Which Model Kit is Right for Me? | How to Pick Your Next Plastic Scale Model Kit

In this video, we'll take a look at some of the most-popular plastic scale model kit manufacturers in the hobby today & help you pick out which model kits are right for you! Whether you're a true beginner looking to pick up your very first model kit or a seasoned veteran builder looking to check out some new brands, then this video is for you.
We'll rate our plastic model manufacturers today on two general factors: difficulty of assembly & part count.
Do you agree with my selections? Let me know in the comments below!
*These ratings are all based on my personal preference & experience with these brands - at the time of recording, I'm not sponsored or contractually tied to any of these manufacturers
Chapters:
Intro 00:00
Ranking System Overview 00:37
Academy 03:24
Airfix 05:00
Asuka 06:33
Border Model 08:18
Dragon 09:52
Eduard 11:53
Hobby Boss 13:31
ICM 15:05
Italeri 17:18
MasterBox 19:29
Meng 21:13
MiniArt 23:06
Revell 25:24
Rye Field Model 27:22
Takom 28:00
Tamiya 30:44
Trumpeter 32:27
Zvezda 33:53
Final Adjustments 35:04

[@1965GJS13]

For me, *the* *number* *one* criteria that defines if it's a "good" kit or not is how much filling and sanding is required? How well does it actually go together? Accuracy and detail are the next two criteria, but I'll take a (slightly?) less accurate or detailed kit that goes together well over an accurate & highly-detailed kit that is a nightmare of badly fitting parts every time. But that's just me. So I always try to do my research before I buy any kit of a given subject.

[@Mwalden0129]

Would love to see you do this as a part 2 where you get in some of the other well known manufacturers such as Fujimi, Hasegawa, AVF Club, and I Love Kit. Some others to consider which I see in my hobby shops are Bronco, Kinetic, Roden, AMT, Aoshima, Heller and Monogram (older manufactures). I know your channel is more Armor focused and some of these manufacturers are Car and Aircraft focused but I think your method of "rating" these could be helpful for a lot of people getting into the hobby.

[@rszanger]

Easy to follow instructions, the parts go/ fit well, detailed kits yet without too many parts in the box...sounds exactly like Tamiya's kits. Tamiya is still undoubtedly the number one plastic model manufacturer. Takom, Dragon, Trumpeter, Border have way too many unnecessary parts.

[@SpruesNBrews]

You'd be hard-pressed to disagree!

[@lesthiele4921]

Greetings my friend, I am 100% with you on Tamiya still being one of the best if not THE BEST manufacturers on the market, I have just finished their early M4 Sherman from about 1990, and it was a great build, best regards from Australia

[@toddbridges8834]

I have been a Tamiya builder since 1979. Hands down the best. Still.

[@jaimegomez3614]

Excellent video Hank! I have returned to modeling after about 20 years. I was familiar with only Testors, Monogram and MPC Ertl.

[@Sunfade38]

After building a few Meng and Trumpeter kits, Tamiya is such a breeze. Super fun and can get to painting very quickly (my favorite part of the process).

[@devonthomson7069]

Thank you for making this video. I am just getting back into model building after 40 years and the model world has changed a lot. It is hard for a newbie to know which Company makes a model kit that might be good for my level. This goes a log way in clear up the muddy waters.

[@FrancoisBourque]

Great video. Maybe consider having the tri-circle venn diagram . Just because high parts count easy, or low parts count hard are just not a thing. Circles being parts count-easy build-parts fiting Still very well done as far as I know

[@frankrhemrev3572]

very nice to watch and get some real good info! When i used to model (at age 10-14. ;) I always preferred Tamiya and Matchbox over Revell …Revell used to have sloppy parts….Tamiya still my fav! Thanks Hank for explaining so clear and precise!

[@horrido666]

I feel like AFV Club should be in there somewhere. These brands are also somewhat genre dependent, too. For example Roden and Wingnut Wings are important contenders in WW1 aircraft, and Mini Art makes some of the finest examples of 1/72 WW2 aircraft out there.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh yeah, that's a good point! Some great additions. Hopefully I can include those for an updated video someday!

