Have you wondered about all of the options in military model kits? Tanks, jeeps, planes, ships trucks, action figures you name it, its being built. There are lots of choices for beginners, intermediate, and expert modelers.
The top picks for military vehicle model kits are the Willys Jeep, German Panther tank, German Hanomag Halftrack, US M41 Walker Bulldog, Russian T-62A Tank, German PZKPFW IV AUSF Tank, Us 2.5 ton academy tank, U>S> Tow Launcher, German Tiger 1 tank and the German 8 ton halftrack.
These are all great military vehicles but we have only scratched the surface. Let’s go into detail of these models and more that I have found. We will divide them up into tanks, trucks, jeeps, and other.
What Are The Best Military Jeep Model Kits?
The US Willys MB Jeep is a plastic model kit in 1/35 Scale by Tamiya. Parts come in olive green with clear pieces for the windshield. US M151A2 w/Tow Launcher is a plastic model kit of the 1/35 Scale U.S. M151A2 Jeep with Tow Missile Launcher from Tamiya. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
This Jeep has a separate frame and floor plan with a hood that opens to reveal the engine. Authentic interior that includes a driver. Other parts are an angle iron cutter, tow bar, machine gun and jerry can.
Comes with very detailed clear pictorial instructions. $18 to $22
Author Charles K. Hyde wrote: “In many respects, the jeep became the iconic vehicle of World War II, with an almost mythological reputation of toughness, durability, and versatility.” Not only did it become the workhorse of the American military, as it replaced the use of horses and other draft animals (still heavily used in World War I) in every role, from cavalry units to supply trains, but improvised field modifications also made the jeep capable of just about any other function GIs could think of.
Elphick, James (5 May 2017). “7 Tools that Helped America win WW II”. We Are The Mighty
2- US M151A2 w/Tow Launcher. This is a Plastic Model Kit of the 1/35 Scale U.S. M151A2 Jeep with Tow Missile Launcher from Tamiya. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
This lifelike version of the F151A2 jeeps parts are molded in tan with a driver figure included.
The opposite side of the driver contains a large missile launcher which extends the length of the front seat.
The tripod is included with the launcher for dismounted display. The spare tire is included on the launcher side of the vehicle.
An ax and jerry can are attached on the missile side of the vehicle.
This kit contains water-slide decals for Army and Marine Corps version Detailed pictorial instructions include $10 to $13
What Are The Best Military Tank Model Kits?
The German Panther Medium Tank is a 1/35 Scale German Panther Medium Tank plastic model kit from Tamiya. This is a great beginners model but can also be entertaining for an intermediate builder. The U.S. M41 Walker Bulldog is a 1/35 Scale US M41 Walker Bulldog plastic model kit from Tamiya. Suitable for Ages 14 & older.
This model includes two realistic figures- a driver and commander. It’s a highly detailed plastic model with pliable tracks.
Also includes a formidable gun barrel and escape hatch. Many external details that the modeler can paint for a more finished look.
Includes very detailed instructions with pictures to help with the painting scheme. $19 to $20
A dramatic newsreel film was recorded by a U.S. Signal Corps cameraman of an M26 stalking and then blowing up a Panther in the city of Cologne, after the Panther had knocked out two M4 Shermans.
The production of Panther tanks and other German tanks dropped off sharply after January 1945, and eight of the Panther regiments still on the Western Front were transferred to the Eastern Front in February 1945.
Thomas L. Jentz
2- US M41 Walker Bulldog. This is the 1/35 Scale US M41 Walker Bulldog Plastic Model Kit from Tamiya. Suitable for Ages 14 & older.
Includes three realistic figures – two infantrymen and a commander. The gun barrel elevates and depresses. Hatch is movable, opens or closes and comes with pliable tank tracks.
This is an old kit from Tamiya, but that should not stop you from purchasing it. It is a great model to build. It assembles easy right out of the box, plus it can be detailed up to make a good model an even better one.
If you are just starting out in building models and wish to build a tank this is a great kit to start with. $13 to $15
3- Russian T-62A Tank. This is a Plastic Model Kit of the 1/35 Scale T-62A Russian Tank from Tamiya. This kit is for modelers age 10 and over.
The highly detailed plastic pieces are molded in dark green in this ready to assemble precision model kit.
Many accessory parts including an unassembled figure with an authentic expression. A highly detailed exterior with plastic tracks.
115mm gun is the main armament with machine guns included. Has opening hatches on the turret. There are two cylindrical fuel tanks located on the rear of the tank.
