The 15 best tank model brands
Tamiya, Trumpeter and Dragon Models lead our ranking of 15 tank model brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Tank Model brands, ranked
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1
Tamiya
Tamiya Championship Series is a brand-new racing competition that takes RC vehicle racing to the next level. In collaboration with Tamiya America, Inc., the UK-based retailers have launched a one-of-a-kind series that matches drivers against one another in a thrilling race scenario. With the help of cooperating hobby stores from throughout the country. The event attempts to uncover the country's greatest and most inventive racers and allow them to demonstrate their abilities at one of their premier competitions. Over 70 regional events in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South America are part of the series.
Top products: Jagdpanzer Hetzer· M18 Hellcat· M1A1 Abrams
Website: tamiyausa.com |Brands like Tamiya
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Trumpeter
Large armour specialist, notably its 1/16 scale Sherman with detailed tracks and a big display size.
Top products: M4A1 Sherman
Website: trumpeter-china.com |Brands like Trumpeter
Popularity 7.3/10
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3
Dragon Models
Long-running armour specialist covering WWII German and Soviet vehicles at 1/35 and 1/72, often with photo-etch extras.
Top products: ZSU-23-4V1· Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G
Popularity 7.1/10
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4
Italeri
Italian kit maker with a long catalogue of 1/35 and 1/72 armour, popular for good value and straightforward builds.
Top products: Tiger I· M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo· Panther
Website: italeri.com |Brands like Italeri
Popularity 4.4/10
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5
Academy
Korean kit maker whose budget 1/35 US and modern armour kits suit beginners and younger builders.
Top products: M3 Stuart Honey· M60A1 RISE
Website: academy.com |Brands like Academy
Popularity 4.3/10
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6
Revell
German brand with a broad armour and vehicle catalogue, offered in both snap-fit and glue-and-paint kits.
Website: revell.de |Brands like Revell
Popularity 3.1/10
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7
Airfix
British kit brand whose quick-build snap-together tanks sit beside traditional glue-and-paint 1/35 armour.
Top products: Panther Ausf.G· Sherman Firefly· M10 GMC
Website: us.airfix.com |Brands like Airfix
Popularity 2.7/10
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8
Hasegawa
Precision maker of scale kits, with armour in 1/72 and 1/35 that appeals to experienced builders.
Popularity 1.9/10
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9
HobbyBoss
Armour specialist with a large modern and WWII catalogue at 1/35 and 1/48, often with detailed interiors.
Website: hobbyboss.com |Brands like HobbyBoss
Popularity 1.8/10
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10
Games Workshop
As a British manufacturer, Games Workshop produces miniature war games, model soldiers and tabletop games. It is the company behind the Warhammer 40K setting, including Space Marines models and the Citadel paints and terrain used by hobbyists. Founded in 1975...
Website: games-workshop.com |Brands like Games Workshop
Popularity 1.7/10
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11
Roco
Roco builds model train equipment, including HO and N gauge locomotives, rolling stock and track. The Austrian company also makes tank model kits for collectors. Its locomotives are detailed and sold for model railway layouts.
Popularity 1.7/10
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12
American Models
Catering to the whims of model rail enthusiasts everywhere, American Models creates meticulous, detailed model train sets that can be set up and assembled by you, giving you the perfect hobby for a lifetime. They have a wide product offering...
Website: americanmodels.com |Brands like American Models
Popularity 1.6/10
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13
Lindberg
From Denmark, Lindberg makes eyeglass frames in titanium, acetate, horn, wood and precious metals. Many of its rimless and screwless-arm designs are lightweight titanium frames, and the collections include modular parts that can be adjusted or customized.
Popularity 1.6/10
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14
Forces of Valor
Kids love to play the army games now. Forces of Valor is a brand of different types of toys for kids. It primarily includes games related to the army. Aircraft, fighting vehicles, helicopters, and warships are available. All the products...
Website: forcesofvalor.com |Brands like Forces of Valor
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Testors
Testors began making hobby paints and modeling supplies. The range also covers kits, spray chalk and craft products for children and adults who enjoy hands-on projects. Its model cars and paint kits are used by people building plastic models at...