[@GraysonLair]

My first kit was an M4A3 Sherman, this was a blast to build, It looked good and I love the number of accesories that came. Wonderful build

[@chrispacer4231]

I still like to build the old stuff From MONOGRAM, REVELL,TAMIYA… Been building kits I did when I was younger ( started building models in 1970 ) you do the math… Been really getting into AIRFIX KITS… I do have ACADEMY, DRAGON, HASAGAWA, FUJIMI in the stash… I’m not a professional model builder, but I can hold my own when it comes to detailing and painting… Most of the kits I have, I’ve bought from TOY FAIRS and IPMS SHOWS… I have been finding online some kits I’ve been searching for quite awhile… Just received the TAMIYA 1/35 British 6lb Anti-Tank gun One of the first TAMIYA kits I built 1970… BUILDING MODELS IS FUN… I enjoy your CHANNEL Another interesting video… CHRIS 🇺🇸

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jensenjb]

I appreciate your thoughts on graphing out the manufacturers and found the video very useful. For the ones I have experience with, I wouldn't have any significant changes to your rankings. One thought however...since the complexity and part count are so highly correlated, maybe a new ranking with a different dimension than part count. Off the top of my head: How well the model goes together (fiddly, poor fitting, fits like a glove); skill level of the modeler required (may include tools needed, working with PE, etc.); time to build (is it a 10 hour build or 500 hour). Those are just a few to get the discussion going!

[@paulwilliams2340]

I have to tell you that after watching MANY of your videos, especially this one I decided to get back into the hobby! This may seem like small change but........I am 67 and haven't touched a model kit of ANY kind since I was 14!!! This is a no B.S. comment!!!! I originally started the hobby at age 7, lol yes, that was wayyyyyy back in 1963!!! Back then I was fascinated with the German aircraft of WWII. I done a few versions of the 109 and FW 190. I moved to more complicated models like the Stukas and a Tiger and a tiger 2a HE 111. My painting was very rudimentary at best, mostly used the Testors very small rattle cans. I then moved into the world of tanks at about 9yo, german of course was first with Panzers (not many variants were available back then) then moving to the tiger and the tiger II. I had 4 long shelves filled with airplanes and tanks. At 11 I moved into the world of car models. I started collecting car mags at an early age and my father a Master Journeyman Bodyman had started teaching me bodywork and painting cars at 10yo. I would estimate I probably built over 100 different cars. I learned how to detail engines and undercarriages and at 13 it all came to an end when my father bought me a real 1957 Bel Aire Custom Coupe. It was in 2005 when I had a catastrophic back injury and have had many years of sitting on my butt and really needed something to do!!! I happened upon one of your videos about 4 months ago (I've been a literally KZbin newbie since 2021) and it peaked my interest!!! Ive watch Barbatos Rex videos (hate gundams) fro his tool and painting videos and Andy's Hobby videos. Between the 3 I really like your videos the best! This past Wednesday I ordered the Tamiya Vietnam gun truck model with the 4 50. cal's. I'm not sure which glue is right so I ordered the Tamiya extra thin and the Tamiya extra thin fast set. I got the Mig 3 color Military colors set. I learned how to make decals and I'm going to display it like it came from the factory this way only because I really don't want to screw up a $50 model lol. I already had most of the tools from a few smaller projects (not model related). Sorry this was so long!!! I'm already planning my next project the mating of a 5 ton truck with the M113 and then the M48 tank. Being a vietnam veteran This is very nostalgic for me, I took a convoy from Da Trang to Da Nang and we had 5 gun trucks for protection. So again I thank you (not sure yet how my wife will feel lol) so keep making these great videos!!!! Who knows, maybe the M48 might get dirty with a few pock marks !!!!!!

[@setoredan]

Wish you the best. I'm near 60 and haven't built a model since I think was 1979 which would put me at 14 too. I also am thinking of getting back into this hobby just to have a hobby other than video games.

[@Chilly_Billy]

Since returning to the hobby, I've been thoroughly pleased with kits from Tamiya, Academy, Airfix and Special Hobby. The latter two limited to their more recent offerings. I've thought all were a good balance between cost, complexity and detail.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Some great choices for sure!

[@rogerbogh3884]

My first kit back from an almost 40 year hiatus was the 1/700 scale Trumpeter North Carolina. I just moved to North Carolina and the ship itself is a museum about 2 hours south east of me. Mistake. High part count - but I am a patient person with some ability to stick to a project to completion. However, some of the sub-assemblies were horrendously designed - I'm looking at a very necessary and very visible rectangular part of the superstructure that had to be built with NO guides or pins - and other sub-assemblies simply did not fit well together. All in all, not pleasant but I found you and other sources as a result. My next kits were a Tamiya Fletcher and a Tamiya Repulse. Both were great kits. A little lacking in some detail but I likely could have purchased after-market stuff if I felt ready for that challenge. Now, for the 1/350 scale Academy Graf Spee. Happy Hunting...

