Best Plastic Airplane Model Kits of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Plastic airplane model kits are a great way for aviation enthusiasts to bring their passion to life. These model kits come with all the necessary components to build a detailed replica of a real-life aircraft. They are available in a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and offer a variety of aircraft types, from military to commercial airliners. These kits provide a fun and educational experience for both children and adults, helping to develop fine motor skills and attention to detail. Once completed, the models make for impressive display pieces and can even be used for dioramas or in-flight simulations.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PH Premium Hobbies B-17E Model Kit Cover #TOP 1
PH Premium Hobbies B-17E Model Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PH Premium Hobbies F-14A Model Kit Cover #TOP 2
PH Premium Hobbies F-14A Model Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Premium Hobbies P-47D Model Kit Cover #TOP 3
Premium Hobbies P-47D Model Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Plastic Airplane Model Kits

#TOP 1

PH Premium Hobbies B-17E Model Kit

141V
Multicolor
1/72
PH Premium Hobbies B-17E Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies B-17E Pacific Theater 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 141V

The PH B-17E Model Kit is a fantastic choice for airplane enthusiasts. This model is crafted at a 1:72 scale, featuring an impressive wingspan of about 17 inches, making it a striking addition to any collection. You'll appreciate the highly detailed plastic parts that enhance the realism of your build. With three sets of decals included, you can personalize your model to reflect its historical significance. Keep in mind that painting and gluing are required, allowing you to unleash your creativity and make the model truly yours.

What We Like
Highly detailed plastic parts
Large wingspan for display
Multiple decals for customization
Encourages creativity with painting
#TOP 2

PH Premium Hobbies F-14A Model Kit

125V
Multicolor
1/72
PH Premium Hobbies F-14A Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies F-14A VF-142 Ghostriders 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 125V

The PH F-14A Model Kit offers an exciting building experience for aviation enthusiasts. With highly detailed plastic parts, you can create a realistic replica that showcases your skills. The innovative "swing-wing" feature allows you to adjust the wings for different flight modes, adding to the authenticity of your model. Quality decals are included, enhancing the overall appearance and giving you the chance to personalize your aircraft. Keep in mind that paint and glue are needed to complete your masterpiece, allowing for creative expression as you bring your model to life.

What We Like
Highly detailed parts
Adjustable swing-wing feature
Quality decals included
Encourages creativity
#TOP 3

Premium Hobbies P-47D Model Kit

130V
multicolour
1/72
Premium Hobbies P-47D Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies P-47D Battle of The Bulge 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 130V

The PH P-47D Model Kit is a fantastic choice for model airplane enthusiasts. This kit features a 1:72 scale design, giving you a model with an impressive 6-inch wingspan that looks great on display. You'll enjoy the highly detailed plastic parts, which enhance the realism and quality of your finished model. With two sets of decals included, you can customize your airplane to your liking. Keep in mind that painting and gluing are required, allowing you to personalize the model further and engage in a rewarding crafting experience.

What We Like
Highly detailed parts
Customizable decals included
Engaging crafting experience
#TOP 4

Airfix P-51K Mustang Model Kit

A05137
Grey
Small
Airfix P-51K Mustang Model Kit Cover
Airfix North American MK IV/P-51K Mustang 1:48 WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit A05137

The Airfix P-51K Mustang is a 1:48 scale model kit that allows you to create a detailed replica of this iconic WWII aircraft. With a skill level of 3, you can enjoy the challenge of assembling 147 parts, resulting in a model measuring 205mm in length and 236mm in width. The kit features two historically accurate schemes, including one flown by Flight Lieutenant Arthur "Joe" Dooley. Keep in mind that painting is required, and you'll need to purchase Humbrol paints separately, which are listed on the box for your convenience.

What We Like
Detailed 1:48 scale
Multiple historical schemes
Challenging assembly experience
Requires painting for customization
#TOP 5

PH Premium Hobbies P-51D Model Kit

126V
Blue
PH Premium Hobbies P-51D Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies P-51D Blue Nose 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 126V

The PH P-51D Model Kit is a fantastic choice for aviation enthusiasts. This 1:72 scale model features a wingspan of about 6 inches, making it a compact yet impressive display piece. You'll enjoy the high level of detail in the plastic parts, which enhances the realism of your build. With three sets of decals included, you have the flexibility to customize your model to your liking. Keep in mind that painting and gluing are required to complete the kit, allowing you to showcase your creativity and craftsmanship.

What We Like
Highly detailed parts
Multiple decal options
Compact size
Encourages creativity
#TOP 6

Revell 1:48 P-40B Tiger Shark Plastic Model Kit

85-5209
Camo
Revell 1:48 P-40B Tiger Shark Plastic Model Kit Cover
Revell 1:48 P - 40B Tiger Shark Plastic Model Kit, 12 years old and up, Camo

The Revell Tiger Shark Model Kit is a high-quality plastic model airplane kit that is perfect for aviation enthusiasts aged 12 and up. With a skill level of 4, this 1:48 scale model features 60 parts, including a detailed cockpit and water-activated decals with Flying Tigers markings. The kit also includes a rotating propeller, main wheels, and a centerline drop tank. The detailed cockpit interior allows for the canopy to be posed open or closed, adding to the authenticity of the model. With its raised rivets and panel lines, this model kit provides a realistic and engaging building experience. Paint and glue are not included, allowing users to customize their Tiger Shark model to their liking.

