The first company to make OO scale
AFVs. These kits go together very well and parts come off the sprues quite
easily. Designed primarily for young modellers who were more interested
in sandbox tank battles than display quality collections. Accuracy is sometimes
wanting on the earlier kits, and kits often have a minimum number of parts.
Here's what they have produced over the years; some have not been around
for a while, but may be re-released.
Tanks (fully tracked vehicles): Centurion Mk. 8, Churchill Mk. VII, M4 Sherman, Panther G, Tiger I (late), M3 Lee/Grant, JSIII, T34 76/85, Leopard I, Crusader I/III, M55 Sheridan, PzKpfw IV F1/2, Mk I Big Willie, Matilda II, Stug IIIG (late), Chieftain, Scorpion/Scimitar, Type 97 Chi-Ha (shown at left).
Other vehicles: LCM III (with Sherman), Sdkfz 234/4, Sdkfz 7 & 88mm AA, Quad & 25lbr, Bren carrier & 6lbr, Matador & 6in gun, Buffalo LVT4, RAF emergency vehicles, RAF recovery vehicles, RAF refeuling vehicles, Landrover & Bloodhound rocket, Scammel tank transporter, M3A1 Halftrack, DUKW, German Recon set, SAM 2 missle set, Bofors AA set, Opel Blitz & PAK 40.
New Kits (after decades Airfix has released new vehicles!): Jeep, GMC truck, Infantry landing craft, Sherman Flail, Churchill Crocodile.
NOTE: Some AIRFIX kits have been packaged by HELLER.
On the simple end of the spectrum, ARII models have very few pieces, and
are almost snap together assembly. Definately for the "toy" crowd.
However, some of their kits can serve as sources of parts for conversion
projects. The model at right is an AIRFIX chassis with the ARII Moebelwagen
superstructure. They made 12 kits which had adjoining diorama bases.
Tanks: PzKpfw IV G, Wirbelwind AA tank, Moebelwagen AA tank, Stug IV.
Other vehicles: SdKfz ?234/3 & 251 set, SdKfz 7, 88 AA gun, Schwimmwagen, Kuebelwagen, Krupp Protz 69, SdKfz 7 with AA mounts.
FUJIMIThese were the first models I found that catered to the more serious collector. Kits generally had more parts and were more detailed. Does require more work, but the results were a welcome addition to my collection.
Tanks: PzKpfw IB, JgPz IB, PzKpfw 38(t), Hetzer, King Tiger, Jagdtiger, Tiger P Elephant, KVIa, KVII, T34/76a, T34/85, SU85, Type 97 Chi-Ha, Chi-Ha advanced type 97, Type 1 SP gun, M4A3E3 Sherman, Valentine Mk II, Matilda II. Japanese Ground Defense Force vehicles; the type 61, type 74, and type 90. (each was released in three different versions). Late model Tiger I (at least two versions), ISII early and late versions.
Other vehicles: SdKfz 251/1 or /10, SdKfz 222, 88mm AA, Kuebelwagen, Willys Jeep.
NOTE: FUJIMI bought the old NITTO kits (see below), and has marketed some of those. Also, some older kits are being re-released with plastic tracks.
JB MODELSThe kits are comparable to Matchbox or Airfix in quality, and come boxed with illustrated instructions and decals. Suitable for the beginning modeler. These models are becoming more easy to find. The address is: JB Models, PO BOX 12, Deeping St James, Peterborough, PE6 9PL, and the website is here JB Models.
This company makes soft and hard-topped versions of the Land Rover, an M113 APC, a Saladin AC, the Saracen AC, a Bedford 4ton truck, a Bedford tanker truck, an Australian close support version of the M113, Mk VI light tank (see picture; the kit has been criticized for lack of detail and inaccuracies, but it is a fun little build), 105mm field gun.
MATCHBOXSimilar in quality to Airfix; again, designed for the young modeller. Good fit, not too many parts, molded in two or more colors. A nice range of interesting vehicles, no longer produced, but most have been picked up by Revell-Germany and have been released as a 1/76 line:
Tanks: Sherman Firefly, A34 Comet, M24 Chaffee, Panther G, Jagdpanzer IV L/70, Pzkpfw IIIL (the image at left is their PzIII modified to represent the J model), T34/76, PzKpfw II-F, M3 Stuart, Jagdpanther, Challenger, Wespe, Renault F17 & Char B1 bis, M7 GMC, M40 GMC, Churchill AVRE bridgelayer.