[@brsnorthernhorsejourney3579]

Although not an armour or aircraft modeller myself I found this very interesting and it matches well with many of the kit reviews I see in FSM and Scale Auto. I mainly build trucks in 1/24 and 1/25 scale, here the kit market is very different with many of the offerings being re-releases of 1970's era tooling (all the Round 2 AMT reissues for example) combined with a small selection of modern day rigs like the Moebius LoneStar/ProStar tractors and two different van trailer kits plus a modern flatbed. One thing not found in the big rig kit selection is multiple manufacturers offering variations of the same prototype!

[@ernie_like_hemingway]

My first ever kit was the ME109 G10 by Revell, but I grew up with Airfix. Airfix made up a huge part of my childhood and my teen years. Since I am big history nerd, building Airfix and watching history movies/shows/documentaries is the best combination for a rainy Saturday evening.

[@santiagoecheverri5743]

Documentales históricos, modelismo, cualquier noche (si es lluviosa, mejor). Hombre!!! Ese es mi paraíso!!! De pronto nos encontramos ahí. Un abrazo.

[@Subzero2151]

Tamiya the go to for beginer builders, and my go to, i prefer easier builds with little hassle and then move on to the next project, but it can be hugely satisfying to complete a challenging build over a a longer period.

[@araserbilgin876]

There is a whole empty space of low part count/challenging build and i think Revell and Italeri kits could easily fill that spot, considering their old kits with disastrous fit issues. Revell and Italeri made me quit hobby as a newbie 15 years ago, back when i was high school graduate, because they were the only accessible ones in my country and i still remember the cockpit fit issues of Italeri AH64 kit and Revell's considerably late release of 1/32 FW190 kit... And getting a Tamiya Tiger I kit started me back to hobby again, there is such a night and day comparison between brands actually.

[@SPSteve]

The Takom Blitz kits have lower parts count and build into good models. I built a couple and liked them.

[@siamodyssey]

Wow, that was a fantastic video. Really appreciate all your time and effort to do that. It educated me on a subject that I just started. Working on my second bill and your KZbin videos have been very helpful. 😊

[@huwtindall7096]

I love easy to build kits as I enjoy the painting more than the building part of the hobby. I'm also not a rivet counter so not fussed if it's not 100% historically accurate or super detailed. I don't enter competitions or anything so just like building my collection and admiring them on the shelf. Also make pew pew sounds now and again pushing the tanks around the floor lolz.

[@JohnCScaleModeling]

Hank, this is a very informative video. You really categorize the manufacturers well in a straight forward understandable manner. I’m returning to the hobby after DECADES and was floored by the changes that have taken place. I’ve watched many of your videos and find them very helpful. Keep up the great work. Thanks much

[@billschuch6409]

Looking at the 'challenging/low-part-count' spectrum, I immediately thought of the Lindberg kits I used to build as a kid. Older molds, super-simple and not-great fitment made them a challenge to spiff up and make look good. That said, they did some cool old kits that you don't see any more, and for me the nostalgia is a factor.

[@screwthisin]

I feel like Revell might've been in the middle of challenging and easy builds because you have the newer kits that are miles above than their older kits where the instructions are kinda hard to follow.

[@travisspuhler7065]

I'd throw AMT on the "challenging/low-part" area as well. . . because O M G are they just baaaad kits. It is truly amazing to see what some of the guys who like doing hot rods and 1950s US cars can do with those heaping piles, cuz I simply do NOT have the time or patience to devote to making one of those kits "good"

[@georgecoventry8441]

And then there's....Zoukei-Mura and Wingnut Wings! (both highly detailed, highly complex, very well engineered, high parts count). Wingnut Wings, of course, is also out of business, and so they cost a LOT of money now. And then there's ancient Aurora models...long out of production...very simple, very inaccurate, very low parts count, but fun to build anyway. 😀 Tamiya is definitely the all-round best, most user-friendly model company out there.

[@cursedmonkey1033]

I remember back in the day, in terms of armor which is what I was into there was Tamiya, Dragon and Italeri and that was it. And for diorama and after market supplies you had Verlinden, which was of dubious quality. It really is amazing how much things have changed.

[@soppdrake]

Dora wings HKM Airfix ICM Miniart Monogram Tamiya These are the manufacturers in my meagre stash.

[@markshobbybench]

Love the comparisons, really appreciate the information. I'll be saving this in my reference file.

[@keithTCU]

Great video! Thank you so much. Many questions answered here.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@UrMumSaysHiWT]

The 1/72 kits from Trumpeter is supereasy to use though, totally different from their bigger kits

[@raymondserafin9396]

That was great, just got back into armor modeling. So that's very helpful, thanks very much

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! Glad to hear it - thanks for tuning in 👍

[@samuelschmitt7068]

I built an Eduard Spitfire as my 3rd model kit and oh my gosh was it a learning curve. I love the final result, but a few more Tamiya kits first would have likely been a wiser coarse of action, lol.

