrich8356]

I like the Mk Viii Spitfire, she looks good in grey. I just picked up the same kit for $21 at the local hobby shop, and for the price I think the Eduard kits are the best. Just finished their Mig-21 MF, and the detail is incredible.

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, I'd like to get more eduard kits when my stash has been somewhat thinned out

[@sos_legio_primus]

I Kinda like mistercraft kits. They take a bit of work, but for the usually sub-£8 price, they are worth it. I like to use their kits for quick scrap builds to test; paint schemes, new brands of paints and new techniques on.

[@ModelMinutes]

I do like them because they often have some interesting subjects

[@sos_legio_primus]

@@ModelMinutes I guess because they buy up old, worn toolings from other companies. So they offer kits, no one else continues' to make, these days. Kinda like Alitalia and ESCI did in the '80's' & 90s'

[@PaDDy7389]

@@sos_legio_primus It's similar with Smer, who still use many old Heller moulds. Even if these models lack cockpit details, I'm still in love with the Hurricane Mk IIc night fighter because the parts fit together so perfectly and I wouldn't have expected that from a mould from the 70s. Even the more than 30 years old decals were in perfect condition, but that was probaly due to the previous owner who had apparently stored the kits very well.

[@sos_legio_primus]

@@PaDDy7389 I kinda like Heller kits, I will check out Smer. Thanks, and Happy New Year

[@PaDDy7389]

@@sos_legio_primus Thanks and a Happy New Year to you as well. :)

[@sweetcorn1968]

My best build of the year was a 1:24 Subaru WRC, Monte Carlo 1998. First go at airbrushing and chuffed with the outcome.

[@ModelMinutes]

sounds good!

[@thomaswilson3437]

I’ve built 2 of the Airfix 1/72nd P-40’s and 1 of the Airfix P-40 in 1/48 scale. I’ve been really impressed with the quality although there are a couple of fit issues (pretty minor). I agree with you, there is a certain lack of detail, but for the money these are great kits.

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@Payne2view]

I only built 5 kits this year (all in 1:72) so, in order of being pleased with the outcome, they are: 5) Folland Gnat T.1 (by Airfix. Had self imposed build issues) 4) Spitfire F Mk.22 (by Airfix. I lost the tailwheel and used a spare hurricane wheel) 3) Lighting F.6 (a Revell reboxing of a 1967 Hasegawa kit, which fought me but I won) 2) DH.82a Tiger Moth (by Airfix. Great detail. I lost the orignal decals and used aftermarket RAAF ones) 1) Curtiss Tomahawk IIB (Airfix's great P-40 tooling made in the desert camo version) I'd further comment that painting by hand with a brush is not the reserve of a beginner. I hand paint and have built off-and-on, for 43 years. It's all about technique, paint type & thickness, brush used etc. An airbrush may well be the ideal in some sittuations but I'd contend that they are not necessary for the hobby. Most modeller will simply not have the facilities to use an airbrush safely.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the info!

[@PaDDy7389]

The Fulmar is a nice kit and I really enjoyed building it. However, that was over 18 years ago and I was still a beginner at the time, so I got it a second time. (I should add that it was the Revell kit as Mistercraft didn't add it to their range until 2015, but it's the same mould.)

[@ModelMinutes]

Yeah, the fulmar has bounced around manufacturers a number of times

[@philjones6054]

When I was a young boy back in the early 70s, I'm sure airfix kits came with a small, rather basic transparent stand.

[@sos_legio_primus]

They did, and in poly bags with a cardboard foldover top labels with a peghole in the top centre. They were on wire peg-rack stands. They and the stands looked a lot like the ones for, off-brand bags of nuts and sweets you buy in 'corner- shops'.

[@sos_legio_primus]

Also "HOW THE HECK!!! does every model shop, I Have visited in the world (except U.S. of America), still in 2021 STILL HAVE FULL STANDS of those Ancient AirFix, hung, folded cardboard topped, polybagged basic kits??? The mind BOOGLES. Does China actually make faked kits of up to 70 yr-old, outdated, defunct Airfix models in packaging not used officially, in 40 years?

[@eddiebruv]

Yes, and the dogfight doubles had a large black base which was shaped like the letter ‘A’.

[@sos_legio_primus]

@@eddiebruv Yup, Exactly.

[@alessiodecarolis]

Exactly, they had these stands that varied in dimensions, I remember the Wellington's one was very big.

[@julianmhall]

Thought. You also do Unboxing videos Matt. Would it be fairer to do worst/best kits based on what they looked like after initial unboxing? Then you don't have to worry about varying paint or varnishes but compare actual kits.. as you mention in the Unboxing things like amount of flash etc. That being said you can't check parts fit when they're still on the sprue.

