A model kit is a set of moulded plastic parts you assemble into a detailed replica — typically a robot, vehicle, aircraft or anime mecha. Some clip together without glue (snap-fit), while others need cement and paint to complete. The hobby covers both the building process and the finished display piece.

What's the best model kit for a beginner?

A snap-fit kit is the easiest start, and in Gunpla that means a High Grade (HG) kit — affordable, fewer parts and good detail without needing glue or paint. Finishing an easy kit builds the cutting and assembly skills you need before tackling more advanced grades.

Do I need glue and paint to build a model kit?

Not for snap-fit kits like most Gunpla — they clip together and use coloured plastic, so they look good out of the box. Traditional scale kits (tanks, planes, cars) usually do need cement and paint. Check the kit type before buying if you want a no-tools build.

What do the Gunpla grades HG, RG, MG and PG mean?

They rank complexity and detail. High Grade (HG) is the simple, low-cost entry point; Real Grade (RG) is highly detailed at a small size; Master Grade (MG) adds inner frames and articulation; Perfect Grade (PG) is the biggest and most advanced. Start at HG and step up as you improve.

What tools do I need to build model kits?

Start with hobby side cutters (nippers) to remove parts cleanly and a sharp hobby knife to trim the leftover nubs. A panel-line marker quickly adds depth and definition. As you take on advanced kits, add cement, paints, sandpaper and a cutting mat.

What does the scale on a model kit mean?

Scale is written as a ratio like 1/144 or 1/35 — the bigger the second number, the smaller the finished model. A 1/144 kit is compact and shelf-friendly; a 1/100 kit is larger with more detail and parts. Use the scale to judge the size and how much display space you'll need.

How long does a model kit take to build?

A simple snap-fit High Grade kit can be done in an evening or two, while a large Master or Perfect Grade kit, or a painted scale model, can take many hours spread over several sessions. Part count and grade are the best clues to how long it'll take.

Do you deliver model kits across South Africa?

Yes — Evetech ships model kits nationwide with tracked courier delivery, packed to protect the box and runners in transit. Stock varies by kit and grade, so order while the one you want is available. See this page for current options.

►Specials

►All Collectables

►

Model Kits

Model Kits — Build, Paint & Display ⚙️

Model kits are assembly hobbies where you build a detailed replica from moulded plastic parts — robots, military vehicles, aircraft, cars and anime mecha. The most popular category is Gunpla (Bandai's Gundam kits), but the same idea covers scale tanks, planes and sports cars. You get the satisfaction of making the thing, and a display piece at the end.

Kits are graded by difficulty. Snap-fit kits clip together with no glue and suit a first build; higher grades and traditional scale kits add more parts, finer detail and usually need cement and paint. Match the grade to your patience and skill: start simple, then move up as you learn cutting, sanding and panel-lining.

Evetech stocks model kits across skill levels alongside our wider collectables range, with local warranty and nationwide delivery in South Africa. Browse the kits below, and pick up the basics — a good pair of side cutters and a hobby knife — to get clean results from your first build.

Gunpla & Scale Model Kits to Build (2)

Price:

Filters

Price:

Price Range

R899R1 699

Panzer World Galient The Iron Crest PLAMAX Iron Giant - Image 1

Panzer World Galient Iron Crest PLAMAX

Murakumo Renegade Mech Pursuit Cloud Breaker 01 1 48 Scale Figure - Image 1

PLUM Murakumo Cloud Breaker 1/48

How to Choose a Model Kit

Picking a model kit is about three things: how much building experience you have, whether you want to paint, and the subject you actually like. A beginner is better off finishing an easy snap-fit kit than struggling with an advanced one. The points below cover what to weigh before you buy.

Gunpla is graded by complexity. High Grade (HG) is the easy, affordable starting point. Real Grade (RG) packs in detail at a small scale. Master Grade (MG) adds inner frames and articulation, and Perfect Grade (PG) is the largest, most detailed and most demanding. Start at HG and work up.

Snap-fit kits (most Gunpla) clip together without glue and often look good straight from the box thanks to coloured plastic. Traditional scale kits — tanks, aircraft, cars — usually need cement to assemble and paint to finish. Decide whether you want a quick build or the full paint-and-detail experience.

At minimum, get a pair of hobby side cutters (nippers) to remove parts cleanly from the runners, and a sharp hobby knife to tidy the nubs left behind. A panel-line marker adds depth in seconds. You can add cement, paints and sandpaper later as you take on more advanced kits.

Scale kits are sold as ratios like 1/144, 1/100 or 1/35 — a larger second number means a smaller model. 1/144 Gunpla is compact and shelf-friendly; 1/100 is bigger with more detail. For vehicles and aircraft, scale affects size, part count and how much room it needs, so check before buying.

Finishing an easy kit teaches more than abandoning a hard one. Beginners should start with a snap-fit or High Grade kit to learn cutting and assembly, then move to glue, paint and higher grades. The grade and part count on the box are your guide to how much of a challenge it'll be.