[@user-rg7vt2it3m]

Thx for this comparison. I dont have too much experience jet so this helps me a lot to choose my next kits. Cheers and go on like this

[@jb_makesgames2264]

Excellent video - one of the first such type of video I have seen

[@minthouse6338]

I feel like the comparison be better if separated into sections such as airplanes, armor, ships, cars etc. There is literally a ton of model kit manufacturers out there such as Hasegawa, Fujimi, Platz, Ryefield to name some. All good for the hobby that's come a long way since Monogram, Aurora, Revell. Personally I've always been told if you wanna easy build - Tamiya is it lol

[@TedFreedman]

Very informative video. It would be very helpful for you to share your thoughts at some time about painting strategies. What I am interested in is how you evaluate the order of painting versus building when you’re constructing a kit. I realize that there are very many variables when it comes to painting such as when does it make sense to brush paint versus use an airbrush; or when does it make sense to paint before completing a sub assembly versus actually finishing the subassembly and then attempting to get the paint done. In any event any thoughts that you have on the subject would be most welcome.

[@mikejungferman4744]

I pick the ones that are reasonably priced, my fixed income tells me i ain't spending 50 bucks on a plastic model kit, but im good with that

[@wicodemus]

Thank you hank for all you work you put in your videos

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@brianbrinegar6086]

Excellent review - thank you!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@furrysharker]

This was very helpful, especially for some of the newer manufacturer ratings!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it!

[@jasonsray]

This helps, I have been looking to get an F-18 and a USS North Carolina kit, I want to get something that isn't crazy hard, but still enjoyable to work on.

[@Ca108xray]

Great video Hank. Also, I like the ingenuity of this topic and quite a few of your other offerings. Good way to not to pigeon hole yourself exclusively into builds. I respect your opinions and experience in the hobby and this video is a prime example why.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very kind! Thank you - I appreciate it 👍

[@crafting-crnr]

thanks hank really enjoyed this, just got back into modeling and like tamiya but love miniart great value for money and not over to quickly

[@mikemorrison192]

I agree very closely with your outlook on these manufacturers. I've had the same experiences throughout the years. As always there are exceptions to the rules as you pointed out. One being the Blitz series from Takom. They have a lower parts count than the standard kits with the same engineering. At a lower cost I might add. In my opinion, they aren't a bad option for a less experienced modeler. It's nice that some manufacturers offer kits like these. Thanks for presenting this info in an easy to understand format. Love your channel buddy.

[@scottcumm2819]

am a baby boomer who grew up on Revell and Monogram still love they kits today. just a old school guy and history nut.

[@wickerman7689]

Great & useful video! Thank you..!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you for watching!

[@dethmaidenfan]

Italeri use weird plastic it’s too soft or something it just melts in a weird way so I keep clear from them unless nobody else makes their sets. The only issues I ever have with academy are their decals. I’ve only ever had problems with meng and takom It could be the sets i made but they just make stupid design choices with the sprue runners imho. Some of the best kits I’ve ever made have been hasegawa, but just don’t have the releases these days or available in many stores here in Australia. There is also amusing hobby kits which are in the high parts challenging build category. Overall a pretty good graph.

[@TheJeffHolt]

This was very useful. Back in the hobby, after many years away. Been staying pretty close to Tamiya, but I do have a RFM Leopard on the shelf, waiting for my ability to sharpen.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Sounds like a great plan! I love Tamiya, too!

[@cristianlita6364]

Very nice presentation. I will be intereseted in Das Werk as well. Thank you!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! And probably in the general area of Border/MENG... maybe a little more complex than those guys.

[@OzScalemodeling]

Very good comparison that will help your model decision, cheers.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Cheers! Glad to hear it - thanks for watching!

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Really informative, thank you.

[@writerian]

Nicely done. Love the choices.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@johngimmellie7576]

I’m 75, haven’t built since I was 10. I have been watching you videos the past few weeks and I might give it a try. Thank you for your outstanding videy

[@krishurd3185]

Great segment! Any thoughts on Copper State Models? I love their armored cars and am interested in starting to add them to my list. I have never built one from them.

[@michaelmiller3552]

Fantastic video and analysis. I have really needed this. I agree with others that a part 2 that includes kits like Hasawaga, Monogram, Fujimi, and other out of production kits even crazy Matchbox kits LOL since they are so readily available on EBay and online hobby houses. You have really helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@vladimircanada7505]

Thank you for this helpful video! Can you make the same style video but about model's historical accuracy by brand including assembly and markings?

