I have only built one tank so far. The Tamiya Panzer IV D. Had a blast I’m hooked. I’ve been building aircracft models for years. Armor is a nice change of pace. I will continue to build aircraft but for now I’m in the armor mode. Last time I was at the LHS they were alittle skimpy on armor kits. I do remember a kit from Trumpeter at a decent price and a couple of Acadamy kits. Some thoughts on these please. Tomorrow is fathers day, I want to be prepared. I usually use Squadron for my aircraft kits but I’m so excided about the armor I don’t think I can wait for delivery. After I buy this next it I will order my next so I will be busy building while waiting for delivery.[:)]
I think they are good kits, at least their new ones. Trumpeters new LAV is a great kit, I know that their new KV-1’s are very good. I have built Academys Pz. IV Ausf. H, and H/J, as well as their StuG IV. They are all good, good fit, good detail, not as much as the new DML kits, but the Academy’s built nicely, and a good detail for a the price.
If you are going to order online try www.luckymodel.com.
They have both for dirt cheap even with shipping.
Academy kits
Both Trumpeter and Academy have dogs as well as jewels. Their more recent models are better in terms of ease of construction and accuracy. Trumpeter goes from terrible to great in a quick leap. Academy had a slower learning curve.
The early Trumpeter Soviet equipment is pretty bad. Their new stuff is excellent:
Sturer Emil
KV-1 and KV-2 series
Panther II
Academy started off ripping off Tamiya kits: These are pretty mediocre: Jagdpanther, M10 tank destroyer, M36, Panzer IV H/J, Wirbelwind, M4A3E8, StuG IV and some others.
But then they got legitimate and put out their own models which are pretty good: M10 tank destroyer (new), M36 (new), M12 SPG, M113A1, M50/M51 Israeli Shermans, M4A2 Soviet Sherman, Tiger I, Achilles tank destroyer, M18 Hellcat, M3 Lee
Academy is nice… now. I like some of their kits alot. They aren’t the best but they do have some good ones. Their USMC M4A2 seems like a jem. I haven’t started it yet but it looks great on the sprue. I built the Honey as well. I was surprised at the detail of the kit. It was the first Acad kit I had built in a long time and things had been different before. There are inaccuracies but I over look alot of that stuff. I think both of these companies are a hit and miss. They are worth buying anyways.[:)]
Thanks guys but how do I know the newer models from the older? Box art, prices?
I like to investigate kits before I buy. If I’m out and there’s a deal I’ll jump on it. Reviews are really the best way to go. A lot of times companies re-release old kits and they trick you with a new box or a copyright date on the box. If you are in doubt about something just ask here. There are enough people here willing to help that someone is bound to know something.
Ok I know one model is the trumpeter M1A2 Abrams. Good?
I’ve not built it, but I was thinking about it. I understand that the fit can be iffy. Takes alittle work and there are some inaccuracies. There is alot of potential for upgrades. If you are fairly experienced in building and you aren’t picky about little points of accuracy I’d say give it a try. I ended up passing on it for another kit. I don’t normally build modern AFVs so I went with a sherman instead. Try googling for a review and maybe you can learn a little more than I can tell you. Good luck.
It was one of the few kits I gave away. It was cleanup disaster with pin marks and poor molding. Fit was quite poor in spots. It did have some nice detail though, which was a pity. If you have plenty patience, go for it, the price is reasonable.
So far I have built 3 recent kits from Trumpeter and 3 from Academy. I can say that the fit is basically good and the details are fine. Stay with their recent releases and you’ll be OK.