I’ve been hunting around trying to comprise a list of useful sites from which to browse general hobby supplies from kits to tools. In addition, I’ve noticed that many people know of online stores that are less obvious that they will use for specific or specialty types of items.
So what are your favorite sites? What do you visit the most? Best all-around hobby shop? What unlikely place do you turn to when you need to find something specific that many wouldn’t think to use?
umm-usa is a goodern.
I like SPRUBROTHERS, SCALEHOBBYIST, DRAGON USA ACESES5
I’ve been going to Squadron sense I was a kid. Customer service is great and their “specials” and daily deals can be pretty good. I will admit I have found slightly lower prices at Spruebrothers (hoping to order from them soon).
Eagle90
Hannant’s is in the UK, but they often have stuff difficult to obtain in the USA. Their service and shipping is really fast; usually one week or less. There is a minimum order in effect, for shipping overseas.
Within the U.S. I’ve been using Scale Hobbyist for the last 14 months. Prices are very competitive and they have a good selection with (to me) minimal out-of-stocks. I’ve shopped Squadron for 20 years, but for the last two years or so their number of out of stocks and prices have become less attractive- again, just my view.
I’ve not shopped them but continually hear very good reviews of Sprue Brothers; I don’t shop Internationally at this point but I hear good things about Hannants in the UK. For tools and supplies you might take a look at Micro-Mark. There might be some debate about their pricing but they have an absolutely huge range of items.
Nice! I was looking for bottles and found www.specialtybottle.com to have a large selection of all types and sizes of glass and plastic bottles and jars. The prices are very cheap, too.
I am quite fond of sprue brothers myself. Prices aren’t bad and I usually receive my order in a few days due to the warehouse being very close to my house. Squadron is also a very good site with a nice selection.
What about decals? Are there any companies that really specialize with aftermarket decals?
I’ve been using Sprue Brothers, Scale Hobbyist, and sometimes MegaHobby…as they seem to have some of the esoteric finds.
The one that has the model I’m looking for.[:D]
I generally use Squadron, Sprue Brothers and if you can stomach a wait or plan a build around the wait …Lucky Model. I found the Meng Me 410 for 56 bucks to include shipping and I couldn’t touch the same kit here in the states for less than 90 bucks NOT to include shipping. Then I found the Aires “double throw down” update set for the 1/48 Tamiya Fw190 D-9 for 45.99 to include shipping and again couldn’t touch it here in the states for less than 60 bucks and again NOT including shipping. Both were a little bit of a wait but I wasn’t in any real hurry for them. If I’m in a hurry its definitely the first two choices.
I’ve been using Hobbylinc. Best prices by far on the types of models I buy.
ANY!!![:D]
I personally like Sprue Brothers. Awesome selection and impressive service. My order is usually on my doorstep in a day. For decals, you can’t beat E-bay. You can find just about anything there. I’ve found old Aeromaster P-47 and P-38 sheets on there which were way out of production. I personally think Squadron has gone downhill. They absorbed Aeromaster and True Details but their selection of these products seems to have waned. I would like to see them re-release some of the old Aeromaster sheets.
Joe
Many of the same ones mentioned,but good bargains could also be found on ebay
Sprue Bros. for speed and selection. Squadron for their sales. Hobbylink Japan for off the wall stuff.
Ebay and Spruebrothers.
Scalehobbist for supplies. good prices, pretty decent turn time on delivery. my Robotech/Macross models…ebay or Hobbysearch. 1999.com. good descriptions of tools and models, and sometimes have back catalog items. Also, they normally have the Instructions sheets for the model listed.
as for decals, i’ve seen a lot of people doing their own.Sure, it takes some time, some sort of photo software,more supplies,time, an inkjet printer…so, there is some up front cost to doing your own, however, once you get the groove, there’s noting you can’t decal. I’m starting this very same endeavor.
If you need a professional to do it, i have heard there are a few companies that will do special orders, but the price can be very hefty. If you find a decent decal service, please let us know!
Squadron mostly especially their blowout sales. Just picked up a bunch of Aeromaster and Eagle Strike decals for $2.00 a piece. Also Great Models which is now a part of Sprue Brothers.
Decals can also be found direct
3D-Kits
AirDOC
Condor
Caracal
Fightertown
Vagabond
Bombshell
Barracudacals
Linden Hill Imports
Impact
Mike Grant
I have also found a bunch of cottage industry sites for details
C & H Aero Miniatures
Falcon
Master Casters
AIMS Models
Antares (Luft '46)
Nostalgic Plastic (Anigrand Resin Kits)
Ultracast
Unicraft (Luft '46 and X-planes)
JOHN