[@Capt_kook]

Hasegawa??? That's a huge name. I'm wondering why you didn't put them in the video?

[@minthouse6338]

Maybe he has no experience of building them? Generally speaking Hasegawa are good to build depending on what specific kit you're talking about.

[@KGmodels]

I usually try to go for a complicated build and a relatively high part count kit,but that also comes with cost,so thanks for all the recomendations Hank! :)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Whatever works for you - as long as you're enjoying the process, then you're golden! Cheers 👍

[@KGmodels]

I also have a question Hank,do you have any tips on the Berlin Brigade Urban camo as I’m trying to get myself to try it.I also have an Asuka M4a3 waiting as my next kit!

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

1. Nice sweater 2. ICM makes awesome figures 3. Revell kits base their 'difficulty' levels on the # of parts -- not the level of frustration in assembling 😆4. No Aoshima or Hasegawa? 🤔 And I think Tamiya should be more centered in the Ease of Assembly and High Parts count quadrant. Great stuff! Thanks! 😀

[@maevethefox5912]

Very nice! I've been trying out kits from a ton of different companies this year, and this pretty much lines up with how I see it, though I've found the Tamiya kits I've built to be really low on parts count, but I generally build armour so that could impact it.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! Glad to hear you've had a similar experience 👍

[@maevethefox5912]

Also, you want a low part count challenging build kit, pick up one of the Skif T-64 or T-80 kits. Really interesting subjects, but definitely some "barely post Soviet" engineering, I got a decent build out of the T-80, but I had to saw and file and fill more than I ever thought possible.

[@joshuamurphy4928]

Nice video and I agree with most of it. The only differentiation I would make is the difference between high part count and poor kit craftsmanship in terms of difficulty. I'm building a RFM Stug IV early production right now. High part count, small parts, and photo etch. BUT the model is very well made, little flash, great fit and quality plastic. So the kit goes together well with no significant modification needed. So I wouldn't describe it as difficult, because it goes together so well.. But take some other manufactures cough: Revell with poor fit, lots of flash, and needs lots of seem filling. Now that is a difficult fit. But I do think you have the manufactures broke down very well.👍👍👍

[@bobrivett7645]

I just finished watched this video first time today, 3/3/24. You pretty much nailed it, though Revell I think can be challenging build, recently built there 1/72 scale PBY4 the navalized B24, the fuselage and wing assembly were horrible, had to use hot water and heat gun to get rid (mostly) of the warpage, in the plastic half pieces, and then clamp the suckered down real good. Maybe it was poorly stored or something. I love tamiya both aircraft and military vehicles and don't forget their figure kit and Academy which I've built a number of their 1/72 jet aircraft never had any real trouble them, and I like that they include a nice selection of Ordance. Airfix....hmmmm. I'm building two of their Mig-17 aircraft, while so far their going together just fine, the detail is only a couple of steps above none. I do plan to pick up their 1/72 B24, online it looks like big improvement than past comparable kits. Never built a Meng or Border kit. Askua, Takom are on the shelf. I have a couple of Sherman M4 as well as a M32 recovery vehicle yet to build. RFM, I built there Panzar III with a complete, interior (I stuffed in some Tamiya, Dragon and Miniart tank crew figures in it). While a lot of parts I thought it went together really well, as good as Tamiya. Anyway that's enough of my opinion. Though I have to say Tamiya is my favorite model company, built over a 100 of their kits. Just love 'em. Thanks for the analysis and video.

[@dynaflow666]

The old and now quite rare Matchbox 1/72 kits might be ideal for any beginner, since they have few parts and fit quite well.

[@sleepingrabbit4011]

Matchbox is one of my favorite Model kit companies but also the old monogram and Hazegawa are great for beginners also

[@gasgassteve]

Great video . Tho I disagree with the placement of Border Models . I think they should be a little more to the challenging side , due to the engineering of their molds . They require a fair bit of cleanup and they use a very soft plastic . The detail is very good , the assembly is very good as well . But the clean up is a slow process. And they miss part assembly steps . Suddenly a part just shows up on the next level installed . Ie: a grab handle , and there are a few in the kit of different shapes . And for some unknown reason the assembly instruction have some parts reversed . I am currently building the Panzer IV Ausf.F 3 in1 kit with vorpanzer and Schulze options . The leaf springs for the suspension is backwards IE: left side to right side . This was like that on their first F model . You would think they would either issue a correction sheet with the instructions or redo the instructions . As they are different instruction sheets from the first F . Missed the boat on that one . I knew about this from research before buying and building . Lots of build videos point that out , and so do historical photos . So for my opinion, that makes them more challenging. But they sure do fit together nicely . I like their kit subjects and fill my needs . Just my 2 cents

[@tylerevans9737]

Where would you rate Hasegawa and Kinetic kits?