[@ModelMinutes]

an interesting idea

[@dejansvrljuga6891]

My best models built in this year are 1:72 Revell Heinkel 177, 1:72 ICM Polikarpov Po-2 and I was very satisfied with Smer (ex Heller) 1:72 Morane-Saulnier MS 225 and Morane Saulnier MS 230. Those 2 Smer kits are really nice gems.

[@ModelMinutes]

sounds good!

[@the23rdradiotower41]

I didn’t actually finish any kits last year (as it was my first introduction into modeling but I really enjoyed making airfixes Bf-109 in 1/72 fantastic kit

[@ModelMinutes]

Very cool!

[@seansky2721]

Life happens. It happens every day. There isn't always time to get your model MOJO on and vacation your brain. Hang in there, little brother!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

totally agree with you choices here!!

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@michaelcooke2559]

Nice ranking of the best kits.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@vyshi]

Originally made by Kovozavody Semily, the fulmar was my first plane I made completely alone as a child, so I will have special place for it in my heart :). And Ed's Spits are just best Spits in 1/72, no discussion if I can say

[@ModelMinutes]

Very cool!

[@Russianbackpack.5024]

I didn't build to many kits but my favourite this year would be an Airfix P-51d mustang

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@beaverchicken]

Yeah as I was saying in the premiere, you should try the Academy tooling P-40. Not the P-40B, but the E,N and M versions. Fits better, what I'd say is better detail and cooler varieties, and cooler schemes

[@adampender2482]

I'll agree. I built the one with the lion on the engine compartment

[@thekinksfan5102]

Better still, Special Hobby's P-40E, P-40K, P-40N and P-40M, very nice and detailed kits. Good fit too.

[@adampender2482]

@@thekinksfan5102 ah yes. I like this channel and he builds a lot of airfix but I'm just not sold on them. Plastic too thin and soft

[@thekinksfan5102]

@@adampender2482 yes it's a pity that quality of the plastic and the moulding is often poor. It has to be that they use cheaper materials and moulds than other manufacturers.

[@adampender2482]

@@thekinksfan5102 just finished a Messerschmitt BF109G6 in 72 scale from Airfix. This is the one with virtually no cockpit and the eyes on the fuselage. Had 2 versions you could do Luftwaffe or Swiss. I enjoyed it even with very little cockpit. First time motteling by hand. Decals were great. Took weathering washes great. Finished it. Took pics. Had it sitting on shelf and I watched the tail end sink down to the shelf. WTF? Looked and the tailwheel broke from the weight just sitting on the shelf. I have other airfix planes in my stash that I will build but I won't buy another. Right now it's Tamiya all the way with some revell and hasegawa for lessee know subjects. Academy aren't bad I have a few of those and built one.

[@dougiehigham8289]

Can always rely on you for a great video

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@thekinksfan5102]

Here's a suggestion for a future build video, Eduard 1/72 Hurricane mk I Profipack, 7099. It's an Arma Hobby rebox, will be released in late January.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the idea!

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Great idea to go through and do your best builds of the year. I got back into modelling in late 2020, after a gap of over 30 years. I will be 60 years old on 10th Jan. In 2020 I did 2 kits, Tamiya 1/35 Humvee and Tamiya 1/12 Yamaha YZF-R1 Tiara Racing. But in 2021, I ramped up my model building. In 2021 I completed the following kits: Tamiya 1/350 HMS Prince of Wales (with wood deck, metal barrels, photo etch cranes & railings and photo etch crew figures). Tamiya 1/32 F4-J Phantom II Marines (with photo etch cockpit set, photo etch remove before flight tags). Meng 1/35 Merkava MK4M with Trophy Active Protection System. Plus the big kit I finished was the part works kit of the 1/8 scale Shelby Cobra car from Agoramodels. This kit built up over 12 monthly packs, and cost nearly £1150 in the end. It has workable lights, working steering, horn sound and engine sound when accelerator pedal is pressed. I did do the Tamiya 1/35 Jagdpanther, but I made a mess of the painting and now have too much paint on that tank. Will probably bin it. I am currently building the Tamiya 1/35 Challenger II Desertised. I have it completed, but just have to do the crew figures and the weathering. I have many more kits to do in 2022. Pictures etc of all my kits can be found on my Scalemates page. www.scalemates.com/profiles/mate.php?id=95096. Feel free to view and critique etc. Here's to many great model builds in 2022.

