The best model building brands are Revell, Tamiya, Airfix and Italeri. These brands are renowned for their excellent quality, reliable fit and clear instructions. Revell offers a wide range for all skill levels, Tamiya is known for perfect detailing, Airfix has great starter sets for beginners, and Italeri excels in historical models. The choice depends on your experience, budget and the type of model you want to build.

What are the most popular model building brands?

The most popular model building brands are undoubtedly Revell, Tamiya, Airfix and Italeri. These four giants have dominated the market for decades and built their reputation by consistently delivering high-quality products.

Revell is perhaps the most recognizable brand, especially in Europe. They offer an enormous range from aircraft to cars and ships. Their models are available in different difficulty levels, ensuring both beginners and experts find something to their liking. The price-quality ratio is excellent, and parts usually fit perfectly.

Tamiya from Japan is synonymous with perfection. Their models are often slightly more expensive, but the quality is unmatched. The plastic quality is superior, the fit is almost always perfect, and the detailing is stunning. Their military vehicles and aircraft are particularly legendary among enthusiasts.

Airfix is a British icon particularly known for its accessible starter sets. They make model building accessible to everyone with their quick-build series and gift sets that contain everything you need. Their historical aircraft are especially popular.

Italeri from Italy specializes in historical models with a focus on authenticity. Their ships, military vehicles and dioramas are highly detailed and historically accurate. The instructions are clear and the quality is consistently high.

How do you choose the right model building brand for your skill level?

Your skill level largely determines which brand suits you best. For beginners, brands with simple snap-fit models are ideal, while advanced builders seek more challenge in complex kits with hundreds of parts.

For absolute beginners, Airfix Quick Build and Revell Junior Kit are perfect starting points. These models require no glue and parts simply click together. The instructions are crystal clear with large, clear illustrations. You only need side cutters to remove parts from the sprues.

Once you’ve gained some experience, you can move on to regular Revell series (level 3-4) or Airfix starter sets. These often include basic paints and glue, so you can start right away. The difficulty level is more challenging but still manageable.

Advanced model builders find their challenge with Tamiya and higher levels of Revell (level 5). These kits often have more than 200 parts, require precision work and offer room for personal creativity. The instructions assume basic knowledge of techniques like dry brushing and weathering.

For experts, there are premium brands like Eduard, Dragon and Hasegawa. These manufacturers create ultra-detailed models with photo-etched parts and realistic textures. The instructions are often multilingual and highly technical, perfect for model builders who want to get the most out of their hobby.

What’s the difference between budget and premium model building brands?

The difference between budget and premium brands lies mainly in material quality, detail level and fit. Budget brands often use softer plastic and have less sharp details, while premium brands invest in high-quality moulds and materials.

Budget brands like Zvezda and Heller offer excellent entry-level models for prices between 10 and 25 euros. The plastic is functional but sometimes rather soft, making fine details less sharp. The fit sometimes requires extra attention with filler and sandpaper. For beginners or people wanting to experiment, these brands are perfect.

Mid-range brands like Revell and Airfix offer the best price-quality ratio. For 20 to 50 euros you get models with good detailing and reliable fit. The plastic is sturdy, parts usually fit well, and instructions are clear. This is where most hobbyists find their sweet spot.

Premium brands like Tamiya, Eduard and Wingnut Wings command prices from 50 euros up to 200 euros for complex kits. The investment is worthwhile if you’re serious about the hobby. The plastic is top quality, every part fits perfectly, and the detailing is stunning. These kits often include extras like photo-etched parts or realistic decals.

Which model building brands are best for specific categories?

Different brands have developed their own specialties over the years. For aircraft, Tamiya and Airfix excel, for cars Revell is unbeatable, and for military vehicles Dragon and Italeri are the top choice.

For aircraft models, Tamiya is the undisputed king, especially for modern jets and WWII aircraft. Their Zero fighters and Spitfires are legendary. Airfix follows closely with their extensive collection of RAF aircraft. Eduard makes the most detailed propeller aircraft with stunning cockpit details.

Car enthusiasts find their happiness with Revell and Tamiya. Revell has an impressive collection of classic American muscle cars and modern supercars. Tamiya excels in Japanese sports cars and rally cars. Fujimi is perfect for JDM fans looking for specific Japanese models.

For ships, Italeri is the go-to choice with their historically accurate sailing ships and modern naval vessels. Revell also offers excellent ship models, especially their large cruise ships and historical battleships. Trumpeter makes the most detailed modern naval ships.

Military vehicles are best found at Dragon, Tamiya and Italeri. Dragon is known for their German WWII tanks with working tracks. Tamiya makes reliable kits of virtually every important military vehicle. Italeri often combines vehicles with figures for complete dioramas.

Science fiction fans should look to Bandai for Gundam models, Revell for Star Wars, and Moebius for classic sci-fi series. These brands have official licenses and deliver authentic models of your favorite franchises.

Where can you find the best model building brands and deals?

Finding the right model building products at good prices requires a reliable supplier with a wide range. Online stores often offer better prices than physical shops, especially if they apply automatic discounts for multiple purchases.

When choosing a webshop, reliability is most important. Look for shops with quality marks like Thuiswinkel Waarborg, which guarantee safe shopping. Fast delivery is also important – no one wants to wait weeks for their new project. Same-day shipping like some webshops offer means you can start building tomorrow.

Also consider the range and specialization of the shop. A good model building shop has not only the popular brands, but also accessories like glue, paint, tools and display options. This saves you extra shipping costs because you can order everything at once.

We have a carefully selected range of quality brands on our model building page. With automatic discounts on multiple items and daily price guarantees, you’re assured of a good deal. Our discount rules even apply to the newest models in the range.

The advantage of ordering from us is the combination of fast delivery (ordered before 11:30 PM, delivered tomorrow), extensive product support and the security of Thuiswinkel Waarborg. Plus, if you order multiple models, you automatically benefit from attractive discounts. This makes your hobby not only more enjoyable, but also more affordable.