[@corntorteeya86]

Can confirm on pronunciation of Asuka. I speak the language and have a cousin of the same name.

[@openidiomes]

Very usefull analysis, many thanks. In my opinion for Russian tansk > trumpeter and for German ones I like Takom. Just a point of view, thanks for all

[@danknispel4588]

Have to agree with you on a number of points but disagree on some, like Dragon and Zvezda. Yes Dragon kits do belong in the complicated range of kits but not so much for their construction but for their really poorly designed instructions. As for Zvezda kits, well they belong in the complicated (read frustrating) zone because of their really poor fit and quality. I can't honestly say that I'd recommend one of their kits to anyone unless you really want a kit of a subject that no one else offers. Thanks for a well thought out and reasoned video.

[@Davshady]

Very helpful indeed...!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks!

[@alexviktor7975]

Hello from Liepaya ( in Latvia )! Zvezda, I agree are easy models, but if we take model STZ-5 with rocket lancer, it will be a little complicated, not for beginners.

[@reneprado8500]

Hasegawa models ?

[@RCUKScaleModels]

there's a few manufacturers that you could have headed (bandai - Arma hobby - Das Werk - IBG.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh yes, some good ones!

[@MarkDeConinck-qr4hj]

Great video for novice or experienced builders since most builders probably have not experienced all the kit manufacturers. Question I have is where would Bronco fit in. I know they’ve made some very nice kits

[@whhsfordian]

Great analysis that, as a newbie to the hobby, I appreciate. I have recently purchased a Dora Wings kit (supporting Ukraine) and Arma Hobby kit. I will evaluate them against your criteria as I complete them.

[@robertnorth7609]

Hmm. All kit manufacturers seem to be a mixed bag. I've revisited (shout out to Atlantis Models) some of their stuff, and their stuff can be a real challenge. These things consist mostly of ancient Revel kits. The Boieng 727 has low part count, but iffy fit. Right. That said, for a nostalgia build, and you want to do the work, go for it!

[@colme71]

Great review video. What are your thoughts on Hasegawa?

[@tsman2709]

Hasegawa is all over the place in that diagram! 😂 They have amazing kits and absolutely crappy ones. Super low count and 72s with more than 200 parts!!!

[@rogerramgoolam6939]

Great video and useful information

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much!

[@rogerramgoolam6939]

@@SpruesNBrews Great channel too. Keep the content coming!

[@DonaldChamp]

I only ever paint 1/35 figures and find that MB and Tamiya have never failed to deliver on quality and range. MB in particular have really pushed the boat out with some of their figures and they're a pleasure to deal with. As always, really well put together video. Watching along as I finish off some US tank crewmen. Great stuff, very helpful, bud 👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! Really glad to hear it - thanks for watching!

[@jkoeberli]

try alpine also :)

[@bobrivett7645]

I have a number of figure kits mostly tamiya and dragon, but also miniart who I think has really raised the bar with their figure selection, tank & vehicle crew, maintenance figs, recent combat engineers. In the different or not too common figure relam, I've built a large number of Master Box WWII German, but also their civil war, Western and American Indian kits. On my shelf are all of ICM different WWII nationalities figures, Greeks, Moroccan, Gurkha, etc. I also have the different US Paratrooper kit from Gecko they look great to. I really like that some figure manufacturer in 1/35 scale plastic are branching out beside the over done market of German figures.

[@MrJstone00]

I think it would be worth mentioning Scalemates and how some manufacturers release older (1970's) kits in new boxing like the Revel B-24, actually a Monogram kit from 1976, or release other manufacturers kits under their own label. Good video though, I can see the amount of work that went into it, thanks for that

[@ManuelDeFire]

I would tell you that in the case of Hobby Boss, the small parts are delicate due to their flimsy plastic, the tank links are so thin that they can break or disintegrate with the glue as happened to me with a T-26 and now I have to wait to find them made of aluminum. The quality of the Tamiya plastic is magnificent. Exceptional video Hank, Greetings!

