This is a subjective question, with more than a few possible answers I assume

For each of the major manufacturers , Trumpeter, Dragon, Hasegawa, Tamiya, Academy, etc, which kit represents the 'best' that they can produce?
'Best' being a subjective term, but I'm defining best as best fit, best molding, accuracy, etc. Value does not factor in. One kit may be twice as expensive as the same subject from a different manufacturer, but the more expensive kit may be three times as precise as the cheaper kit, making it more 'cost effective' in terms of modeling time.

For example, opinions provided on different DGs say that the T-55 by Tamiya may considered one of their best offerings, what about the other manufacturers?

Peter

That really comes into the "How long is a piece of string category?". It all depends what people's expectations are I suppose...Jim

Hi. Well, for my two cents worth I'll give a big thumbs up to Tasca for the "Luch" model and also to Trumpter for their K5 railway gun. The two best models I've bought in the past year. The most 'bang for the buck' going in my opinion.

Take care. Sgirty

Best Tamiya kit is a hard one as each new release seems to be better than the last. My peronel fav has to be either the Wespe or any oftheTigers.

As for Dragon, their Panther series are way cool and the new Hummel/Ferdinand kits are excellent.

As for Academy it would have to be their M113 series, either the Isreali ones or the Vietnam M113.

Regards from the Swamp

Hawkeye

IMHO...

Heller - R35 or H35 (but trax are lousy)
Italeri - M47
Tamiya - JS3 (tie with several other Tamiya kits!)
ESCI/Ital/RoG - M60
DML - new T34/76
Trumpeter - new ChallyII re-tool
Zvezda - M13/40 (Italeri)
Academy - M10 series

All JMHO