[@ModelMinutes]

Happy Birthday for the 10th! Sounds like you built some great kits last year 😊

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

@@ModelMinutes Got many pictures on my Scalemates page. Plus you can see what I have in my stash lol.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. 😊

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

@@ModelMinutes LOL you found my KZbin Channel. Not put any video's up in 3 years. I don't really have the time or equipment to do my own modelling video's. I don't know where I got 14 subscribers from lol. Last time I checked, I think I had 1 or 2 lol. Maybe I could do some show off video's of my completed builds. We shall see. But thanks for you and other modelling channels giving me great hints & tips.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@Andy.Gledhill.Models. I look forward to seeing that 😊

[@dionesainty-day6822]

My fav was my airfix p40b certireiss warhawk

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@noahross6563]

Man that f-86 looks anazing 😭 i can never find f-86s at my local model store

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Maybe you'll be able to find some online?

[@crazylocha2515]

@Model Minutes ever think about making a pinned comment with ** Spoiler ** spacing that contains the links to each of the videos? Great list. #3 surprised me how high it ranked, yet didn't surprise that it made the video. Great job with the explanations 👍 Here's hoping the next year is better than the last!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for the idea! I would have put them in the description but not all the videos are ready yet haha

[@tcandle695]

Eduard profipack in 1/72 are beautiful kits. I have about 4 in my stash. Yours came out nice. Have you build any Zvezda in 1/72? They have some nice kits. Their decals are so so.

[@ModelMinutes]

I built a zvezda 1/144 plane, but nothing bigger yet

[@coupergiuliano7486]

Its truly a shame I couldn't be there for the premier, but I will continue to like and comment

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks so much :D

[@Maxalhw]

My favorite one this year was the trumpeter chalenger 2 (iraq 2003) at 1/72 scale because it was the only one i did this year

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

I got the same P-40 from Airfix.

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@commander_shadow2444]

You should make the battle of British memorial flight set it looks to be my favourite set as I have seen the Lancaster included in the set in real life and the Lancaster is my fav aircraft it comes with two spitfires as-well for about £2 more then Getting just a Lancaster I really want to get it at one point it’s my fav it also comes with all paints and paintbrushes so is starter friendly like me who has only made 3 sets!

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the suggestion!

[@filipbanduran504]

To be honest, my favourite model of 2021 was the Vintage Airfix Buffalo Amphibian and jeep.

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@obamatraore2339]

Here's to 2022. Might be getting a decent ME410 in 1/72

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@seansky2721]

The early Eduard 1/72 Me-410 is pretty good.

[@phil.7064]

The Eduard kits usually are of a very high standards

[@ModelMinutes]

So it would seem

[@BobMuir100]

Now I am a newbie and my eye isn’t ‘in’ yet , so don’t take umbrage, but I couldn’t see the difference between the previous bottom 5 and this 5 at the top!! Why is that? Any thoughts? Bob England

[@ModelMinutes]

the best and worst probably depend on the quality of the build and moulding - fit of parts etc

[@Jacky_man542]

Just waiting for my 2 year old to not been so demanding and I will be modelling next year big time.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, kids do take up modelling time im afraid

[@eggs2807]

Amazinghow the years pretty much over

[@ModelMinutes]

:P

[@muhammadkaindra1245]

I am curious what was your best model kits of 2021

[@marsbar7099]

Idk watch this video

[@ModelMinutes]

:P

[@spyroskonofaos820]

I have build a rafale kit from mrcraft and it was horrible. The decals fell apart after I have taken them out of the water, the plastic was really wobbly and the quality was really bad.

[@ModelMinutes]

yeah, Mistercraft is definitely a budget brand

[@stevieb6173]

yeah got to admit I knew the eduard spitfire would be No 1

[@ModelMinutes]

:)

[@worldwarbrickfilm8571]

I built my first one this week I don’t know if it’s good or not I would need someone that’s good at models to tell me but it was a 1/48 Curtiss p40 b

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@AreeyaKKC]

I like mistercraft. Affordable kits

[@ModelMinutes]

they really are :D

[@colleenleclair5892]

I built the Ricardo

[@ModelMinutes]

nice!

[@hasanzaid9756]

Please price

[@ModelMinutes]

for what?

[@taylormjolsness7480]

Called it

[@ModelMinutes]

:P

[@hasanzaid9756]

Price

[@ModelMinutes]

for what?

[@hasanzaid9756]

I want to perches model

[@taylormjolsness7480]

The eduard 1/72, spitfire is definitely in the number 1 spot

[@ModelMinutes]

:D

[@NOSHER]

The mistercraft westland army lynx is the worst kit I've ever seen though...

[@ModelMinutes]

sad times

[@muhammadkaindra1245]

First

[@ModelMinutes]

:D