Looking Into Getting Back Into Plastic Modeling

All I got to say is be prepared for a whole new ball-game.

Kits have changed a lot from detail-level to parts-count, fit, etc, also many of the paints, tools, glues, putties, etc have changed a lot.

You can still get many of the old kits but range of available kits/subjects is now waaay bigger and also what they cover like Scifi, Anime, movies, etc.

Not going to give recommendations or name makers, etc best is go out there and find the stuff you like.

Welcome back in bothe cases... I won't jump on the Tamiya/Hasegawa/Dragon/Trumpeter bandwagon though...

Tamiya's kits have shot through the roof over the last twenty years, with their recent releases of the A6M-series of Japanese Zekes topping the 50.00 dollar mark (although the sturdy and well-engineered A6M2 from the 1980s still out there at less than 18.00), and their Betty, one I really want to build,  is above 70.00 a whack... But, I still can't bring m'self to pay that kind of money for a twin-engine bomber either...  So I'm sticking with my favorites, Monogram and Revell, early Fujimi, and Otaki WW2 subjects...

This is only an issue for me however, and shouldn't be construed as me bashing other kit manufacturers...  I simply take a kit's initial OOB price into consideration first and foremost, and have no desire to direct others on how they spend their hard-earned money...

That said, I'd rather offer alternatives to the "latest and greatest" and recommend the "tried & true" until I find out whether another modeler is actually willing to lay out that kind of money in the first place... Otherwise, it's a lot of typing on my part that just gets wasted, lol...

Many of the old "True Blue" kits have been improved over the last few re-releases, many who espouse the virtures of the newest "Shake & Bakes" haven't built the old kits, ever, and only parrot what they read or heard somewhere...

So, again, "Welcome Back" to both the hobby and the rest of the world, and please try and give us all a bit more detailed look at what exactly it is that you're looking for and what you want to build, and we'll be happy to help ya ease back into the seat-pan and hook up the harnesses, leads, and O2 supply, lol... Also, I'll certainly help ya via the "Follow Me" truck and get ya to the active so you can make informed decisions as to how best to part with yer hard-earned money... There are a plethora of sites out there that offer really good build-logs and with some guidance will help you avoid getting a 50.00 glue-bomb...

Here's a good place to look through and get some ideas, so you can pose informed questions and get good answers form those of us who've built the specific kit you're currently interested in getting:

http://hyperscale.com/index_air_a.htm

There are more, but this place is as good as any to start..

Welcome to the forum and back to the hobby. The kits have changed quite a bit since you were a kid haven't they? I know I was pleasantly surprised when I got back into it. Like Rick said, you won't go wrong with Tamiya. They have a great selection, build well and are reasonably priced. If you have questions about specific kits, you should post over in the aircraft or ships forums and you'll be sure to get lots of help.

To the forums .Ron

Welcome to the Forums .  For aicraft kits it depends on your choice of scale & subject, but I think you would do well with any of the 1/48 Tamiya WWII Fighter kits.

Regards,  Rick