The 10 Best Model Kits For Adults

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This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in January of 2019. Constructing replicas of famous ships, planes, cars, and more isn't just a hobby for kids. In fact, the most impressive options out there are so complicated that many young children couldn't handle them. The model kits for adults on our list offer amazing opportunities to build beautiful pieces of art and to display them with a great deal of pride once they're complete. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Tamiya P-51D Mustang Hobby

2. Robotime 3D Puzzle Orpheus

3. Fat Brain Greenhouse

Editor's Notes

October 28, 2020:

For this update, we've expanded the range of our list with three highly-ranked sets that don't conform to the conventional choices of vehicles and machines.

We've added the colorful Fat Brain Greenhouse, a charming miniature with plenty of personality, and the Iconx Silver Dragon, which looks quite dramatic when completed. The CubicFun 3D Notre Dame is another newcomer; it's a study in Gothic architecture combined with an easygoing assembly.

We've removed the Revell 1:48 F15E Strike Eagle and the Revell 1:96 USS Constitution from the list due to availability issues, and the Flight Miniatures Delta Airplane has been taken off because its size was a little disappointing to reviewers.

Finally, we've updated the information on several listings, including the AMT 1967 Ford Shelby GT350, the Tamiya Mitsubishi A6M5/5A Zero, and the Old Modern Handicrafts Exclusive Edition San Felipe.

January 17, 2019:

There's a seemingly endless number of models available on the market, with dozens of ships and airplanes in particular, with plenty of cars and branded items from classic TV and film, as well. As a result, the focus here had to be kept on things like the potential level of detail that could be added, as well as the particular quality of the pieces, and any extras that might be included with the kit. Tamiya ended up with a pair of excellent airplanes, and Revell, one of the most lauded brands in the industry, has a nice showing also.

4. Tamiya Mitsubishi A6M5/5A Zero

5. Lego Ideas Ship In A Bottle

6. CubicFun 3D Notre Dame

7. Old Modern Handicrafts Exclusive Edition San Felipe

8. Moebius 942 Battlestar Galactica

9. Iconx Silver Dragon

10. AMT 1967 Ford Shelby GT350


Shilo Urban
Last updated by Shilo Urban

Shilo lives for adventures in far-away lands and reads books like it’s going out of style (which it is). Dogs are her co-pilots. She’s traveled to 60 countries and has lived in Austin (where she received a BA from the University of Texas), Maine, Paris, Seattle, New Zealand, Los Angeles, and now—Fort Worth. Before becoming a freelance writer over a decade ago, she had more than three dozen jobs, including high school teacher, record label manager, tour guide, and farmhand for endangered livestock breeds. She speaks fluent French and horribly mangled Spanish, which she is working every day to improve. Shilo geeks out over history and culture, and her areas of expertise include travel, art and design, music, pets, food, crafts, toys, and home furnishings. Current obsessions: Gobekli Tepe, tassels, and fresh lemonade.


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