Where is a good place to buy model kits?
I used to be really into building models as a kid, had the complete Testors line with the airbrush kit, the whole works. I mainly built cars and airplanes, but also built some movie models (Star Trek and Star Wars models mainly) as well as some Movie Monster figurines.
Anywho, 20 years later I’d like to get into it again. However, I used to buy my models from Toys R Us and a couple hobby shops. Nobody really carries models anymore (except for specialty stuff like Gundam figurines and such that don’t interest me), I’ve checked all the places around me and they don;t have anything…
So where can I go to find a good selection of model kits? Classic brands like Ertl?? I’ve done a few searches online but I never really found any one place that has a good selection, only Mom and Pops with a small selection.
Do they still make model kits? Is there an online store that keeps a wide variety of models in stock? Also, supplies, such as the testors paints, glues, sandpaper…all the stuff, I need to buy all new again as my mom pitched all my stuff years and years ago after I moved out D=
Thanks for any help…
Tagged with: airplanes • building models • cars • classic brands • ertl • figurines • glues • hobby shops • model kits • mom • monster • sandpaper • star trek • star wars • star wars models • stock • testors paints • toys r us
Filed under: Star Wars Toys
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First… WELCOME BACK !!
My first suggestion is to go to Fine-Scale Modeler magazine… in the back they have a listing of model shops, as well as online sources. PLUS it’s just a GREAT magazine for tips and information… I’ve subscribed for almost 15 years now.
ANY good Mom & Pop place with models WILL let you LOOK at their catalogues and place special orders !! For the last decade I was a patron of a TINY store (little bigger than a two bedroom home)… but shopped there because a) it’s a STORE rather than an online and nameless location b) they would order anything I sought, c) they were knowledgeable, helpful, and HUMAN !! Just a plug… J&M Hobbies in San Carlos, California !!
I’ll give you some of my online sources since I NOW live out in the STICKS and it’s a 2 hour drive to anything !!
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/
http://www.tamiyausa.com/
http://www.testors.com/category/133656/Testors
http://www.paascheairbrush.com/
http://www.micromark.com/
http://www.hasegawa-model.co.jp/e-w/E-index.htm
http://www.plastruct.com/
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/
http://www.dragon-models.com/
GOOD LUCK and Happy Building !!
It depends on what type of model you want. In general, you can get good, hard to find stuff on the the internet for good prices. I prefer Gundams from the UC universe in the 1990′s, but i have some airplanes and tanks which were given to me as a gift, They were bought in Hong Kong. As for supplies, you can get those in any hobby or arts n craft stores. And im pretty sure there are arts and crafts stores still around.
You might wanna check eBay for models too.
i’m into my r/c nitro cars,planes,buggies and trucks,but i buy all my stuff here,SUPER fast delivery.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=models&search=Go
I’m a model railroader and there are a number of magazines with ads for companies making models. On the magazine racks I see other hobbies have their set of magazines – one of these in your area of interest might be useful.
Another source would be a hobby show, again featuring your interest, but even a general one would cover some of the tools and materials you will need to pursue your own.
Finally, do a WWW search for your cup of tea.
Oh yeah, kits are still being made. My favorite place to shop is called Hobby Link Japan. Yes, the kits will be Japanese, but the quality will generally be very high, higher than the Ertl kits I used to make.
HLJ carries a lot of the Gundam kits, and other various SF, but they also have an extensive selection of planes and autos. Check them out.
http://www.hlj.com
For paint, don’t think I can help you out there. I use Mr. Color, but since that’s been shown to maybe cause cancer in the state of California, good luck finding it in America.
Good news AMT/ERTL is still in business! They offer a full service site with paints and air brush supplies.
Here’s their web site:http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/s_amt.htm
Welcme back to the hobby. I lucked out when I joined the service, Mom left everything alone. I can do pretty much what I want now. My wife is involved in my chosen hobby as well.