When I came back to the hobby I was very unsure of manufacturers. All I had ever built was Monogram and Revell. I had no access to Airfix, Tamiya, and Hasegawa in my region of the US. I have really come to love ICM. Most of their kits have been fantastic to build. And current Airfix kits have been very nice as well. It's been worth the risk for me. I agree with sticking with newer molds. It makes a big difference. If you go beyond 7 years old expect to have issues of some sort.