[@travisspuhler7065]

Some of their 72 scale jet air craft are a pain to build as well. I was doing a Rafale M, and the instructions were quite vague in order of operations when assembling the rear landing gear. . . Their glue/contact points are in the housing/cavity well, but you're supposed to thread the struts through the body (unglued) then somehow contort to then glue them, and the housing in place. Most other brands I've build, if they have a weird order of operations (say, to keep a turret spinning or elevating) they put a special note or other numbers on that step to tell you when to glue what where. Definitely agree on the fragility/sensitivity of the Hobby Boss plastic as well. I'm not rough on assembling my stuff, but still have needed alternative gluing because I've broken a tire off a landing strut.

[@Flingwing24]

So many variables. Personally I go for a subject I want to build in whatever is available....then they get built when I feel able. I have to have a subject in my head but a challenging kit to me could be a very old novo kit of a subject that just isn't available anymore. It is much easier to chose given the efforts by yourself and others with honest reviews.

[@DSOImager]

Great video.. good info for guys starting out (or getting back into it). One thing though.. I'd swap Takom and Mengs positions on your plot. I have a 3 Takom kits (M60A1, CM-11 and T-29) and I have a few Meng kits (M1A2, Leo1a5, Leo2a4, amx30B2) and I'd have to say the meng kits have way more parts than the takom kits. I thought the Takom kits were easier to build. The CM-11 went together so well I picked up that M60 when it came out. I thought the T29 built up well too. Not quite as good as Tamiya.. but not bad at all. So far the M1 is the only Meng kit Ive put together.. it wasn't bad.. a little more fiddly than Takom.. but the part difference and detail is noticeable when I park it next to the Takom kits. That said.. the interior kits, which you referenced.. maybe the positions are right. I'm not brave enough for full interior kits 🤣🤣

[@openidiomes]

Takom is the best for Interior Kit I think because Mini Art has too many spare parts, I don't like to be modelling with a microscope :-)

[@CannonGround]

I'm working on Tristar's Pz1.A ohne Aufbau, and I have to say Tristar has an insane amount of parts in their kits

[@MrDJdo]

As i'm new to the hobby i found this really interesting and helpfull. In the long run my aim is to make dioramas but this helps me select models that might be cheaper less complex to build so i can learn the basics before moving on to more complex stuff. I'm gathering as much usefull info i can get before is start building and i do however wander if you guys will make a video that tackles the subject of scales, which seems like a real head ache especially for dioramas. Like you have 1/32 aircraft while most vehicles and figures are 1/35. Same with 1/72 and 1/76 scales. I might be wrong but although i prefer the 1/72 size all around it seems that there is a way bigger variety of figures and other stuff available in 1/35 which makes it a more attractive scale for me to make dioramas later on. This might be a little more expert stuff but what about all those upgrade kits that are available? I've seen plastic tank tracks and gun barrels replaced by metal ones. Which are the good upgrade kits brands? Good place to find figures?

[@richsmith7200]

Another note, I've gone to Brookshire Hobbies twice and left empty handed. Just overwhelmed by the selection, and issues on making decisions...

[@Vegemite_Warrior]

Where would you place vespid models, I am relatively new to the hobby and it was by far the hardest kit I have done. It was the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Centurion mk5/1 (Vietnam war version)

[@felippejonsson6078]

Im almost finished building my 5th model (all tamiya tanks) Have been a great experience from old releases to new toolings. Im Painting on my 4th. Soon time to begin on a tamiya willys jeep. Still alot of tamiya kits i want to build but im beginning to feel an itch to try a takom blitz StuG or RFM Challenger 2. Been alittle afraid of the Photo etch thou 😅

[@SpruesNBrews]

Love the Tamiya kits! Sounds like those Takom or RFM kits would be a great next step, too. Don't worry too much about the photo etch... there's a bit of a learning curve, but you'll figure it out!

[@davidsalvini7495]

Like Tamiya but the one big issue with them for me is value. Their kits seem a bit pricey for what you actually get. I think that is where a company such as Dragon has an edge on them- more detailed and probably more accurate and generally better pricing.

[@tezza2213]

I was so relieved when you put Dragon where you did. With 680 parts in their Panther A kit, is just so over the top. Wheels and some other parts not fitting properly. I thought it was just me having troubles, now I see that it's not. Thanks Hank!

[@bobrivett7645]

I agree with your opinion on Dragon built they're Cyber Hobby M4A2, while has no real issue with tge build, there was almost 800 parts in that kit, and it came with rubber band tracks. At least I have a ton of M4 spare parts.😅

[@unpretty7112]

I build mostly Tamiya and Zvezda. Trumpeter has a ton of unique vehicles and configurations but sometimes can go really wild with the part count. Their 1/35 modern tanks are around 1000 (sometimes 1400+).

[@NothingNowhere-vu5oq]

In many cases, the high parts count is the tracks. For example, I have an RFM Tiger I with interior, and the tracks consist of four parts per link, as - 1 track link, two guidehorns, and one pin per link of track. At about 90 links per side, that's a significant investment in time. I assume that you knew this, but beginners may not know.

[@unpretty7112]

@@NothingNowhere-vu5oq This + a ton of PE elements. Trumpeter T-72 mod 1990 I finished recently had over 200 of just bolts to put on. Not my favourite part of making a model.

[@kudukilla]

Some of my experiences with aircraft models Academy: there kits are fair, but beware some are Italeri in Academy boxes. Airfix: multi engine planes the nacelles never seem to come together properly. Eduard: different levels of complexity with weekend edition to profipack of the same kit. Italeri: I’m going to follow the Thumper Rule. Revell: don’t forget they’re really like 2 companies, Germany and USA. USA is pretty much older molds, Germany (black boxes) fit better and tend to be newer molds. Tamiya: Lego like fit. Only complaint is their decals are really thick.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Some very fair critiques! 👍

[@jkoeberli]

For me: Tamiya/GWH for Planes, MENG/RFM/takom/Border for Tanks i avoid italeri and revell and i am verys careful with ICM, Airfix and Trumpeter

[@sertwert8237]

Hi Hanks, thanks for this comparison, I totally agree with your comments on Tamiya (great!) and Dragon (terrible) kits!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

In my opinion, having built models since the mid ‘70s, I believe Tamiya is the best manufacturer of plastic styrene models. They always fit right and instructions are perfect.

[@pork_friedrice]

Very informative! I came across some “Great Wall Hobby” kits recently and they look very sharp, I was wondering what the word on the street is on them?

[@user-qe1uq2su8k]

Good advice, though i think that it would have been a bit better if you had used the same model/part/assembly instructions for comparison. Thanks.

[@unclebobsbees4899]

Appreciate the video! 40:20 Sword kits? Seems low part counts. Not sure about fit yet, first one. Comes w/4-5 color scheme. Some with etched parts. 1/72 TBM-3W and 1/72 Gannet AEW.3 Building an AEW series. Reasons. Then a flying boat series. Also reasons, my uncles were PBY guys in WWII.

[@user-mz2lo8wf7b]

Hey. What a fantastic way to compare the manufacturs. Thank you very much for that overview. That helps a much for new and experienced modellers. 👍 What do you think about Kittyhawk (just ordered an UH60) or Wingnut Wings? (altough they are not in the market anymore)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oooo I don't have enough experience with either of those... though I have heard good things! Thanks for watching 👍

[@bele2.041]

Hank, I got alot out of this video. Between my 57 year old eyes and fists of ham, I really don't want to buy a box full of frustration. Can you do a tutorial on photo etch and one on putty use?

[@bobrivett7645]

Oh, Hank do you have any experience with the manufacturer Magic Factory? I have a number of built 1/48 scale F4U corsair models. And I'm seriously considering their dual Corsair kit. The wing fold option has picked my interest.

[@michaelvankempen4505]

From Australia. Hank it's a simplistic way to categorise with four criteria. There are also issues like faithfulness to the real silhouette, some models look dimensionally wonky, correct parts for the model series depicted, some manufacturers are using old and the same moulds to create 'new versions' of, say, a particular aircraft by dropping in a new spue and calling it 'new tooling'. Also as the old mould's wear increase, warpage and flash become an issue. Where ejector pins are used in the manufacture, the lack of design to the placement can cause major filling and sanding headaches. I built the Dragon 1/72 Saturn V with Apollo 11 1.5 metre model, instructions were so vague in areas that if Dragon were in charge of the real thing back in the sixties, man would not have stepped on the moon. I've got a half finished Meng 1/12 GT40 MkII ($465.00 in Australia) thrown back in the box over a year ago because I am so pissed off with crap they supply for the oil, fuel and brake lines/cables that they are comical, the fuel connectors and hoses from the fuel tank wouldn't look out of place on Top Fuel Dragster such is the lack of care for scale. There seems to be a disparity with the Chinese brands due to the age of tooling, the clarity of the instructions and re-boxing 'old tooling' from 'gone broke' brands. Newer manufactured kits are usually vastly easier to build and follow the instructions and are much easier to clean up before assembly.

[@fifteenbyfive]

Zoukei-Mura and Hasegawa, a couple of the best.

[@Arno_L]

In the low parts/challenging build you can find some smaller companies like Special Hobby or short run specialists like CMK, Alan, Amodel...