Does any company make the best kit?

[High octane]

Somebody will ALWAYS complain about a certain kit no matter what company makes it or what it is, or how much it cost. That is a "given."

[martinfan5]

There's only one real issue with Tamiya, their subject matter is garbage

No - thier subject matter is conservative and stock, "and typically represents factory stock"

I'd still rather build one Tamiya kit I don't like than 3 Revell I do

This message was approved by the Wheelman

Edited April 18, 2014 by martinfan5

[charlie8575]

Oy....

Best subject: depends....what do you like?

Consistent quality: I'll agree that Tamiya is probably about as good as you'll going to find from that perspective. I have two of their kits (the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Volvo 850 wagon) and the molding is about as close to flawless as I've ever seen.

Variety: Revell/Monogram and AMT/MPC have a lot of variety. So does Lindberg, Heller and Airfix.

Consistent realism: Everyone has their peaks and valleys.

Manufacturer most likely to compete with Tamiya for overall "right": Moebius is really getting its feet under it, and Meng, based on the F-350, is going to be a real force to contend with. Revell is doing one step ahead/two steps back because while they're getting the subject matter and the "big picture" details right (usually,) they need to work on molding quality (as does Moebius to a degree,) and the little things that take a kit from "good" to "great."

Charlie Larkin

[Chillyb1]

I like vans. Picked this guy up recently.

Great minds think alike, Austin. I'm currently working on that awesome van as a tag target:

[Austin T]

Great minds think alike, Austin. I'm currently working on that awesome van as a tag target:

That is sick! I plan on making mine a mobile hobby shop. Similar to the book mobiles you used to see everywhere but with models instead of books.

[Arbatron]

Very cool van.

Edited April 18, 2014 by Arbatron

[checkmate]

No - thier subject matter is conservative and stock, "and typically represents factory stock"

I'd still rather build one Tamiya kit I don't like than 3 Revell I do

This message was approved by the Wheelman

Wow that makes sense, yep I always build stuff I don't like too..........

[checkmate]

I like vans. Picked this guy up recently.

One very cool blank canvas there.

[Jim Whalen]

Hi,

As you're new to the hobby the question you posed makes sense. You don't want to start with a kit that is difficult to build (I've been building cars and trucks for a long time but have recently thought building an airliner might make a nice change as well as the challenge of buiding a different type of model - I'm gonna make sure I speak to a few people before I buy one because starting with a lemon would be tricky) so tell us what topics you would like to build and I'm sure you'll soon get recommendations regarding good kits.

The discussion that has ensued from your question is certainly valid, accurate and useful to remind people how kits vary both between and within model kit manufacturers. There is also pleasure to be gained from taking a pig of a kit and doing a good job of it!

[Teddy J. Tannehill]

I am no expert , I have only built AMT, Revell , Monogram and Lindberg kits. For me the AMT kits are easy to build in the "Parts Fit" area of building. AMT kits are also good to give you extra parts for Custom, Drag, and Racing options. Sometimes the AMT kits are not long on detail for example the drive shaft and differential are molded in. Revell kits are good on detail but harder to build "Parts fit Problems" and "Flash" Excess plastic. I have had good luck with the decals from AMT and Revell, AMT decals are good to give you "Speed equipment" logos like STP, Moon , Hooker headers , Elderbrock ect. Revell decals will some times include emblems and even instrument panel detail. I really like some of the Old Monogram kits some were molded in color...Lindberg kits have some "Fit Problems" and the decals are more difficult to use...I am going to use the "Setting/apply Solutions" next time. To Answer your question....I guess it is on a Kit by Kit Basis. There are some really detailed AMT kits like the 58 Chevy Impala....I like 'em all and combine parts from all MFG.s to get what I want.

[Mike_G]

Tamiya motorcycle kits are the best, they present a high level of detail opportunities just building them box-stock

[Quick GMC]

My stash consists of 50/50 Tamiya/Revell or Monogram. I've built 1-2 AMT's and can't stand them. I like the Revell kits most of the time, and for the subject matter, they are the only way I will go, but Tamiya has the most consistent and best quality, IMO.

