Top 10 Military Model Kits - 1/35 Scale Styrene

With so many military vehicle models on the market, deciding what kit to purchase and build can be challenging, especially for people new to the hobby. In this video we use our years of model building experience to compile our choices for the top 10 model kits. The process wasn't easy and unfortunately there just wasn't room for all the kits worthy of building.
Find my channel here:
/ @stevieray3211
My email:
[e-mail]
Please subscribe to the channel if you enjoy this video. Otherwise leave a comment, a like/dislike, or share with friends. Clicking the notification bell gives you alerts when new videos are posted. Or visit the channel for a complete list of all my videos.
Thank you for watching!

[@vicsminiatures7949]

Nice ranking of kits. Thanks for presenting them.

[@stevieRay3211]

My pleasure Vic. Thanks for watching and for the nice note! I really appreciate the feedback!

[@ellispawson1056]

Pretty good list, thanks for posting them

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks Ellis. I missed your comment before I wanted to thank you... if not belated. All the best to you!

[@wizard6330]

These all look amazing

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Wiz, thanks for the awesome comment. Can't take credit for all of them but I did my best to credit the builders where I could. Some of them are little ditties I threw together. Hopefully people of all skill level will find a kit in the line-up that works for them. Still with new products coming out every day, doing a top 10 is getting really hard...soon we'll need a top 100! All the best to you!

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

Some interesting choices. Nice vid

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi Steve. Thanks for the note and glad you enjoyed the episode! Tough to chose just 10 but I think we got some nice ones on the list. Best of luck in your own model-building!

[@panzer-meister]

It's very interesting ranking. And I hope this video will be helpful for many modelers. Please stay safe my friend. Greetings, NOB

[@staredsky]

tempting me to build the T95 in the stah :) all the best Tom!

[@stevieRay3211]

Had to fix my comment since I thought the T95 was a new secret Russian modern. You're referring to the US prototype, right? Quite the beast! Thanks for the comment my friend.

[@Slacktest]

I'm new thanks for the video.

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi TM. Sorry I missed your comment before but I wanted to thank you. Hopefully the video can give you some ideas if you decide to build a military vehicle model. Good luck with your own projects!

[@JonathanCheeseman]

Thanks for that insightful video Tomas - plenty of food for thought in there!

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi Jon - thanks for the note. Just some of the ones I came across that were worth a look. Probably missed a few. It's like being a kid in a candy store and you're only allowed 10 juicy morsels. Stay safe.

[@JonathanCheeseman]

@@stevieRay3211 The 3 on your list I've first-hand experience of are the Tamiya Panzer 2, Matilda & Kubelwagen, and I concur with your assessment of those kits so I may just have to try my hand at something else on your list. Now, which one????

[@stevieRay3211]

LOL, so many models, so little time, right? The answer is simple - all of them!! Stay well Jon.

[@JonathanCheeseman]

@@stevieRay3211 You are so right Tomas! However, I've settled on just one of your suggestions for the time being - I've ordered the Academy Abrams. My stash lacks a modern AFV and I've never done an Academy kit, so I reckon this one fits the bill on 2 counts. Thanks again for the video!

[@stevieRay3211]

The M1 was a departure from the usual WW2 fair I build but the Academy one is a beauty. Usually Academy falls short of Tamiya but not on the Abrams. Wait until you see the size of the M1! Makes a Tiger look like a kitten. Best of luck on the build!

[@Craigers22763]

I seem to recall te Tamiya Panzer II was the very first tank I ever built It was new back then. I outta get it again.

[@stevieRay3211]

The kit is easy to find and very inexpensive, making it a fast weekend build. If you want something in an America flavour, Tamiya's Walker Bulldog is another cheap and rudimentary kit. Neither will likely win any contests, but they're both fun and inexpensive to build.

[@choccymilklord59]

Honestly, any tamiya 1/35 armour kits are amazing. Accept the italeri reboxes

[@stevieRay3211]

Yes Tamiya kits are great but I've been pretty impressed with the new Meng and Takom kits we're seeing. The later two often make vehicles that Tamiya doesn't. Not knocking Tamiya, love 'em, but now and again it's interesting to try new things. Thanks Josh for the input.

