Model Making

Unleash Your Creativity: Best Model Making Stores in the UK for Kits, Tools and Inspiration

Why model making still hooks hobbyists across the UK

There’s something almost magnetic about taking a box of parts and turning it into a tiny world you can hold. Model making blends patience, creativity, and a little engineering — and that mix keeps people coming back, whether you’re a teenager building a first car kit or a seasoned modeller tackling a 1:24 engine replica. In the UK, the scene is healthy: high street retailers, specialist online shops, and brands produce an astounding variety of kits from classic planes to sci-fi anime models. If you like working with your hands and love attention to detail, model making is a hobby that rewards time and focus like few others.

Top UK stores to buy model kits and supplies

Picking the right shop can make the difference between a frustrating build and a relaxing, absorbing project. Some retailers focus on novelty and gift-style kits, while others stock pro-level resin, aftermarket parts, and paints. Below I’ve rounded up the kinds of stores you’ll want to bookmark — from quirky high-street names to niche online specialists.

Menkind — novelty kits, licensed builds and giftable models

Menkind is a high-street and online retailer that leans into novelty and licensed model kits. If you’re after quirky or giftable sets, they often stock creative builds like mechanical racing cars, themed DIY safes, and pop-culture kits. Examples you might find include a Dream Gift Factory model kit, a Racing Car Mechanical Model Kit that shows moving parts, and novelty items like a Wallace & Gromit Build Your Own Techno Trousers kit. Menkind is great when you want a fun, well-packaged kit that impresses under the Christmas tree or on a birthday table.

Hannants — specialist model shop for scale modellers

Hannants is a long-standing UK name among serious hobbyists, known for an enormous catalogue of plastic kits, resin accessories, tools and paints. If you want rarer items — aftermarket detail sets, high-quality photo-etched parts, or obscure historic kits — specialist retailers like Hannants are where modellers go. Their stock tends to lean towards plastic aircraft, ships, and advanced car models that reward precision and time.

Hornby — the heart of UK rail modelling

For anyone into trains, Hornby is practically synonymous with the hobby. Beyond ready-to-run locomotives and track, Hornby’s roster includes scale kits, accessories, scenery items and electronics for layout control. If your model making is rail-focused, Hornby’s range and support materials make it an easy go-to for both newcomers and veteran layout builders.

Airfix and brand stores — classic plastic kits and starter sets

Airfix is the classic UK plastic kit brand that many of us grew up with. Their kits span aircraft, military vehicles, and classic cars, often at beginner-friendly price points. Airfix and similar brand stores offer reliable, well-engineered kits that are ideal for learning techniques like painting and weathering before moving on to more complex builds.

Hobbycraft — high-street craft giant with modelling supplies

Hobbycraft covers the broad craft spectrum, and that includes a good selection of model kits, paints, brushes and glues. If you want a one-stop shop to pick up tools and scenery supplies while getting basics like masking tape and fine brushes, Hobbycraft blends accessibility with regular deals that help beginners keep costs down.

Scale and specialist online shops — Gaugemaster, Scale Model Shop and others

There are many UK online shops tailored to scale modelling: Gaugemaster for railway electronics, Scale Model Shop for a focused selection, and specialty outlets that stock aftermarket resin and upgrade items. These stores cater to modellers who need that extra-level detail — think metal wheels, etched brass, and scale-accurate accessories.

Marketplaces and general retailers — Amazon UK and eBay

Marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay are useful when you want wide availability or to hunt down discontinued kits. They’re not a substitute for specialist advice, but the sheer volume of stock means you’ll often find that rare 1:24 Formula 1 kit or that anime model that’s hard to get elsewhere.

How Menkind’s range shows the diversity of model kits

Looking at Menkind stock gives a quick snapshot of how diverse model making can be. From mechanical puzzles to accurate engine reproductions, they move beyond traditional static models. For instance, a Porsche 911 flat-six boxer engine model kit offers hands-on mechanical fun, while a Bburago 1:24 F1 Ferrari SF-24 set targets collectors who want a display-ready scale car. There’s even room for pop-culture builds like an AMK Neon Genesis Evangelion Eva-02 kit — a reminder that model making crosses into fandom and display art as well as pure realism.

What to look for when choosing a store

Choosing where to buy is about more than price. Think about the scale of kits you prefer, the level of instruction provided, and whether the store stocks the tools and paints you’ll need. Are you a beginner who needs starter glue and step-by-step guides, or an advanced modeller who wants fine brushes, thinners and aftermarket details? Good stores are clear about scale, include plenty of photos, and often host customer reviews that give practical insight into how tricky a kit is to build.

Range and availability

Does the store cover the scales and genres you love — 1:24 cars, 1:72 aircraft, 1:48 military or 1:35 armour? A broad range is useful if you like variety, while niche shops are better for deep dives into a single hobby area. Check stock frequency for limited-edition or licensed kits; these can sell out fast.

