1:72 Scale Airfix Starter Set – RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat

The paints listed here are those shown on the box for serious hobbyists who want to build the kit precisely. You do not have to buy them all and may prefer to choose alternatives.

For car bodies and motorcycle panels, we recommend using a main-colour spray can for the best finish rather than brush-painting the main body. One can is enough for one kit.

Tamiya kits use Tamiya-brand paints and paint codes. All other kit brands use Mr Hobby paints. You can find a huge range of paints, undercoats and lacquers in our Paint section.

Note: Mr Hobby “H” codes are water-based paints and are less smelly when used indoors. “C” codes are lacquer-based and can produce a finer finish. Add a small bottle of the correct thinner for your paint type to clean your brushes and make it easier to switch colours while building your kit.

We have tools for every budget, all available in our Tools section. For first-time builders and gift-givers, the products below are a practical way to get started. We especially recommend the Kit Building Bundle for beginners, as you only need this and your chosen paint colours to build a kit.

Although there is an initial outlay, these tools will last for many future builds and make model building more enjoyable. As with most things in life, having the right tools for the job produces better results. For higher-end tools, explore our Mr Hobby ranges.

If you build models regularly and value long-lasting tools and support products that help achieve the best possible finish, we have a wide range of quality items from Mr Hobby and Tamiya in our main menu. Here are some useful products to consider: