howzit guys...i was wondering what the best internet hobby store is?

One of the best, as far as price, is Lucky Model, http://www.luckymodel.com/.

At number one for me would be Lucky Model, esp since they can declare the value being lower than the actual amount.
The thing that I like about them is their shipping calculator, decent prices, frequent sales and speedy customer support
http://www.luckymodel.com/

Another decent one is Rainbow Ten, they can declare the goods as being zero value, which means that you'll only pay a parcel handling fee (around R25 for a biggish box).
http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/index.html

Or if you're like me and you like garage kits then Hobby Fan is also decent. Though there is usually around a week wait between ordering and actual shipment.
http://www.hobbyfan.com/

Hope this helps and happy shopping

I have to agree with Lucky Models. I can purchase a kit and have it shipped to the US for less that my LHS has it priced. And on some kits I have them in hand a month before the LHS gets it in stock. My second best would be Blast out of France. Large selection and quick shipment.
Scott

Generally you should always try support your LHS, but if you feel like everytime you buy something from them all you're doing is contributing to the owners early retirement plan then I would recommend the following stores:

For General Modelling:

Lucky Model
Hobby Easy
Models For Sale

Figure Modelling:

Colorado Miniatures

Who you use really depends on what you are looking for.

Rudi

My two favourites are Hobbylink Japan and Luckymodel.

Yes, I agree that you should support your LHS, if you feel that they are treating you fairly. Even though I buy alot from Luckymodel, I still buy paints and some kits from my LHS. Our local IMPS club meets there and over the years before I discovered the internet, I bought all of my kits from them. Still, I feel that you have to be treated fairly and that the LHS has a "Cheers" atomsphere whenever you walk in.
Scott

I know all the best international hobby shops, the best ones available are in the USA, if you tell me what you are looking for and in what scale I can be more specific, contact me at martincombrinck@gmail and I'll give you the details

As far as internet hobbyshops goes, I've always had very good service from HobbyEasy in Hong Kong.

Certain LHS are good and I do support them.Others suck,but that's another issue.

Tony

Come now... to say you know ALL the best international hobby shops is stretching it more than a bit.... Best in the US? Best in terms of what? Price? No, my friend, for price you can't beat the East. All you need to do is look at the prices! Postage? Sorry - the East again. Speed of service? East. Range? Maybe then the US but the UK has just as many decent online retailers - but what kills them is then the cost of postage.

Why not just post your opinions of the different shops here so that we may all benefit from your experience?

Hi everyone I'm new on the site,started building again after 20 year.
I'm looking for models of the Long Range Desert Group.
Please help!!!!!!!

Chris how do you get the rank on your user?

Hi Phil,

Welcome to the Kitmaker Network. How's Surf City these days?

Wrt LRDG kits, it may be prudent to start a dedicated topic about your query on Armorama - unfortunately posting it in this thread, one pertaining to online hobby stores, may go unnoticed.

To display a rank, click "my account" >> "modify profile". In the first highlighted block headed "Change Profile", the last drop down is "Forum Rank Selection". By default this is set to "Do not show...", to change it just select one of the ranking systems via the drop down. Note that ascension through the ranks is based on the number of postings (excluding certain discussion groups). "Posting for rank" is also something strongly discouraged.

Enjoy

Rudi

Here are a few on line shop's i have used before-

http://www.sockelshop.de/catalog/index.php?language=en
http://www.firestormmodels.com/store/cart.php
http://www.kalahari.net/hobbies/32976.aspx
http://www.jbmodel.eu/

HobbyEasy http://www.hobbyeasy.com remains my favourite. They show you in SA rand what you are going to pay, they've got a huge selection of stock and they are always relyable and fast to process your order.

HobbyLink Japan is your best bet if you are looking for Sci-Fi stuff or weird stuff like large scale electric and hydraulic connectors. http://www.hlj.com

Locally, George Winship from MDF Models is your man. George is a modeller himself and an upstanding guy as a human being and as a hobby dealer. Look for him on Bid-or_Buy. https://www.bidorbuy.co.za/user/415919/MDF_Models

Could also try hobbyeasy.com. I've been using them for years. Huge selection, good prices and excellent service.

I've used dersockelshop.de before and was always highly impressed with the fast service and range that they keep in stock. For items I can't get there, I use spruebrothers.com, also an excellent company to deal with. Oh and both offer courier shipping which helps if, like in South Africa, your post office system sucks.