Curious

Hey guys,

Been modelling aircraft for many, many years. I have recently become facinated with tanks. I think it is the detail on the outside that does it. I’m thinking about maybe getting a kit. The only problem I have is I don’t know one thing about them! Not a thing! Nothing about the tanks, or how the models go together. I really would like to try one. Can I get some suggestions from you fine people?

Building a/c will give you many of the requisite skills. Get one of these kits, easy to build, well engineered. “cool” looking, relatively easy to acquire, not too pricey.

Tamiya M8 armored car
Tamiya Tiger I, Early Production
Tamiya Panzer III ausf L
Tamiya Panther G (don’t ever get the Tamiya Panther A)
Italeri M47 Patton
Tamiya T-55 Soviet MBT
Academy M12 GMC
many others…

Just peruse your local hobby shop. Get Kalmbach’s “Modeling realistic tanks and artillery” Good primer for armor building

I build 1/72 Luftwaffe a/c for years. You get lots of modelling for your $30 in armor, for sure! Haven’t finished an aircraft in a dozen years!

I was just like you a few months ago and now I’m addicted to armor. Try some Tamiya kits, they are pretty easy to get together and the oldest ones are cheap and will end up to be really nice models. As far as the model, its up to you, what do you like. Personnaly I like the WWII german and russian tanks because there is more details and can be more weathered than modern ones.

I have an exaustive list of models available with their prices on different websites, send me a PM if you’re interested.

If you do 1/48th aircraft try some 1/48th Armour, Skybow do great Tigers and Tamiya do the rest

I recommend starting on an older Tamiya offering to get your feet wet. Most of the newer kits are $40 and over unless you go the ebay route. The T-34, Shermans and Pz II are usual recommendations for a beginners kit. After that, work your way up to a Dragon Tiger I with over 1000 pieces and all the bells and whistles. [:D]

Well Zippy, since you’ve been modeling for years, you already have the prerequisite skills. I would suggest picking out a kit at your LHS and then letting us know what you’ve got. Chances are someone here has already tangled with the kit and can keep you pointed in the right direction.

I knew you guys wouldn’t let me down! What a forum. Tell you one thing, I feel alot more confident about this now. What a great bunch of guys! Well now I have lots of ideas where to start. I will hit the hobby shop tomorrow. Thanks tons. I will keep you posted on this adventure.

i say go with some 1/48 scale tamiya kit. they’re (somewhat) cheaper, fewer parts, AND you can set them side by side with some 1/48th plane to get the idea of scale.