Hi all,
So instead of crying about no Bergepanther in 1/35 or early M1 Abrams, why don't we talk about what we already have?
Something more positive and helpful (especially for those returning to the hobby after years of hiatus or new hobbyists (maybe thanks to World of Tanks)? Things have certainly improved in the 21st century for this hobby (I joined Armorama in 2002 and wow what a journey).

Let's list your top 3 kits by any era (or major war). Here are mine to begin (strictly 1/35):

U.S. modern
#1. Dragon M1A1 AIM and M1A2 SEP (3535 and 3536)
- OK, OK, there are newest Academy, Meng and RFM offerings but these 10 year old kits have stood the test of time and were revolutionary when released at a time when modern kits were neglected. Certainly a game changer. Became a gold standard.
#2. Meng Bradley M2A3 or M3A3 (SS004 and 006)
- After many cries for newer Bradley kit, Meng stunned us with this beast.
#3. AFV Club M60A3 (35249)
- Another nice kit in response to decades of cries for newer M60A3 representation

Other modern (NATO)
#1. Meng Leopard 2A7 - the details on this kit are very crisp.
#2. Tamiya Challenger 2 (35274) - it's a bit old but definitely a wow when it came out in 2002.
#3. Tiger French AMX-10RCR - it's a nice gem if you haven't seen it.

Russian/Soviet modern
#1. Tamiya T-55 (35257) - this was a game changer when released in 2002 and with lots of anticipation
#2. Trumpeter T-72B (05564) - Another answer to much crying for an accurate T-72 in plastic
#3. Meng T-90A - Another stunner from a newer player Meng.

IDF modern
#1. Meng D9R dozer - this was unique and was one of my most wanted kits. Very nicely detailed
#2. Academy Merkava IV - I know, I know, it has its flaws but still a descent kit (this and Hobby Boss are the only games in town anyway)
#3. Tiger model Nagmachon - this was the first in plastic and many were happy. I've heard Hobby Boss offering is better but Tiger Model came first and wowed us.

Vietnam war
#1. AFV Club M42A1 Duster - After many years of anticipation, AFV Club didn't disappoint.
#2. Dragon M48A3 (3546) - This was another answer to many people's cry for newly tooled M48A3.
#3. Academy M113A1 Vietnam - It's old and likely will be overshadowed by upcoming AFV Club's offering but it was the best M113 for Vietnam War up until now.

Honorable mention for Miniart T-54: I couldn't put it with "modern" or "Vietnam" category but with all the interior parts, Miniart showed off its technology.

Korean war
#1. Hobby Boss M26 or T26 Pershings - For some reason, not widely popular but this is the best Pershing kit out there I think.
#2. Dragon M-46 Patton (6805) - It's an old kit but for its age, great details and fits
#3. Bronco M-24 Chaffee Korean War - A great kit with all the modern engineering

WWII Allied
#1. Any Shermans from Asuka/Tasca - beautifully molded and perfect fits; revolutionary in my opinion
#2. Tamiya Willys MB (35219) - this little gem is almost 20 years old but still has very nice details.
#3. Bronco T17E1 Staghound - This was something hobbyists had wanted for several decades also.

Honorable mention: Dragon M3A1 half-track - Despite the controversy over "bulge or no bulge", this was many modelers dream come true. Still pretty nice. Another historical release.

WWII Axis (not my specialty but I have built some German kits)
#1. Dragon Tiger 1 mid with Zimmerit (6700) - this is a kit with all the bells and whistles. Too bad that it has gotten a collector's item status and super expensive.
#2. Meng King Tiger (TS-031) - All the hype was probably met. Meng's great details at its finest.
#3. Asuka/Tasca Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.L “Luchs” - Another little finely detailed kit but hard to find nowadays.

Figure kits
#1. Resin figures from Alpine - Revolutionary b/c these figures actually looked like miniature humans and statues. Not just resin figurines but an artwork of some sort. New gold standard for figures I'd say.
#2. Live Resin - even though mostly limited to the U.S. modern, they truly utilized 3D technology. Their accessories are awesome, too. The detail is simply amazing.
#3. Dragon figures from the 2000s - when it comes to plastic 1/35 figures, Dragon's are still the best. However, Miniart is catching up fast I'd say.

Honorable mentions: Bravo-6 and Legend Productions

So what are your top threes?

Yes, great topic! There've been so many great kits released in the past ten or so years that complaining about what I don't have sounds increasingly ungrateful. Here's mine (all modern):

Modern NATO

#1. Tamiya Leclerc - Big T's presentation and engineering are still unmatched, and this is one of their best.

#2. Academy CV9040C - Sharp details, indi-link tracks, a little photo-etch but not too much, metal barrel. I wish all kits were like this.

#3. Tamiya Leopard 2A5 - another Tamiya MBT gem.

Modern US

#1. Rye Field M1A1/A2 w/interior - TBH I find it difficult to choose a winner between the new Rye, Academy and Meng kits, but this one has a full interior! It's the kit I dreamed of when I started modelling...

#2. Meng M2A3 Bradley - beautiful inside and out.

#3. AFV Club Stryker MGS - the coolest-looking member of Stryker family and a beautiful kit.

Honourable mention: Bronco's M1114 family.


Russian/Soviet Modern

#1. MiniArt T-54-2 - amazing detail and accuracy, but so many parts!

#2. Trumpeter T-80BV - for years all we had was Dragon's caricature, then this excellent replica came along.

#3. Meng T-90 - just a beautiful production, top to bottom.

Honourable mention: the latest Zvezda kits.

IDF Modern

#1. Meng Merkava 3D - fantastic buildable kit of a great-looking tank.

#2. Academy Merkava 4 LIC - easy build, way better than Hobby Boss's.

#3. AFV Club Sh'ot 1973 - super-detailed replica of a legendary tank.

My wish-list is so much shorter these days...

Amen to that!

I'm surprised that this discussion isn't popular. Hundreds participate in pleas for wish lists but not interested in what to recommend and what are good. Hmmm. I guess that's just human nature...

I think the problem is trying to choose from such a huge range. Best WW2 kit? Too many to choose from. You would have more success if you broke it down into more categories like Best British WW2 Wheeled Vehicle, etc.

Gary,
In that case, could you please pick any category and share with us whatever comes to your mind as favorites?

In the wish list posts (there are so many of them), people are not shy about whatever the era is and list tens if not hundreds.
We (including myself) may be just better at complaining than counting blessings. Grass is always greener on the other side...

Trumpeter's JS-3 kit. Always loved this kit. Is it the best JS-3? No, I suspect Tamiya's is better. Some people moan about Trumpeter's depiction of the casting on the turret, "over done"; Personally I always liked it. It was such a huge step for Trumpeter at the time though, and can be had a lot cheaper than Tamiya's. My $.02.

With accuracy aside, another favorite of mine is
Trumpeter Strv. 103C kit (#00310). Growing up, I was fascinated by S103's unique design and look. It's a cheap, simple and fun build. Plus, it's the only game in town.