[@choccymilklord59]

@@stevieRay3211 what would u reckon is an ok dragon kit that's relatively simple? or at least straight forward? i saw the Ha-Go but was wondering there was anything else that's an enjoyable build but wont make me want to throw it against the wall? Takom and Meng do have some really cool releases that tamiya will never make like the ft 17

[@stevieRay3211]

You're asking which rapids are easiest to paddle. I've build five Dragon kits and with the exception of the SAS jeep each were a handful. Even their so-called "Smart Kits" which are suppose to be simplified are still a challenge. Maybe look into the Jeeps and Kubelwagons. For tanks, try the Panzer 1 or 2. Maybe visit the Scalemates website and check out a few reviews to see which kit is right for you. Good luck with your Dragon adventure! The newer Meng and Takom kits are great too.

[@steveankin2682]

Great videos Great channel. Liked and subscribed. Steve. UK.

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi Steve. Thanks for the note and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. All the best with your own model building!

[@steveankin2682]

@@stevieRay3211 Tomas I really do like your videos however the music is a bit overpowering and I find it hard to hear your words of wisdom sometimes this is a minor gripe. Good luck and more videos please.

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. The audience is split on this, some like the music volume others don't. I did attenuate the music in the KV1 build part 1 and will likely continue this practice. I want the videos to be enjoyable so I really appreciate your input. Stay well.

[@t8ntpliscan468]

Thank you for the video. I found it helpful as I am just getting back into military building. I have been stockpiling Bandai's robots and having a darn good time building and making the original designs mine. I grew up building nothing but Tamiya tanks and my first project I have is the 1/35th Sherman M4A3 w/ the 105 Howitzer. I also found some Tamiya tracked Science kits and gear boxes. I've been waiting well over 25 years to do R/C conversions on the kits from when I was a bit younger. I found a 80's Tiger I Late, too. I've been waiting quite some time for that build. Between everything else, I figure by the end of the year, I should finally have my very realistic, but clearly not average paint job, and conversion done by then lol. Quick question, and I know this video was almost a year ago, but do you know what shop is @1:03? There were a few kits on that wall that do not make it into your average hobby shop. I'd like to see what else is doing at that shop. Not a cherry picker, just always looking to make new friends and find at least some new paints. Cheers!

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Pliscan - awesome note, really enjoyed hearing about your hobby experiences since so many of us followed the same evolution. Sorry I can't tell you what hobby shop that was in the video, it was a stock shot and I didn't pay attention to which actual store it was. It may of even been a shop in Japan so you may have a long plane ride to shop there. Full respect to you for the skill needed to convert models to R/C. Tamiya has come out with a couple of 1/35 motorized releases but I think those are a bit of a novelty. They do make the giant ones, I think 1/16 RCs (M4 Sherman) but get ready to mortgage the house as I think the price is about $600 USD. Too rich for us poor KZbin creators. The hobby is amazing for the great people you meet. Friendly smiles and always willing to help each other. So rare in this day and age. Glad you could stop by and good luck with your projects. For what it's worth, if you need any advice or tips, ask. Can't promise expert advice but I'll do my best. All the best to you!

[@t8ntpliscan468]

@@stevieRay3211 yeah, those 1/16th rc kits have been the same price for over 20 years. The Tiger, anyways. It's been a long time since I've since anything rc related, so I really appreciate it. I'm looking to make this into a proper build, scale speed and all.

[@christopher2866]

Some great choices-- Tamiya's 38(t) is a brilliant kit. But no Stugs 😎 ?? Kidding aside, thanks for the great video!

[@stevieRay3211]

Getting it down to just 10 was tough for sure. I can see a Stug build some time in the near future - probably a 3. I built the budget Tamiya Stug 4 a while back. A little basic but a fun project. Thanks for the note Chris.

[@kjaesp]

Which would be the best 1/35 Stug kit in your regard? I might do one soon. I'd prefer a III but a IV is fine as well.

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Delta, thanks for the note. Depends on your skill level and how much $$ you want to spend. Tamiya 35087 is a IV but costs about $19US and is good for a beginner. Tamiya 38281 is nice, has metal barrel and PE, about $46USD. Academy, Dragon and Takom have nice ones too. I would say 38281 is a solid choice. Go to Scalemates and search for the Stug. It will list all kits available and most have links to the instruction sheet and to written and video reviews. Do your research and find the one that best suits you. All the best and thanks for the note!

