My models have been across the spectrum. Planes, cars, trucks, boats, spaceships, mecha and even a little kit-bashing. However, I have never built a tank.
Opinion-wise, what is the best first tank to build? The hobby store I go to has a decent variety.
I’ve also never built a diorama, so it might be interesting to combine the two.
Thanks.
Just about any of the Tamiya armor series would be good. I’ve never seen a severe problem with any of their builds. As for specific one, you’re going to see alot of opinion, basaed on what each member likes best. My vote would be for the 1/35 Panther. Very decent kit.
demono69
ngc - check this out
Might be what you’re looking for
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10445
I agree with Build22.
First, you need to decide what you like: German? Allied? WWII? Modern?
Second, do a search in this forum for best tank or armor; then, if you have specific questions, come back here and ask 'em. You’ll get plenty of good answers and suggestions.
Like everyone else, I think Tamiya probably makes the best in terms of fit and finish. But don’t discount Academy (Tiger, Merkava, Stuart) or AFV Club (Walker Bulldog, Hellcat, etc.) even a little bit!
Hope this helps some
Gip Winecoff
ngc;
Welcome to the dark side of the model world. (Nobody seems to know why it’s called that, but it seems to be a pretty universal concept! Maybe it’s because tanks are in the dirty, old mud and planes are in the nice, clean air!!)
There are a lot of threads on the armor forum that have asked the same question. Be sure to look back through some of the pages and you’ll find them. The most common answers are Tamiya’s Panther G series, T-85’s, and Tigers. They are all great kits. If you want to try your hand at an interior (all be it, not necessarily accurate), Academy has some nice stuff out there. The M3 series and the Tiger I’s are pretty awesome and not too pricey for what you get. My personal favorite, if you go by the # of kits I have yet to be built, are the Dragon releases, especially the recent ones. However, a big consideration is that the Dragon kits come with independant link tracks. These usually look fantastic when completed, but they are a lot more work. There are usually 150+ links per side. Some tracks (e.g the Nashorns and Panthers) have only one piece per link, but some (the Sherman’s and Kettenkradrad) have two or three pieces per link. It sounds like you’ve had some pretty good experience with models, so you shouldn’t have any problems. I personally like the indy link tracks, but many don’t.
AFV makes some impressive kits, too.
If you’re wanting to build in braille scale, the best kits are made by Revell Germany and Dragon. (Dragon’s are just hitting the US market. There have been a couple of in box and one build review in the armor forum during the past week and a half or so.
As was stated above, the big thing is decide where your area of interest is and go for it. See what you like, find a kit you like, and ask the forum members about it. We’re always willing to tell you what we think!!
Hope this helps.
Bill
Don’t let them convince you that 1/35 is the best thing for you… LOL… Smaller scales, 1/72 - 1/76 namely, have a fantastic selection and better prices! Dragon, Revell-Germany, Italeri/Esci, Hasegawa, Fujimi, Emhar, Roden,…, from WWI to Irak, are just a few ‘mainstream’ manufacturers with great kits…
If you ever get tempted, I can give you a few recommendations! Good luck!
Domi
Just pick one with steel wheels and bogies so you don’t have to paint those rubber rims!
I always thought the best first tank was the British Mark I… Okay, it’s my Friday. Going to eat Turkey tomorrow (the bird, not the country).
By the way, isn’t Turkey near Utah someplace?
Ron.
Nothing’s near Utah…We’re in our own world out here!! lol
(But I love it!)
Bill
Actually Ron the Mark I would be a good first tank-no exposed wheels or turret or pioneering tools…
(Emhar makes good ones in 1/72 and 1/35).
I think the best tank to start with is the M-41 by Tamiya. It cost about 10.00 bucks at Great Models and is easy to build. The detail is ok and the instructions are easy to follow. One of their M-4’s is a good one also.
Said it before and I’ll say it again … nothing from DML is a good first tank … indy tracks, avoid them like the plague !!! They make great kits but the tracks are a killer.
Something from Tamiya is a perfect place to start.
I agree with Sherm. If you don’t want to have headaches in your first tank (like I did) try to go Tamiya way first.
Well after reading this string, I guess I did OK on my first time out! I just got a Tamiya T-34/76 (1943 Model) for my best man. He’s a history buff and loves Russian armor. I’m more of a wings and bombs than tracks and guns kind of guy so I’ll be stopping by quite often. Any suggestions will be greatly appriciated. I just washed the kit tonight and I was impressed with it. I’m looking forward to my journey on the “dark side”.
Jim
Glad to hear that Jim. Good to have another follower in the darkside. LOL.
Be careful Jim … the Darkside has trapped more than one wingy-thingy builder and never released them.
Good choice on the T-34 !!!
[#welcome] to the Dark Side Jim.
I would go with the Tamyia Panther tank as a starting point.
mark956
Robert, Robert, Robert…What am I going to do with you???[sigh] Indy tracks aren’t that bad. Just the Sherman (and a few of the German) ones are. The Tiger and Panther tracks are a breeze. Of course they take longer than rubber band tracks, but it’s all kit building, right? I’m going to have to come up there and force feed you a Chinese Buffet if you don’t stop![C=:-)][:-,][:-,]
Have a good day!
Bill
Very true Bill … the Panther and Tiger indies aren’t that bad … but to a first time armour builder, not a seasoned pro like you, they can be a back breaker.
But let it be known that I accept your challenge to a Buffet Duel … [slap, slap with an oven mitt]. Bring it on !!! [dinner][dinner]