This kit comes with highly detailed authentic water-slide decals and complete easy to follow pictorial instructions to bring this model to life.
Water-slide decals with detailed pictorial instructions. $21 to $23
4- Tamiya German PZKPFW IV AUSF D Tank: This is a Plastic Model Kit of the 1/35 Panzer Kampfwagen IV from Tamiya. This kit is for modelers age 10 and over.
Molded plastic pieces attached to sprues in dark gray that are ready to assemble. Kit includes many accessory parts and three unassembled figures with authentic expressions.
Highly detailed exterior with plenty of room inside for ammunition storage. Authentic rubber tracks with wheels that are designed to move.
Opening doors with machine gun attached to the front. Includes antenna, spare wheel, jerry can with bucket included.
Lifelike water-slide decals with and very detailed pictorial instructions included. Great model that will work in your military dioramas. $21 to $27
5 – Tamiya German Tiger I Mid Production Tank: This is a plastic model kit of the 1/35 Scale German Tiger I Mid Production Tank from Tamiya. It’s recommended for modelers ages 10 and over.
This kit comes with very detailed plastic parts molded in tan. Complete exterior detailing to paint as you choose.
Has seperately molded track links and includes a German soldier figure. Has a very accurately produced suspension system.
Very authentic looking water-slide decals. Kit includes detailed and informative instructions. $40 to $50
What Are The Best Trucks and Other Military Vehicles?
The Tamiya German Hanomag 251/1 Halftrack. is a plastic model kit of the 1/35 Scale German Hanomag Sd.Kfz. 251/1 from Tamiya. The Academy US 2.5 Ton 6×6 Cargo Truck. is a plastic model kit of the 1/35 Scale U.S. WWII 2-1/2 Ton 6 x 6 Cargo Truck.
This kit comes with a combat crew of five with authentic expressions and poses. Includes two front wheels with accurate treading for the vintage of the truck.
Treaded panel lines with guns included for the armory. Very detailed pictorial instructions to aid in this build.
Recommended for ages ten and older. $15 to $17
2- Academy US 2.5 Ton 6×6 Cargo Truck. This is a plastic model kit of the 1/35 Scale U.S. WWII 2-1/2 Ton 6 x 6 Cargo Truck.
GMC CCKW-353 battlefield support vehicle that caries troops and cargo. Highly detailed with over 170 parts in olive green and clear plastic.
Wheels are molded as halves with separate inside hubs. Detailed suspension and chassis -This kit also includes engine, exhaust, & drivetrain.
Detailed interior with dashboard, seats, cargo bed, and driver. Exterior details include headlights, fuel tanks, winch, spare wheel, and simulated canvas cabin roof. Other details include jerry cans and tool set.
Detailed assembly and painting instructions included. $36 to $40
3- German 8 Ton 1/2 Track Sd.Kfz. This is the 1/35 Scale German 8 Ton 1/2 Track Sd.Kfz. Plastic Model Kit from Tamiya. Suitable for Age 14 & Older.
This lifelike model has realistic rivet detailing with a drivers compartment that looks very authentic. Has flexible one piece tracks and five realistic figures wearing winter uniforms.
The quadruple machine gun has a movable barrels and base. This will be a great addition to any diorama that has a snow scene.
Complete with detailed instructions and pictures. $28 to $32
These ten model kits should give you plenty of options to choose from. They are all rated very high among military models.
If you’ve read any of the reviews on store sites, you would know people love Tamiya models. They’re well manufactured, the instructions are easy to follow, and you don’t have to be a master modeler to get a good end result.
Final Thoughts
These models go together well and have a ton of accessories to add to already cool models. Most models include infantry men to finish of the model. These kits are a very good value and are perfect for a new modeler or and experienced modeler to work on.
Happy Modeling!
Related Questions:
What are Eight of the Best Model Airplane Kits?
- Tamiya P-51D Mustang
- Revell Messerschmitt
- Miscy 3D Wooden
- Hasegawa F-22 Raptor
- Revell SR-71A Blackbird
- Tamiya Corsair Birdcage
- Revell B17G Flying Fortress
- Academy Stuka Tank Buster
What are resin model kits? A garage or resin kit is an assembly scale model kit most commonly cast in polyurethane resin. They are often model figures portraying humans or other living creatures.
What is the most popular scale for model model kits? For car models, the most common scale is 1:24 or 1:25; for military models, either 1:35 or 1:48; for aircraft, 1:32, 1:48, or 1:72.
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