Other vehicles: SdKfz 251, Humber Mk II, M16 halftrack, SdKfz 234/2 Puma, SdKfz 232, Krupp Protz 69, Morris & 17lbr, SdKfz 11 & PAK 40, LRDG Chevy, M19 Tank Transporter, Monty's Caravan & Daimler II Scout.
NOTE: MATCHBOX also produced a series of 1/72 models, which are now carried by REVELL (see below) and MONOGRAM.
Similar in quality to FUJIMI, but at times the parts do not fit together as well. Again, lots of parts, and often a lot of interior detail. Note that the line is now marketed by FUJIMI. The model on the left is an M4A1 modified to represent the earlier version used at El Alamein. I replaced the suspension units with those of an M3 Grant tank, and added track skirts from an ESCI M4A3. Modifications were also made to the vision ports on the front and to the hull front.
Tanks: PzKpfw IB, PzKpfw IIF, Pzkpfw IIIM/N, PzKpfw IVJ, Panther G, Jagdpanther, Tiger I, King Tiger (Henshel), King Tiger (Porsche), Jagdtiger, Stug III D, Stug III G, M4A1 Sherman, M36B2 GMC, M7B1 GMC, M30 Cargo Carrier, M12 GMC.
Other vehicles: Kuebelwagen, Schwimmwagen, Willys Jeep, Nebelwerfer & AA gun set, 105mm Artillery, SdKfz 250/10, M3A1/M13 Half track.
From the Ukraine; focus on modern Warsaw Pact vehicles, especially variations of the BRDM armored cars, but have recently expanded to include modern US vehicles and various WWII artillery pieces. The fit of parts may not be quite as satisfying as with other manufacturers' kits. A lot of parts need filing after removal from the sprues, and have many thick attachment tabs. The instructions are nicely illustrated, but not always complete; the placement of several parts may not be indicated. Decals are usually included. Quality has improved in recent years.
These kits share the same molds but come in different packaging with different prices, labelled as "Made in Moldova", "Molded in the Czech Republic", or "Made in Russia". They have had bad press regarding the fit and accuracy of parts, and the clarity of instructions.
Tanks: SU 85, SU 100, and T34/85.
Other vehicles: BM13 Katyusha, ZIS-5/5V, ZIS-6, PARM-1 and PARM-2 airfield repair workshops, and BZ-35 fuel truck.
Recently AER has released a series of limited edition resin/plastic kits, including an Egyptian SAU-122.
One of the more recent comapnies making kits in this scale, initial kits were based on their line of ready-assembled metal models. More recent kits are all plastic, and although quality has improved, some kits still have problematic vinyl tracks. What is impressive is the number of kits and interesting subjects that have appeared, making this company's line one of today's favorites. Kits have very nicely illustrated instructions, and typically decals for several paint schemes.
EMHARQuality is good, well illustrated instructions, plenty of decal variations, rubber tracks. Currently make WWI British and German vehicles in the small scale.
Tanks: Mk IV Male (see picture), Mk IV Female, A7V, Whippet.
This was the most extensive line of small scale AFV kits; unfortunately,
production has currently stopped, and some items have become hard to find.
Quality is comparable to Nitto; one innovative feature of the later releases
is plastic track sections, as opposed to the rubber tracks that often became
brittle or melted into the plastic (Paint your tracks!)
Tanks: PzKpfw IB, PzKpfw IIF, PzKpfw IIIM/N with Schuertzen, PzKpfw IIIN, PzKpfw III Flamm, PzKpfw IVG, PzKpfw IV H, Panther A, Kingtiger, PzBefw I, Jagdpanzer IB, PzKpfw 35(t), Marder III, Hetzer, Wespe, Stug IIIG, Jagdpanzer IV, Jagdpanzer IV/L70, Flakpanzer Wirbelwind, Brummbaer, Hummel, Jagdpanther, Tiger P Elephant, Jagdtiger, M13/40, M 75/18, KVI-C, T34/76 1942, T34/76 1943, Matilda II, Bishop SP gun, Churchill IV, Churchill IV with minesweeper, Valentine III, M4A1 Sherman, Sherman Calliope, M4A3 Sherman, M12 GMC, Leopard 1A2, Leopard 1A4, Leopard 1A1A1, M1 Abrams, M1A1 Abrams, M163 Vulcan, M113 APC, M 901 Hammerhead, M 106 Mortar carrier, M60A1, M60A2, M60A3, M60 Blazer, M48A2, M48A2C, M48A2 GA2 (see photo), M48A3, M48A5, Merkava I, Merkava II, T62, T62M (...whew!).