[DrGlueblob]

Everything is a compromise. Main thing IMHO is to get a model of a subject you really want to build. It isn't gonna be perfect, no matter what. There's always Plastruct and Evergreen, as well as aftermarket parts to scratchbuild or shore up a so-so kit.

[Jeremy Jon]

"Best kit" is very subjective, and not the least of which is Cost!

From that perspective, it's possible to find a fairly inexpensive kit, that has moderate detail & quality, and be very happy with it, and conversely, one can spend $100+ on a kit, and be quite disappointed, so that POV has bearing also!

Edited April 20, 2014 by Jeremy Jon

[Greg Myers]

No - thier subject matter is conservative and stock, "and typically represents factory stock"

I'd still rather build one Tamiya kit I don't like than 3 Revell I do

This message was approved by the Wheelman

You gotta try one of these Jonathan. Classic kit full of detail, many options ,extra parts, and lots of operating features, i.e. doors ,trunk, hood, windows, and steering. and they're fun to build. and easy to assemble.

Edited April 20, 2014 by Greg Myers

[Greg Myers]

did I mention Authentic decals ?

and the drivers son posts on this very board.

Edited April 20, 2014 by Greg Myers

[Tom Geiger]

did I mention Authentic decals ?

and the drivers son posts on this very board.

Jim Keeler also shows up on the board from time to time. Unfortunately Bob Paeth passed on a few years ago.

[johnbuzzed]

You gotta try one of these Jonathan. Classic kit full of detail, many options ,extra parts, and lots of operating features, i.e. doors ,trunk, hood, windows, and steering. and they're fun to build. and easy to assemble.

If I was ever gonna get a kit purely for nostalgic reasons, this would be it. I built this original issue, one of the "Hot Rod" series and have yet another of those on my shelves... but the original issue will always be one of my favorites. Takes me back to shopping on a Saturday afternoon with my Dad when I was about ... 9 years old .

[Art Anderson]

To me, "Best Kit" is almost always a subjective thing--as just about everyone has a favorite, a "best kit" they ever built. Why subjective? Whenever I see (or listen in on) a topic such as this, almost invariably what comes out, on an individual basis, is that kit which best represents any one model builder's favorite subject. On that basis, with many, no other model kit even dares try for that honor.

Art

[dieseldawg142]

....

Edited May 11, 2018 by dieseldawg142

[mnwildpunk]

Easiest way to put it imho is is that everyone of us has our personal preference. If you asked 100 modelers you will get 100 different answers. My preference is towards revell kits but that is me you have your die hard amt, mpc tamya,monogram,johan,pocher and whatever I forgot. Fans I'm just glad companies strive for more detailed models and old re-ismerteaf

[Modelmartin]

These topics are always interesting. About half the people comprehend the question and the other half don't. I went and re-read the original post and he was asking which company made the best quality kits. He was not asking which were your favorites! Many people were opining on subject matter. That wasn't the question. Oh, the humanity!!!

[johnbuzzed]

This is completely opinion based but does any one company stand put as the guys that produce superior model kits? Or does it vary from kit to kit?

People did opine on this, and, as often occurs in forums and conversation, the topic veered a bit to personal favorites. Does that really bother anyone here? "Superior" does not always indicate a mark of quality, it can also be used to indicate quantity.

Edited April 22, 2014 by johnbuzzed

[Arbatron]

Well I started the topic and the question has been answered. Lol. I have enjoyed reading EVERY reply. I have learned that the best kit depends on who you talk to. I haven't starting building yet but I have bought 3 different kits. 2 hot rods and a space ship. Lol. Quite the difference in the styles and all made by different companies. Modelers seem to build what they like as far as subject matter goes and that's what I have come to find out that really matters. This is a process. I hope to stick with it long enough to be able to give some advise on this hobby one day. Until then I'll just keep asking questions and reading ALL of the replies. So thank you to you all for giving me your 2 cents.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Arbatron

[Harry P.]

Keep at it, Tim.