Hi Guys,

I've been a aircraft modeller for 30+ yrs. I've recently discovered amour and would like to do a few more projects. I have an interest in WWII AFVs (ETO) and artillery and modern US armor. I know my way around a work bench but would like some input as to some good beginner kits for the novice armour builder. I'd like a fair amount of detail and accuracy but not a crazy high part count. 1/35 is the scale I prefer. I have experience with Dragon and Tamiya but would welcome any suggestions.

Thanks in Advance
Rick the airplane guy

Tamiya's M1 Tusk is very nice, and their Panther G and King Tiger (and new Nashorn, come to that) are very nice. Personally, I think Dragon's Panther Smart Kits and Tamiya's JS-2 are about as perfect a combination of buildability and accuracy you're going to get for WW2 armor.

Thanks Matt. I appreciate the suggestions

My own opinion is if you're new to armor you can't go wrong with anything from Tamiya. Although their kits often get bashed for shortcuts in detail, pretty much anything they put out offers a good balance of quality, accuracy, affordability and ease of assembly. Their SdKfz 222 armored car would be a good starter (just did one myself not too long ago); relatively simple kit with a basic photoetch set and alum barrel; also has wheels which are a whole lot easier than tracks to deal with.

That's my opinion anyway....

The Tamiya Tiran 5 is a nice kit, straight forward build with nice detail and not too many parts, you could build it over a long weekend if you were determined. The Meng Achzarit is equally good.

Tamiya's Char B1, King Tiger, or StuG III are all great kits to cut your teeth on. All three are pretty nice OOB builds.

Hey Rick,

How about Bronco's slatted buffalo? It's detailed the slats are an incredible addition and they're easy to install!
Just my 2cents

Ben

Oh my!!! Dragon all the way for detail!
This kit builds into a nice looking model & is fun.
Panther G #6384

But, it all depends on what type of armor you like. You can't go wrong with a Tiger 1 w/zimmerit #6700

The Dragon Stug's are awesome kits as well! Kit #6633



Then, I personally would slap on metal tracks from Friul.

But, go Tamiya if you want a quick build with good detail.I have built both of these kits.
Tamiya JS-2 kit is awesome!!

Tamiya JSU-152 is another killer kit !

I think we should confine our suggestions the OP's original request. Bronco Buffalo w/slat armor I think veers away from this.

Tamiya T55 - accurate, easy to assemble, relevant, nice parts count.

Hi Roy,

Thanks for your input. All suggestions are welcome. I read your article last month in FSM. I want to thank you. It inspired me to try armor after 30 years of wings.

Rick

My opinion would be to probably start with a Tamiya kit.
Dragon kits have crappy instructions half the time and lots of tiny extra parts compared to a Tamiya.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I think I may be going with something from Tamiya to get my feet wet and build up to one of the Dragon tigers or M1A1.