Other vehicles: SdKfz 11, SdKfz 11 and Pak 40, SdKfz 251/1, SdKfz 251 Nebelwerfer, SdKfz 251 Flamethrower, SdKfz 251/7 bridgelayer, SdKfz 251/8 ambulance, SdKfz 251/10, Opel Blitz, Opel Blitz Ambulance, Opel Blitz with 38mm flak, Pak and Flak set, SdKfz 250/3, Nebelwerfer set, M3A1 Scout car, 3/4 ton US truck, M6 GMC, Morris Quad tractor, 25lbr gun, SdKfz 250/9, SdKfz 250/10.
NEW KITS: DUKW, M8 Greyhound, M20 armored car, JSII, ISU 122. These are new kits produced by ITALERI. What is interesting is that the new kits sometimes have alternate parts, some used for a simplified assembly for wargaming pourposes.
NOTE: These kits have also been packaged under the names AURORA, ERTL, REVELL, AMT, and most recently ITALERI has started releasing these kits.
Series of modern tank kits from China. Simple, some inaccuracies, and decals are sheets of sticky transparencies (as opposed to water transfers). The kits are of interesting subjects, but are out of production and may be hard if not impossible to find.
Tanks: T72, T80, Merkava, M60, M1A2, Challenger, Leopard II, Leclerc (see pic; I actually replaced the inaccurate rubber tracks on this kit with plastic Leopard II tracks from Revell).
A nice collection of well known
vehicles. Quality is good, as is accuracy, but sometimes the scale seems
a bit off (the Sherman seems too large for 1/72). I was a bit disappointed
by the recent Leopard II: the tracks and suspension were molded as one piece.
One of the more stable companies; the full line seems to always be available.
The vehicle pictured is the Churchill Mk I with a 3in. howitzer mounted in the nose. Several of these vehicles were used during the Dieppe raid in 1942.
Tanks: Churchill I, Crusader III, M3 Lee, M3 Grant, M3 Stuart, M4A3E8 Sherman, M24 Chaffee, M5 Tractor, Panther, Tiger I, Karl 600mm mortar with munitions panzer IV, Leopard II, M1 Abrams, M1E1 Abrams, late model Tiger I, final model Tiger I, late model Panther G, Panther F.
Other vehicles: GMC cargo truck, GMC tank truck, GMC dump truck, Isuzu fuel truck, Toyota starter truck, Mercedes Benz staff car, Kuebelwagen, Kettenkrad & Schwimmwagen, Willys Jeep & 37mm gun, 88mm Flak 18, SdKfz 7, SdKfz 7 with 37mm AA mount, SdKfz with Quad AA mount, M3A1 Half track, M4A1 Half track, Daimler II AC, Humber II AC, M2 155mm gun, Karl 600mm mortar on railroad mount, Karl 600mm mortar with munitions tank, Leopold gun on railroad mount, 88mmFlak 36.
NEW ADDITIONS: Sdkfz 251 D regular and SP versions, Ostwind, Wirbelwind, and several PzkwIV models.
This manufacturer of 1/76 scale
plastic figures is now making 1/72 plastic AFVs. Packaged as the "Armourfast"
brand, kits come two in a box. The vehicles are geared primarily for the
wargamer; few parts, no decals, and easy assembly. It should take no time
to field an army! The basic dimensions are very good, but modelers who like
to display their kits in dioramas will want to add a lot of details and
accessories. Especially the tracks and rear hulls need accurizing work.
The kits are also good sources of parts for connversion enthusiasts.
Tanks: Sherman M4, Jagdpanther (see picture), M10 GMC, PzkwIII.
Produced a few french vehicles in the 70s. Quality was sub-par; small number
of pieces, no movable guns, tracks were a bit thick and untextured.
Tanks: AMX 13, AMX 13 anti-aircraft version, AMX 30 (shown at right), AMX 30 anti-aircraft version, Somua 35.
NOTE: HELLER has since purchased some of the AIRFIX kits, i.e. the Churchill and Sherman, and is now producing these. Also, some Heller kits (at least the Somua and AMX 30) have been re-released.
This company is located in the Ukraine. Actually on the lower end of the quality spectrum. Few parts, poor casting and suboptimal fit. Instructions are fair. May no longer be in production, and I don't have a complete list of their offering. The museum has their ASU-85.
Nice kits, quality is mixed as this distributor seems to carry kits from several different manufacturers.
