Best Modern Tank Kit Bar None? Which Is It?
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorNew Jersey, United States
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:14 AM UTC
I am thinking about a break from Axis and would like to do ONE MODERN KIT in 1/35th scale.
I don't care about nationality-- US, German Leopard, Russian, Chinese.
I don't care about price (I'm only buying one, and I don't want to have to "fix" problems from a cheap kit)
I want to know THE BEST KIT OOB for:
1.) accuracy
2.) detail
3.) final bang for the buck
I don't want to invest a #$%&load of money in PE or need other AM stuff, though I don't mind if PE is available, just don't want to have to fix the sins of the manufacturer.
Let the games begin!
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:30 AM UTC
I'm not really a modern tank fan but the Tamiya Challenger 2 "Desertised " has sparked my interest on several occasions and gets my vote.
Alan
Alberta, Canada
Joined: February 18, 2003
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:31 AM UTC
Ooh, tall order...should be interesting to see the replies as it's very subjective. My vote is for the Dragon M1A2 SEP (if you can find it) or the Tamiya Leopard 2A6.
Jim
"Fire all weapons and open a hailing frequency for my victory yodel" - Zapp Brannigan
Armed Forces Europe, United States
Joined: January 01, 2009
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:36 AM UTC
Dragons M1A1 AIM would be my suggestion, anti-slip and the right amount of PE-parts provided, alu gun barrel and high accurate overall detail, offers the choice of different production models , camo and users etc.
And not too senselessly over-engineered as some newer kits, also good ref. and accessories around.
Don‘t need SLAT- Armour !!!!!!
Cheers
Christopher
" He who seeks to defend everything, defends nothing " Frederick the Great
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:36 AM UTC
In box review for you on the site here.
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/438 Alan
Armed Forces Europe, United States
Joined: January 01, 2009
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:38 AM UTC
Quoted Text
..... Dragon M1A2 SEP (if you can find it) ....
Jim
Hard to get right now ?
Cheers
Christopher
" He who seeks to defend everything, defends nothing " Frederick the Great
Georgia, United States
Joined: December 12, 2007
KitMaker: 309 posts
Armorama: 288 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:44 AM UTC
I would have to second the motion for either the Dragon M1A2 SEP or the M1A1 AIM....the AIM presents itself a little bit more versatile subject-wise ( in my opinion), but I like the tracks in the SEP kit better. But you can't go wrong with either, and they are a bargain for what you get in the box.
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief England - South West, United Kingdom
Joined: May 14, 2006
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:49 AM UTC
I wonder if the new Trumpeter Challenger 2 might be in the running.
bill_c
Campaigns Administrator New Jersey, United States
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:52 AM UTC
M1A2 SEP: #3536???
Interesting suggestions.
Alan, why did I know you'd suggest a Brit tank?
Georgia, United States
Joined: December 12, 2007
KitMaker: 309 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 11:55 AM UTC
Quoted Text
M1A2 SEP: #3536???
Interesting suggestions.
Alan, why did I know you'd suggest a Brit tank?
Bill: yep, SEP is #3536, and AIM is #3535. Actually , despite the Trumpeter and Tamiya offerings I would LOVE to see Dragon release a Chally 2 that was of the same quality and level of detail as the two aforementioned Abrams...
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:03 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Alan, why did I know you'd suggest a Brit tank?
Just co-incidence really. I happen to be British and so does the best modern tank in the world.
I have to admit those suggestions for the Dragon kits got me looking. Nice if you can find one in stock. I'd even build one myself...after the Challengers. That would be the Tamiya one and the latest one from Trumpeter.
But I can already sense you heading down the Dragon M1A2 road.
The Leopard as already suggested is another great tank and again Tamiya make a nice one.
I'll leave it to the US members to continue to persuade you, it's bed... UK time.