Tools, paints and aftermarket parts

Buying a kit is only the start: paints, glues, and finishing tools matter. Shops that stock Vallejo, Tamiya, Humbrol paints, and brands of superglue and CA glue make life easier. For advanced builds, look for stores that offer photo-etched parts, resin upgrades and aftermarket decals.

Support and community

Look for stores that support modellers with build guides, video tutorials or active social media communities. A friendly forum or YouTube tutorial can turn a frustrating step into a neat learning moment. Some shops even host local meetups or workshops for hands-on help.

Popular kit types and where to find them

Model kits fall into recognizable genres: cars, planes, trains, military vehicles, ships, sci-fi and figures. Different stores tend to specialise. Want classic plastic aircraft? Airfix and Hannants are consistent. Into model trains and layouts? Hornby and Gaugemaster are excellent choices. Into anime and sci-fi models like Evangelion or Gundam? Specialist importers and hobby shops usually have the best selection.

Car kits — from beginners to scale engine detail

Car kits cover everything from simple snap-together models to fully detailed engine assemblies. A good example is the Porsche 911 flat-six boxer engine kit — great for modellers who love mechanical detail. For display-ready race cars, look for 1:24 scale sets like the Bburago F1 Ferrari SF-24. Shops that stock brands like Revell, Tamiya and Bburago will cover most tastes.

Aircraft and military kits — classic plastic and resin options

Aircraft and military models are huge in the UK. Airfix and specialist retailers provide everything from quick-build trainers to large 1:32 or 1:48 kits that demand patience. If you want weathering and realistic battle damage, grab the right paints and washes from a hobby supplier or specialist shop.

Sci-fi, anime and figures — fandom meets model making

Anime and sci-fi models — like an Eva-02 kit — bring a different satisfaction. These kits often offer dynamic poses and opportunities for custom paint jobs. They’re popular with modellers who enjoy painting characters and building display dioramas that tell a story.

Online vs brick-and-mortar: which is better for your needs?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Brick-and-mortar shops are great for immediate hands-on purchases, chatting with staff, and seeing paints or tools up close. Online stores usually offer bigger inventories, rarer parts, and competitive prices. For beginners, a local shop that can recommend a starter kit and show you the correct glue and brushes can be invaluable. For collectors chasing rare kits or aftermarket parts, online specialists are often the only place to look.

Tips to get the best value and results

There are a few tricks that cut costs and boost enjoyment. First, buy starter tool kits rather than single items — you’ll save over the long run. Second, compare prices across specialist shops and marketplaces, but be wary of counterfeit or poorly reviewed suppliers. Third, practice key techniques — masking, sanding and priming — on cheap kits before applying them to prized models. Finally, sign up for store newsletters; many UK retailers offer seasonal sales and exclusive deals that shave off a decent chunk of the price.

Beginner-friendly kits to build confidence

If you’re new, start with a simple model that uses snap-fit parts or basic glue. Airfix and many of the larger craft retailers label kits by skill level, which helps. Beginner kits teach essentials like part cleanup and painting, so you build confidence before moving on to detailed engine assemblies or complex dioramas. Consider starting with a single-car 1:24 kit or a small aircraft in 1:72 scale to practice fundamentals without getting overwhelmed.

Advanced kits and the tools you’ll need

When you’re ready to step up, advanced kits demand extra tools: pin vices, small files, fine sandpaper, photo-etch tweezers, and a range of paints and thinners. Look for specialist shops that sell individual scale accessories, aftermarket paint masks, and higher-grade adhesives — these items turn a good model into a museum-quality piece. Don’t rush the process; patience and the right tools make a huge difference.

Sustainability and cost-conscious building

Model making can be as frugal or as extravagant as you like. To keep costs in check, reuse tools and brushes, buy paints in small bottles rather than expensive sets, and practice techniques on cheaper kits. Some modellers reuse packaging materials for diorama bases, and swapping parts among fellow hobbyists is a great way to get aftermarket items without breaking the bank. Sustainability in the hobby is simply about being resourceful and creative — the core values of modelling itself.

Final thoughts: choosing the right store for your model-making journey

Whether you shop at a novelty retailer like Menkind for fun, head to Hannants for specialist parts, or lean on Hornby for train-specific needs, the UK offers plenty of options to suit every modeller. Match your choice of store to your ambition: pick high-street chains for accessibility, specialist shops for deep inventories, and marketplaces for rare finds. With the right kit, tools and a little patience, you’ll be surprised at what you can build — and how addictive the hobby can become.

Conclusion

Model making in the UK is a vibrant hobby with options for every level and interest. From gift-friendly kits at mainstream retailers to precision parts from specialist shops, the ecosystem supports beginners and experts alike. Decide what kind of builds you enjoy, choose a few trusted stores, and start small. You’ll learn techniques, build confidence, and before long your shelf or display case will tell the story of where your hobby started and how far you’ve come.