[@kjaesp]

@@stevieRay3211 Hi thank you for the in-depth reply. I'm new-ish to armor so scalemates doesn't quite provide the info useful to me. In terms of difficulty / price I'm building the RFM M4A3E8 sherman with interior and that's working out fine. I just usually build aircraft kits. Anything without interior shouldn't be much more than 50 euro I would say, but mainly I just want a fairly accurate and well engineered kit and if that's a bit more expensive then so be it. I'll look into the takom/dragon/tamiya options. Thanks.

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Hi Tom,please please if you can or want to get the Meng Bradley. Either one. I built the one with no interior but I git that separate. Still today the best kit I've ever built, detail, box full of plastic and not a bad price. I loved it that much I bought the other one. My fav manufacturer is Tamiya, then takom. But this Bradley 8s amazing. Please safe buddy, and family

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Motty, thanks for the note. I've been eyeing that Bradley for a while but a couple of issues are holding me back. It's not always available where I live and the price is pretty steep to ship it. Also because time is so scarce I try to build models that don't have too many parts otherwise the videos take way too long to get out. But.....I will have another look at it since you're right, the kit looks awesome! All the best to you and yours too.

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Hi mate, Tom, where are you in the world ??? I'm having time away at the minute, everything OK though. Only asking as if you leave it with me for a few days I may be able come up with something. Stay safe buddy

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Mottys I really appreciate it but please don't trouble yourself. I don't live on an island or some remote location. It's just that the Bradley model is sold out at every supplier. I checked after reading your first note. I also have a couple of models already waiting to get built. It is nice of you to help but please don't trouble yourself. I live in Manitoba, Canada so ordinarily buying models isn't a problem. Covid and the ridiculous lock-downs are the problem! But thank you, it was a nice gesture!

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

@@stevieRay3211 ok Tom, if your sure , but if you need to then message me, please stay safe

[@liamgray9805]

Hi Tomas, very helpful video for a beginner coming back to the hobby, although so expensive kits, cheers.

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey Liam, thanks for the note! Maybe check out Academy and Trumpeter, they make moderately priced versions of many popular vehicles. Also on-line retailers tend to have sales around holidays, sometimes 10 - 15% off. Welcome back to the hobby - you've come back at a good time since the selection of products nowadays is dizzying. Best of luck with your modeling.

[@liamgray9805]

@@stevieRay3211 cheers Tomas that’s great.

[@davidpolak5189]

how come Hobby Boss Land Rover Defender was not on the list? I think it is one of the best styrene vehicles ever molded. Build already 3 of those and it was pure joy... check it out ;)

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi David. Thanks for the suggestion and I did check out the Rover. Looks sweet. It's impossible to nail every great kit out there as I can only go on my experiences. But writing comments like yours lets people get other opinions. I've got a few models backed-up for building but if available I may give the Rover a go. Thanks again!

[@MVeminor7]

Great review. I've built half of these tanks and will rebuild some with your comments in mind. Thanks again for sharing

[@stevieRay3211]

Thanks Mike. It was hard to pick just 10 since over the last decade so many great kits have been released. But I think the list is pretty good. Nice to hear that you're a builder too and hopefully you get as much joy out of the hobby as I do. Stay well Mike!

[@SuperBuildsInMC]

"Trying to align the model's 47 or so wheels can drive even the most hardended tank fan to modeling motorcycles!" 😂😂😂

[@stevieRay3211]

After that build I was hoping some armed forces used unicycles but to no avail! Thanks for the laugh Super, I appreciate the note and your sense of humour!

[@rickmoreno6858]

Tamiya prices, ya their prices have risen where I am $20/30. And still no detail, ie PE, still running to vinyl tracks even on the newest kits. Tamiya has a choice for the future either reduce prices, add more detail , ie pe frets, interior kits, etc. Because I can get a full interior kit for just over $50, and their newest release this month a pz4 f2/early g is $55 with no pe, no metal gun barrel, and a white piece of string for tow cables, ya it will build nice and fit the 1st time but that's ridiculous.