Website: testors.com |Brands like Testors
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiya | tamiyausa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Trumpeter | trumpeter-china.com | – | – | – | – |
| Italeri | italeri.com | /ItaleriModelKit | italeri | @ItaleriModelKit | – |
| Academy | academy.com | /Academy | academy | @academy | academydotcom |
| Revell | revell.de | /Revell | revellgermany | @revellgermany | RevellGermany |
| Airfix | us.airfix.com | /AirfixHumbrolUSA | officialairfix | @Airfix | OfficialAirfix |
| HobbyBoss | hobbyboss.com | – | – | – | – |
| Games Workshop | games-workshop.com | – | – | – | – |
Tank Model Buying Guide
Are you interested in collecting tank models? Or are you thinking of buying a tank model as a gift for someone who loves military history? Whatever your reason, there are a few things that you should consider before making your purchase. This guide will take you through the factors to consider when buying a tank model, including the type of tank, the scale, the quality, and the price. So, let’s get started!
Type of Tank
The first factor to consider when buying a tank model is the type of tank you are looking for. There are many types of tanks in military history, from World War I to the present day. Some of the most popular tanks include the German Panzer IV, the American Sherman, and the Russian T-34. Each tank has its own unique characteristics, so it’s important to choose one that interests and excites you.
If you’re buying a gift for someone else, consider their interests and what they may already have in their collection. Do they prefer modern tanks or vintage tanks? Do they have a particular interest in a specific war? Knowing these details can help you choose the perfect tank model for them.
Scale
The scale of a tank model refers to its size in relation to the real tank. Tank models come in a wide range of scales, from 1:144 to 1:16. The most popular scales for tank models are 1:35 and 1:72.
The scale you choose depends on your personal preference and the space you have available for display. If you have a small space, you may prefer a smaller scale model. If you want to display your tank model next to other military models or figures, you may want to choose a model that is the same scale as your other pieces.
Quality
The quality of a tank model is important to consider because it affects the level of detail and accuracy of the model. The quality of a model can vary based on the manufacturer and the materials used to make the model.
When considering the quality of a tank model, look for models that have high levels of detail, such as accurate paint schemes, weathering, and markings. High-quality models will also have detailed interiors and include small parts, such as tools and accessories, that are true to the period of the tank.
Some manufacturers use different materials to make their models. For example, some models are made of plastic, while others are made of metal. Metal models are usually more durable than plastic models, but they are also more expensive. Some models are made of a combination of plastic and metal, which can provide the benefits of each material.
Price
The price of a tank model can vary widely. The price is usually determined by the model’s quality, scale, and rarity. High-quality, rare models will be more expensive than lower-quality, more common models.
When considering the price of a tank model, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Don’t overspend on a model that you can’t afford. Remember, there are many great models available at affordable prices. You may also want to consider buying a used model, as these can often be found at lower prices.
Conclusion
Buying a tank model can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to consider several factors before making your purchase. When choosing a tank model, consider the type of tank, the scale, the quality, and the price. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect tank model for your collection or as a gift for someone else.
Brand and Manufacturer
The brand and manufacturer of a tank model can be an important factor to consider when making your purchase. There are a number of well-known manufacturers of tank models including Tamiya, Dragon Models, Trumpeter, and Revell. Each manufacturer has their own strengths, weaknesses, and specialties.
Do your research on the manufacturer before purchasing a tank model. Look at reviews online and ask for recommendations from other collectors. You want to make sure that you’re choosing a reputable and experienced manufacturer that produces high-quality models.
Authenticity
Certain collectors and enthusiasts may also consider authenticity when buying a tank model. Authenticity refers to the historical accuracy of the model. This includes everything from the color scheme to the size and location of specific features on the tank.
If historical accuracy is important to you, make sure to research the specific tank model you are interested in. Look at historical photos and compare them to the model to ensure that it is as accurate as possible.
Accessories and Extras
Some tank models come with a variety of additional accessories and extras. These can include diorama sets, decals, and photo-etched parts. Accessories can add an extra level of detail and realism to your tank model display.
Consider whether or not you want any accessories or extras for your tank model when making your purchase. Some manufacturers offer sets that include everything you need to create a diorama, while others allow you to purchase accessories separately.
Availability
Finally, availability is an important factor to consider when buying a tank model. Some models may be out of production or difficult to find. While you may be able to find the model you want online, you may have to pay a higher price if it is not readily available.
Consider researching the availability of the specific tank model you want before making your purchase. If you are buying a gift for someone else, consider purchasing from a reputable hobby shop that specializes in military models. These shops may have a greater selection of models available, and the staff may be able to provide guidance on which models to purchase.
Conclusion
When buying a tank model, it’s important to consider a number of different factors. These include the type of tank, the scale, the quality, the brand and manufacturer, authenticity, accessories and extras, and availability. By taking these factors into account and doing your research, you can find the perfect tank model for your collection or as a gift for someone else.