Alan
Alabama, United States
Joined: January 26, 2006
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:05 PM UTC
Hmm. I say you have your choice of three. The Dragon M1A1 AIM, the Tamiya Leopard 2A5/6, and the Tamiya LeClerc (Tamiya's Type 90 is really close behind). The M1A1 is more detailed, has more parts and single link tracks, and the metal Barrel included is nice. The Leopard and LeClerc are faster builds though. I like the Tamiya Challenger 2 but the lack of antislip and those @%#$@^ open holes in the turret top that need boxing in knock it down a bit. Mind you, the Trumpeter Ariete, Academy K1A1, and Hobby Boss Type 99 look really nice in the box but I've not put pieces together to say beyond that.
Matt
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:12 PM UTC
Whilst mentioning the Challenger, a bit of Challenger related fun from the UK Top Gear program.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wKfpPrRVIo CMOT
Editor-in-Chief England - South West, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:17 PM UTC
I have to admit that DML's M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP are excellent models, however I know that even they have problems in some areas.
bill_c
Campaigns Administrator New Jersey, United States
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:17 PM UTC
Quoted Text
But I can already sense you heading down the Dragon M1A2 road.
I have no prejudices one way or t'other, Alan. Challenger is fine with me. The Leopard got the highest marks of all tanks in the world on a recent "History Channel" special, so....
I'm totally open-minded. Not looking for an easy build, either. No compromises, Gents. The best *&$%ing tank kit, PERIOD.
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:33 PM UTC
Let me be the devils advocate and throw some names around that have been mentioned that deserve a fair shot.
AFC Club M1126 Stryker ICV
Im all for the Dragon M1A2 SEP
Tamiya's Leopard 2A6
Tamiya Challerger 2 Desertized
All these kits fit together like a dream and build great out of the box.
You could also do something completely different and go with AFV Club M1134 ATGM or an M1128 MGS
Currently taking back the fight to beat modeling ADD
Joined: December 30, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:37 PM UTC
Hello Bill,
I too recommend the SEP 3536 kit because it provides all the things you are looking for.
IMO a perfect scale model kit.
Michigan, United States
Joined: November 02, 2006
KitMaker: 389 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 12:45 PM UTC
I would have to say, anything from the Tamiya stable would be a good choice. They are easy to build, fit great and allow you to get to the fun part of painting and weathering in no time.
The LeClerc, Challenger 2 Desertized are great choices.
Welcome to the "bright side" of modern armor,
Mark Lopiccola
_____________
Mark Lopiccola
Motor City Armor & Figure Society
http://lopiccola.com/1_2_Scale-Models.html
Current Projects:
- M60A2 "Starship"
- Dodge Carry All
- M577 Command Track
Alberta, Canada
Joined: February 18, 2003
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:13 PM UTC
I think so...Dragon USA hasn't had the M1A2 SEP in stock for some time, haven't seen it at the local shops for a long time, there's only 3 on EvilBay right now. I would like to find another one for my Aussie M1A1 conversion.
And I'm afraid I have to disagree about the Tamiya Chally 2 - didn't they use their Chally 1 hull still? The Trumpeter kit is more accurate in that respect.
Jim
"Fire all weapons and open a hailing frequency for my victory yodel" - Zapp Brannigan
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:19 PM UTC
I'll throw my vote in for the Dragon M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP. They are the most complete and best detailed modern kits on the market. The Tamiya ones mentioned don't even come close w/o buying metal barrels, PE, indi-link track, better decal options, adding anti-slip, etc., etc. for them.
Quoted Text
The Leopard got the highest marks of all tanks in the world on a recent "History Channel" special, so....
Don't believe everything you see on TV. The History Channel show was a lot of BS. As it has been said here a million times before, when this subject comes up, pretty much all the most current NATO tanks around the world are equal; ie: LeClerc, Leopard, Abrams, Challenger, Ariete, Merkava, etc. All of them use basically the same guns, fire control systems, and Chobham armor. The true make or break feature to them is a well trained crew. If that piece isn't there, they will be beaten every time.
Quoted Text
Let me be the devils advocate and throw some names around that have been mentioned that deserve a fair shot.
The Strykers weren't metioned becuase they are not
Tanks. He asked which modern
tank model is best.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
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Showcase
Illinois, United States
Joined: March 29, 2009
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:34 PM UTC
Gino,
I can read just fine. Although he may want to build a tank, it never hurts to throw around great kits of modern vehicles that are definitely an enjoyable build, albeit they are not tank. You never know what will appeal to someone. No need to get riled up and
use bold letters.