[@stevieRay3211]

With Tamiya you are paying for the engineering (fit). We are seeing the odd kit with PE (the Stug and King Tiger special kit) but on the whole you're right, straight up plastic. The last two Trumpeter kits I worked on needed holes drilled, detail scrapped off and filing - you never see that on Tamiya kits. Depends if you want to trade money for time (and extra work).

[@rickmoreno6858]

@@stevieRay3211 ya but tamiya engineering has always been #1 but the times have changed, I dont want just a good fitting kit, I want more detail for 50 bucks plus. Tamiya has a choice going forward and if they dont adapt other companies will replace them as #1 .

[@DeadDogSanders]

Ty. Very informative for me....Rick

[@stevieRay3211]

Hey DaveVV, thanks for the note! With so many kit choices nowadays it's so hard to decide what to buy. The best advice I can give - get them all!! All the best to you!

[@mantrabhatt]

Hey man! Where can I buy these

[@stevieRay3211]

No idea where you're located. If you live in a larger city there may be a hobby store that sells models. You can also buy through mail order as many hobby stores have websites you can order from and have the goodies delivered through the postal service or a courier like Fed Ex.

[@albertobellini98]

So, for someone completely new to the hobby like me (first video I see on the matter actually), with no experience whatsoever in building any model, would you suggest just sticking to Tamiya products? I want to build a nice WW2 era collection, so the most famous models like Tiger 1, King Tiger, Panther, Sherman and so on would be my top priority and first purchases ever. I feel pretty confused about which company has the highest amount of details on its models and which one are easy or difficult to build. Because having zero experience I'd like to not have something impossible to deal with on my hands, but I also want a good level of details on the final model. Is Tamiya a good all-rounder between difficulty to build and level of details? If not, which other company would you suggest?

[@stevieRay3211]

Hi Albert! You can't go wrong with a Tamiya kit for your first build. They're not the most detailed but the kits strike a balance between detail and ease of construction. With Tamiya you're really paying for the engineering (how well everything fits together). The only issue I have with some of your German vehicle choices is the crazy amount of wheels - the Tiger has over 50 which all need to be cleaned-up, mounted and aligned. Some people don't mind this kind of "meditative" repetition. The Tamiya Sherman in the video (Kit 35190) is a good choice (only 12 wheels plus spares), reasonable price, and comes with a figure, stowage and band tracks which are easy to assemble. IMO you could consider Tamiya's Pz.2 as in the video or their Walker Bulldog (Kit MM155 a.k.a. 35055). These are older kits and pretty rough when compared to more modern releases but they're dirt cheap to buy and really easy to put together so you can get to your painting quicker. Good luck with your modeling!

[@brianhurley6289]

Dragon Tiger 1 and Panther G and Stug 3 G are by far the best. Tamiya make great Nashorn and Hummil and Marder.

[@stevieRay3211]

True enough Brian. It was really tough to decide on just 10. I like Dragon kits but they're not for everyone. And you can't go wrong with Tamiya but the older 70s kits are starting to show their age. Thanks for the note!

[@sferguson1130]

Seeing how this comment was nine months ago, I’m not sure where you’re at with your model building, but in addition to newer Tamiya kits, I would include Takom’s Blitz series as well. Great bang for your buck, part counts are consolidated, and the details aren’t lacking. Their quality control can be hit or miss, with cleaning up flashing, but what you get, for what you pay, they are great.

[@sidewaysgaming4976]

Im really looking for one with a moving turret but I dont know how to tell

[@stevieRay3211]

The 1/35 scale range are 95% static models although Tamiya has a motorized series www.tamiya.com/english/products/list/motorized_tank/kit30050.htm - but these just drive, no moving turret. You'd have to look for ones in the 1/25 or even 1/16 scale to get the bells and whistles, including a moving turret. These are usually radio controlled (RC) like here; www.motionrc.com/collections/rc-tanks

[@AdamMann3D]

Buddy. Asuka. Wtf?

[@frankmike9931]

Tamiya wins out...

[@stevieRay3211]

Probably everyone would agree with you but competition keeps manufacturers on their toes and ultimately us modelers benefit most. Thanks for the note!