I’m looking for making WWII armor in 1/35 scale. Either what models would you suggest, or what do you think would be a good price for a mid-range quality model? Like, I’ve heard that the Revell aircraft models are good average-quality models, so, what would you suggest in the way of average quality armor?
Italeri and Trumpeter are good middle of the road manufacturers. Good detail, simpler than the Dragon Uber kits, but generally require a little more TLC. Trumpeter’s KV’s are awesome and run at only $25 retail and even cheaper on ebay. Yes, thanks to ebay, most of 1/35 can be purchased for a fraction of their retail prices. Check out the Italeri GB for some good ideas.
Old Tamiya kits are decent detail and relatively cheap, but do have some motorization compromises with the running gear.
Dragon, AFV Club and Tristar, as well as some of the newer Tamiya kits are at the top of the modeling foodchain. Lower rung would be most of the Eastern European manufacturers as well as most older kits by the big boys. Best to ask the gang their thoughts if you decide on any particular subject.
Finally, Tamiya kits are often recommended for sinking your teeth into:
T-34’s, Shermans, Panzer II, Panzer III, Panther G etc. There’'s a whole world out there.
Thanks. When do you think someone might want to use more detailed companies like Dragon?
I guess that would depend on how you feel about your skill level. Some the older kits like the Stalin II was an easy build, and that was my first attempt at indy tracks. If you are an experienced modeler than you should be able to build most of their kits. Some of the newer ones like the Panzer IV E and Tiger I late are bit daunting with their 1000 plus pieces to them. I fyou really feel like an armor newbie, then maybe try some Tamiya kits first.
I’d say I’m pretty new to modeling altogether, but I’ve had many people complement my work. I’m probably going to keep building 1/72 scale airplanes to gain some experience with the airbrush I just bought. Once I get good at that, I’ll look into getting some good quality armor models to work on my detailing.
Ive heard lots of new armor modellers begining with the Tamiya Walker Bulldog kit. Definately a cool tank, problably pretty cheap, and its Tamiya, so tis gott fit niceely.
believe it or not IMO armor is much easier to build than A/C…armor is more forgiving, in that you make a mistake you can throw a tarp on it or cover it up with a sandbag. And those blasted seams A/C have argh! So if you can master 1/72 A/C, armor will be a breeze!
On the other hand, A/C don’t have treads nor nearly so many wheels. There are pluses and minuses as far as comparative difficulty of construction, but overall I find them similar.
road wheels are easy compared to assembling a cockpit…again
jmoho
Two words…
Indy Tracks [8D]
Three more words…
Practice, practice, practice
-makes perfect. lol Absolutely.
Depending on your skill level, neither is easier or harder. They are just different types of modeling. I do both 1/35 armor and some 1/72 aircraft. Cockpits are no easier nor harder than road wheels.
By using similar techniques, you will have no real issues with armor. Older Tamiya kits are good starter armor models too. As stated above, the M41 Walker Bulldog is a good beginner kit. Also, with some work, it can be made into a great model.
Good luck.