What We Like
High-quality plastic model kit
Detailed cockpit and water-activated decals
Realistic and engaging building experience
#TOP 7

Airfix P-51D Mustang Model Kit

A01004B
Unpainted
Small
Airfix P-51D Mustang Model Kit Cover
Airfix Model Airplane Kit Gift Set - A01004B North American P-51D Mustang, Plastic Plane Model Kits for Adults & Kids 14+, Skill Level 1, 1:72 Scale WW2 Military Aircraft Models for Beginners

The Airfix P-51D Mustang is a great introduction to model building for both older kids and adults. This iconic WWII fighter features a skill level 1 rating, making it perfect for beginners who have some experience. With 53 parts included, you can enjoy assembling a detailed 1:72 scale model. While the kit does not come with paint or glue, it offers a fantastic opportunity for you to personalize your model. Explore the rich history of military aviation as you piece together this renowned aircraft, and discover the wide range of Airfix models available for further exploration.

What We Like
Beginner-friendly assembly
Detailed 1:72 scale model
Iconic WWII aircraft
53 parts for customization
#TOP 8

PH P-40B 1:72 Model Kit

135V
Multicolor
1/72
PH P-40B 1:72 Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies P-40B Pearl Harbor 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 135V

PH Model Kit is a 1:72 scale airplane model that comes with highly detailed plastic parts and two sets of decals. You will need to paint and glue the parts yourself. The 6" wingspan makes it a compact display piece. The detailed parts allow for a realistic finish, and the included decals give you options for customization.

What We Like
Highly Detailed Parts
Two Decal Sets
Compact Display Size
#TOP 9

PH Premium Hobbies F4U-1 Model Kit

131V
multicolour
PH Premium Hobbies F4U-1 Model Kit Cover
Premium Hobbies F4U-1 "Pacific Theater 1:72 Plastic Model Airplane Kit 131V

The PH F4U-1 Model Kit is a fantastic choice for model airplane enthusiasts. This kit features highly detailed plastic parts, giving you the chance to create a realistic representation of the iconic aircraft. With a wingspan of about 6 inches, it’s perfectly sized for display or play. You’ll also find three sets of decals included, allowing you to customize your model to your liking. Keep in mind that painting and gluing are necessary to complete this kit, giving you the opportunity to add your personal touch and creativity to the final product.

What We Like
Highly detailed plastic parts
Three sets of decals
Customizable with painting
Compact 6-inch wingspan
#TOP 10

Revell Stuka Ju 87G-1 Model Kit

85-5270
Clear,grey
1:48 Scale
Revell Stuka Ju 87G-1 Model Kit Cover
Revell Stuka Ju 87G-1 Tank Buster Plastic Model Kit, 144 months to 1188 months, Clear,Grey

The Revell Stuka Model Kit is an excellent choice for airplane enthusiasts looking to build a detailed replica. This kit provides an engaging experience that allows you to explore your creativity while assembling the model. You can enjoy the satisfaction of constructing an iconic aircraft, which can also serve as a striking display piece once completed. With high-quality materials, this kit ensures durability and ease of assembly, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced model builders. Dive into the world of aviation history with this impressive model that showcases your skills and passion.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Engaging assembly experience
Durable and long-lasting
Great for display
Buying Guide Image

What You Need to Know About Plastic Airplane Model Kits

Scale

One important factor to consider is the scale of the model. Model kits are available in a range of scales, from very small to very large. The scale refers to the size of the model in relation to the size of the real-life airplane. For example, a 1:72 scale model is 1/72nd the size of the real airplane.

When choosing a scale, consider the level of detail you want in your model. Smaller scales will have fewer details, while larger scales will have more. Also consider the size of the finished model and whether you have enough space to display it.

Level of Difficulty

Another factor to consider is the level of difficulty of the model kit. Model kits are typically labeled as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Beginner kits are the easiest to assemble and are a good choice for those who are new to modeling. Intermediate and advanced kits are more challenging and are better suited for experienced modelers.

Brand and Quality

When shopping for a plastic airplane model kit, it's also important to consider the brand and quality of the kit. Look for kits from reputable brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality models. Avoid kits from unknown or low-quality brands, as they may be more difficult to assemble and may not look as good when finished.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that the model kit may include. Some kits come with additional parts or decals to add more realism to the finished model. Others may include a display stand or other accessories. These extra features can add to the overall enjoyment of building and displaying your model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best model airplane kits?

KitOur Rating
Revell 1:48 B25J Mitchell★★★★★
Revell 1:48 Corsair F4U-4★★★★☆
Revell 1:48 B17G Flying Fortress★★★★★
Revell 1:48 P – 51D Mustang★★★★★

2. What type of plastic is used for model kits?

The first plastic models were injection molded in cellulose acetate (e.g. Frog Penguin and Varney Trains), but currently most plastic models are injection-molded in polystyrene, and the parts are glued together, usually with a plastic solvent-based adhesive, although experienced modelers may also use epoxy, ...

3. What is the best model kit brand?

Tamiya and Academy probaly are my top two go to brands, but I also buy a lot of old kits on ebay, such as Revell, ARII, and such.

The world's most popular scale is 1/72. This was the original scale used back in the late 1930's for some of the first plastic assembly kits produced in England. This scale became popular with modelers in the 1950s with the mass production of Airfix and Frog kits.

Editor's Notes

During our plastic airplane model kit research, we found 24 plastic airplane model kit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,013 customer reviews through our big data system to write the plastic airplane model kits list. We found that most customers choose plastic airplane model kits with an average price of $20.29.

The plastic airplane model kits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of plastic airplane model kits, including PH Premium Hobbies, Airfix, Revell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 381 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.