Over 35 million people worldwide collect or build plastic model kits, and most of them started with zero experience and a tight wallet. Model building is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up, and you do not need to spend a fortune to get started. If you have been eyeing those cool mecha or anime kits at your local Model and Hobby Shop and thinking they are too expensive, think again. Smart choices from day one will save you money and make the whole experience a lot more fun.

Start Small and Build Confidence First

New hobbyists often make one big mistake: they buy the most impressive kit they can find and then feel overwhelmed. Start with a smaller, simpler kit instead. Entry Grade (EG) Gundam kits or basic High Grade (HG) anime models are perfect for beginners. They cost less, snap together without glue, and still look great on display once you are done.

Next, resist the urge to collect before you build. It is tempting to grab five kits at once, but focus on finishing one first. Completing a kit gives you real skills you can use on every build after that. Confidence grows fast once you hold a finished model in your hands.

Get the Right Tools Without Overspending

You do not need a professional workshop setup to build a great model. A few basic tools go a long way, and most of them are surprisingly affordable. Here is what actually matters for a beginner:

• A good pair of nippers or sprue cutters to cleanly remove parts from the frame
• A small hobby knife or X-Acto knife for cleaning up nub marks
• Fine-grit sandpaper (400 to 600 grit) to smooth rough plastic edges

 

Gundam markers for easy panel lining, no airbrush needed

These four items cover about 90% of what you need for a basic build. In addition, you can pick them up one at a time as your budget allows, rather than buying everything upfront.

Learn to Panel Line Before Buying Paint

Paint is great, but it is also an added cost and a whole new skill set. Panel lining is the budget-friendly shortcut that makes an out-of-the-box kit look like it took hours of painting. Gundam markers work perfectly for this. You draw along the recessed lines of the kit, wipe away the excess with a cotton swab, and suddenly your model looks sharp and detailed.

For example, a basic HG Gundam kit can look remarkably different after a simple panel lining session. It adds depth and realism without touching a single bottle of paint. Master this technique first, then explore painting once you feel ready for the next step.

Buy Kits Smartly, Not Impulsively

Shopping smart is a skill in itself. Visiting a trusted model kit store in Utah gives you something online shopping just cannot match: the ability to physically see the kit, read the box, and ask a knowledgeable staff member if it is right for your skill level. That kind of in-person guidance saves you from expensive buying mistakes.

Keep these habits in mind when buying kits on a budget:

• Stick to one grade level until you master it before moving up
• Check the part count and complexity rating on the box
• Look for multipacks or bundle deals when available

 

Store Your Supplies Properly to Avoid Waste

One area where beginners quietly waste money is poor supply storage. Paints dry out, sandpaper gets contaminated, and markers run dry if left uncapped. Keep your tools clean and stored correctly, and they last far longer. A simple plastic storage box from any craft store works well for organizing nippers, knives, markers, and sandpaper.

In addition, label your paints by color group so you are not hunting through a pile of bottles every time you build. Small habits like this add up to real savings over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the cheapest type of Bandai model kit for a beginner?

A1. Entry Grade (EG) Bandai kits are the most affordable option. They snap together easily, require no glue, and typically cost under $15, making them ideal for first-time model builders.

Q2. Do I need an airbrush to build plastic model kits?

A2. No. Beginners can get great results using Gundam markers for panel lining and included decal sheets. An airbrush is a later investment once your skills and budget grow.

Q3. What tools are truly essential for model building as a beginner?

A3. A pair of sprue cutters, a hobby knife, fine-grit sandpaper, and a Gundam marker cover most beginner needs. These four tools are affordable and handle the majority of basic build tasks.

Q4. Is it better to buy model kits online or from a local hobby shop?

A4. Local hobby shops let you see the kit in person and get expert advice. This is especially useful for beginners who need guidance on picking the right skill level and grade.

Q5. Can I build Bandai model kits without any glue?

A5. Yes. Most modern Bandai kits, including High Grade and Entry Grade lines, use a snap-fit system. Parts lock together securely without any adhesive, which makes them beginner-friendly and forgiving to reassemble.

Your First Kit Awaits: Come See Us at MRS Hobby Shop

At MRS Hobby Shop, we have been Utah's home for plastic Model Kits Store and Hobby Utah supplies since 1984. We carry a wide range of Bandai model kits, including anime, Gundam, Macross, Synduality, and more, across every grade level and budget. Our team actually builds, so we give you real advice, not just a sales pitch.

We stock everything a beginner needs to get started without overspending. From Entry Grade snap-fit kits to essential tools like nippers, hobby knives, and Gundam markers, we make it easy to walk in, pick the right kit, and leave ready to build. Your very first kit does not have to cost a lot. It just has to get you started.