TanksPopular pick
How to choose a tank model
Start with the tank you actually care about. A kit of a vehicle you have read about or seen in a museum or one of our videos is far more likely to get finished than a "sensible" first kit you have no feeling for. Then narrow it down by scale and type.
Scale
In 1/35 a WWII medium tank is roughly 17 to 25 cm long: big enough to show detail and small enough to handle. It is also the scale where you will find crew figures, diorama sets and stowage. 1/48 kits, mostly from Tamiya's 1/48 military range, have fewer parts and often a weighted metal lower hull, which makes them a good first build. 1/72 tanks are small and inexpensive, popular for wargaming and for building a whole column. See our scale guide for exact sizes.
Tracks
Tracks are the part of a tank kit that worries beginners most. Many entry-level kits use one-piece flexible vinyl or rubber-band tracks: you join the ends, paint them and stretch them over the wheels. More detailed kits use link-and-length tracks (long straight runs plus individual links around the sprockets) or fully individual links, which look best but take hours. Check the listing photos so you know which you are getting.
Version and era
Tanks changed constantly during production. A Tiger I from late 1942 looks noticeably different from one built in 1944, and a 1944 Sherman can have a different gun, suspension and hull from a 1942 one. If you want to model a specific unit or photo, match the version first. Our WWII tank guide covers the classic subjects.
Plastic kit, block set or RC?
- Plastic kit: the most accurate result. Expect several evenings of building plus painting. Needs glue and paint.
- Block set: a few hours of snapping bricks together, no tools, printed markings. Great for gifts and for builders who want a display piece without painting. Read our block set guide.
- RC tank: ready to drive. The 1/16 Heng Long style tanks are the hobby-grade option; smaller ones are toys. Compare them in our RC tank guide.
Quick answers
What is the best first tank kit?
A Tamiya 1/35 or 1/48 kit of a WWII tank such as the Tiger I, Sherman or Panzer IV. Tamiya parts fit well and the instructions are clear.
Do tank kits include figures?
Some Tamiya kits include one or two crew figures, many do not. Check the box art and listing, or add a separate figure set.
Can I build a tank kit without painting it?
You can, but plastic kits are molded in a single color and look unfinished unpainted. If you do not want to paint, choose a block set or a pre-built RC tank.
How long does a tank kit take?
A simple 1/48 or 1/35 kit takes most beginners 6 to 15 hours including painting. Kits with individual track links take longer.