Quoted Text
I'll throw my vote in for the Dragon M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP. They are the most complete and best detailed modern kits on the market. The Tamiya ones mentioned don't even come close w/o buying metal barrels, PE, indi-link track, better decal options, adding anti-slip, etc., etc. for them.
Quoted Text
The Leopard got the highest marks of all tanks in the world on a recent "History Channel" special, so....
Don't believe everything you see on TV. The History Channel show was a lot of BS. As it has been said here a million times before, when this subject comes up, pretty much all the most current NATO tanks around the world are equal; ie: LeClerc, Leopard, Abrams, Challenger, Ariete, Merkava, etc. All of them use basically the same guns, fire control systems, and Chobham armor. The true make or break feature to them is a well trained crew. If that piece isn't there, they will be beaten every time.
Quoted Text
Let me be the devils advocate and throw some names around that have been mentioned that deserve a fair shot.
The Strykers weren't metioned becuase they are not Tanks. He asked which modern tank model is best.
Currently taking back the fight to beat modeling ADD
Alabama, United States
Joined: January 26, 2006
KitMaker: 1,381 posts
Armorama: 1,347 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:37 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
But I can already sense you heading down the Dragon M1A2 road.
I have no prejudices one way or t'other, Alan. Challenger is fine with me. The Leopard got the highest marks of all tanks in the world on a recent "History Channel" special, so....
I'm totally open-minded. Not looking for an easy build, either. No compromises, Gents. The best *&$%ing tank kit, PERIOD.
If you're looking for the best kit, it's the Dragon M1A1/A2 kits, hands down. If you're looking for the best looking, Gotta go with the Tamiya Leopard 2A6, probably the best looking tank in the world right now, although the Merk 3D Baz is a close second.
Matt
England - East Anglia, United Kingdom
Joined: October 09, 2005
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 01:55 PM UTC
As everyone else has said if you want the best ootb build of a well detailed modern kit it has to be either the DML M1A1AIM or A2SEP, these are to the modern armor builder what DML's Tiger 1 Late was to the axis armor fan. DML's M1 kits literally include everything you need to build a basically 99% accurate kit out of the box, and a very well detailed kit at that.
'As all else failed we raised our fists and weapons,
Not born as soldiers, but driven to the end'
Alberta, Canada
Joined: January 19, 2005
KitMaker: 4,085 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 02:43 PM UTC
Quoted Text
As everyone else has said if you want the best ootb build of a well detailed modern kit it has to be either the DML M1A1AIM or A2SEP, these are to the modern armor builder what DML's Tiger 1 Late was to the axis armor fan. DML's M1 kits literally include everything you need to build a basically 99% accurate kit out of the box, and a very well detailed kit at that.
Moving forward beyond a TV rating of real tanks I have to agree with Rob....the DML AIM or SEP kits are the best bang for your buck. As a detail point the Tamiya Challenger 2 and Leclerc are both missing very visible anti-slip surfacing.
"We're not the public service of Canada, we're not just another department. We are the Canadian Forces, and our job is to be able to kill people."
July 2005- General R.J. Hillier (Retired), Former Chief of the Defence Staff
Alberta, Canada
Joined: March 23, 2008
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Posted: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 03:38 PM UTC
Bill
I'm probably going to sound like another echo but I built the Dragon M1A2 SEP kit and converted it to an Aussie M1A1 AIM SA version... the Dragon kit is amazing... All parts fit nicely, and I didn't even have to fill any seams... how about that?? Search on Aussie Abrams and you'll find my build with all my pictures... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Best kit I have ever had the priviledge of building... it was one of those kits that makes you feel happy after you're done building it because it didn't cause you any grief or stress, or make you want to throw it against the wall, no back talk, no stubborn parts, no fit problems. No problems whatsoever from my point of view.
Just my $0.02...
Whatever you pick I'd be interested in watching your build progress. Cheers!
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight ... but rather the size of the fight in the dog" - Don Cherry - Hockey Night in Canada
