best place to order models via Internet?

[Joe Nunes]

I'm getting ready to order some models via Internet shopping. I'd like to know where you modelers order your "stash" and why. Price, service, selection? As an example I've been looking at the new offerings at Model Roundup but have no idea on how they are to order from. Can you help me out with your sugestions? Thanks!

Joe

[RodBurNeR]

Low prices, fast friendly and honest service.

http://www.resinrealm.net/Star/STARModels.html

[Aaronw]

I have used Model Round up many times. The ordering method is a bit dated and awkward compared to some but their service and prices are good. They have a good selection of kits from the US based model companies, not as good for Tamiya, Fujimi etc. They ship pretty quickly, not the fastest but not bad, I think most of my orders have arrived within a week to 10 days of placing the order.

Star Models is good for resin.

I use Tower for a lot of my supplies and kits. Lately I've found Model Round Up has better prices on domestic car kits, but Tower also stocks other types of kits (I build a little bit of everything, not just cars). Their shipping is super fast, I've had many orders arrive in 2-3 days. They use a flat rate for shipping so large orders really help cut your shipping cost.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/

I've also used Megahobby several times. Sometimes they have a better price or offer a kit the others don't.

http://www.megahobby.com/

For foriegn kits you can find some really good prices from some of the Japanese and Hong Kong sellers, Hobby Linc Japan, and Lucky Model are two I've used. Shipping really factors into these so watch the charges closely. Most are weight based so if you pay attention you can figure out where the shipping prices jump and try to stay under the big jumps. Patience also pays off, surface rates are much cheaper but you may wait 4-8 weeks for your order to arrive.

There have been several posts like this recently so it might be worthwhile to search, you may find some shops listed in another thread that doesn't get listed here.

[elan]

I like Model Express, great service, good selection, and great prices. Never had a problem with them.

[Guest promodmerc]

It's been a while, but I always had good luck with Len at Fantastic-Plastics

http://www.fantastic-plastics.com/

[Chillyb1]

I'll add a plug for Dean's Hobby Stop. Great prices, great service, great selection.

[Cornpatch]

Got to go with AAronw on the Mega-Hobby. I always check with them first to see if they have what I want. They have great prices and fast shipping and are super great people to deal with.

Jeff

[Joe Nunes]

Thanks, folks!! Fast getback with plenty of ideas...I'll be checking each of them out. As for Tower, I've ordered LOTS of RC items but never gave much thought to ordering plastic from them. They are a bit slow on carrying the new domestic offerings but the shipping time is, as you say, very quick. Gotta go now...sites to visit...

Joe

[MikeMc]

I use Tower for a lot of goodies..and if they don't Dennis at Model Express will.

[Joe Nunes]

WOW!!!!!!!!! Dropped in at Mega-Hobby and WHAT A HOOT!!! I'm going to be there awhile...like a kid turned loose in a hobby shop with this weeks allowance, paper delivery money, lawn mowing money, leaf raking money and snow shoveling money (we really did all those things "back when" in order to buy models, you know...) Anyhow, I GOTTA go check out some more cool "stuff" THANKS!!

Joe

[Guest arni]

Here in Northern Ireland we have Netmerchants,they have a pretty good selection of kits and supplies.They ship to the USA,so worth a look if you cant find what you need over there.

http://www.netmerchants.co.uk/

I have used them several times,the best bit is that they are only 20 miles away from me.

[RodBurNeR]

  Aaronw said:

I have used Model Round up many times. The ordering method is a bit dated and awkward compared to some but their service and prices are good. They have a good selection of kits from the US based model companies, not as good for Tamiya, Fujimi etc. They ship pretty quickly, not the fastest but not bad, I think most of my orders have arrived within a week to 10 days of placing the order.

Star Models is good for resin.

and has 5,000 kits in stock, he has plastic model kits also.