Tanks: None yet, though I've heard rumors about an ASU-85.
Other vehicles: BM-13 "Katysha", BM-14-16 "Katysha", BM-24-12 MS, BTR-152 B, BTR-152 K, BTR-152 K, ZIL-157 Command centre, ZIL-157 K
A new company, I believe from the Ukraine (distributed through Poland). The museum has their first kit, the AA/SAM 2S6M "Tunguska" defense system. Typical of many East European kits, it takes a lot of work to remove the parts from the sprues, and casting is sometimes flawed. Some parts are indistinct without details, and the fit of parts is sometimes uncertain. The instructions are better than most Eastern kits, but the placement is unclear for some parts. The tracks were a real problem; following the instructions, you simply cannot assemble the tracks!
This company has also released several variants of the Hummer.
The first plastic offering by this company from Moldova depicts the Warsaw Pact BM-21 multiple rocket launcher. The kit seems on par with other models produced by East European manufacturers. A sheet of many nice thin transfer decals is included, but no specific guidelines as to placement. The assembly illustrations are mostly complete, but do not show the exact location of all parts. The precise positioning or fit of all parts is not obvious. Some areas may be underdetailed or simplified.
Started with the superheavy MAUS, but have also made some quck-assembly kits of other German experimental tanks. This line is still in its intitial stages, let's hope for more.
New manufacturer from Byelorussia.Quality is good (fit of parts not always optimal) with lots of parts and plastic track pieces. Range focuses on WWII Soviet armor, and is quickly expanding.
Tanks: ISU-152-1, ISU-152, ISU-122, ISU-122s, IS-2 (see pic), IS-2m, IS-1, KV-85, KV-1, KV-1A, KV-1B, KV-8, KV-122, KV-1E, KV-2
Other vehicles: ZIS-5, ZIS-5V, ZIS-6, Studebaker US-6, BM-13N "Katiusha", M-13 "Katiusha", Fuel truck BZ-35, Half-track ZIS-42
Ordnance: 37mm gun
Available through the PST website
RPM Models
The Polish Ford Tc armored car (shown at left) is their first AFV injection kit offering in this scale. It comes boxed with decals and illustrated instructions in Polish. Overall the little kit went together well, although the proper placement of some parts was unclear. This company has released other Ford WWII vehicles, as well as several variants of the Renault FT.
MATCHBOX began producing a series of 1/72 kits, which are now being produced by REVELL (Germany) and MONOGRAM. REVELL is also packaging some of the MATCHBOX 1/76 vehicles with their 1/72 figures. The Revell(Germany) kits are actually improvements, with additional parts. The newer releases are quickly gaining a reputation of the best kits around!
Tanks: M4A1/76 Sherman, Stug IV, M1 Abrams, Leopard II A4, T80, T80 with reactive armour, PzKw V ausf. A or D, PzKw V ausf. G, PzKw VI ausf. E, PzKw VI ausf. H, M1A1 Abrams, Leopard II A5 (redesigned turret), Challenger, Jagdpanther, Luchs AC, Marder APC, Fuchs AC.
NEW OR PENDING ADDITIONS: Panzerhaubitze 2000, PzKw IV, Pzkw III, Cromwell.
Relatively new company from the Ukraine. Make kits of smaller ordnance; Soviet ZIS-2 and ZIS-3 AT guns, and the T26 light tank. Very nice with lots of parts and illustrated instructions.
NOTE: This kits are now carried by UNIMODELS.
Another more recent manufacturer, hailing from the Ukraine, they started with Soviet WWII subjects but have expanded to include German and US vehicles. Quality has been very good, not to complex, and the range has been expanding rapidly. Well-illustrated instructions, painting schemes and decals are included.
These kits are made in China, represent another newcomer to our scale, but the line has rapidly expaned to become an impressive series of kits. Complexity and quality is moderate and somewhat mixed; some kits are very good, others not so. They seem to be re-sizing several 1/35 kits, so often there are a lot of small parts.
This is a relatively new company from the Ukraine, and they are starting out with German WWII softskins. The museum has their Einheitsdiesel: the kit was well molded and detailed, went together nicely, and has decals and several assembly options. There were a few problems with the instructions (parts not numbered or sub-assemblies not shown).
CAUTION! Keep in mind that these kits are often sold from one company to another, so you run the risk of purchasing a seemingly new model in new packaging, that is just a re-release of one you may already have. When in doubt, ask you local hobby store merchant; they're probably more than willing to help you avoid a disappointing purchase.