First Project

Tanks are good subjects for a first model, I'd say. If you want large scales, such as 1/35, get yourself a Tamiya or a Trumpeter kit. Those manufacturers still favour the soft vinyl tracks and you may find that a much easier thing than tackling models that comes with individual track links! I'm sure other Members will tell you what particular model is best to get.

I'm personally more into the smaller scales (1/72 or 1/76), and if you go that way, I'd recommend just about any kits by Fujimi, Dragon, Hasegawa, Matchbox, Italeri/ESCI and Revell Germany. The latter two often have the individual track links with associated with longer sections of track, and this is a great way to get 'introduced' to the individual links. All you need is a bit more time... Haseg, Dragon and Fujimi's AFVs have the vinyl tracks.

If you can find them, Matchbox kits are really cool because they also come with figures and a little diorama. Unfortunately, those kits are now hard to find.

Good luck!

I believe the kit that was used for the article is now out of production. However, Tamiya currently makes two other versions of the T-34. They might suit you. Also, their Pz II is a pretty easy build, if you build it out of the box. It has a lot of problems, as do most of Tamiya's older kits, but it's a good starting point. The big thing is to get one that looks interesting to you and go for it. I would not suggest any of the open topped (i.e. a Marder) models for your first as there is a lot more detail with which to deal in those.

No matter what you decide, rest assured the members will be more than willing to help you over any "rough" spots. Welcome to the forum!

Bill

That t-34/85 would indeed make a good first kit , it has a few fitting problems but its prety simple overall , not that many parts in it and most of them are fairly large. the road wheels/suspension are also realy simple compared to some of the other kits.

edit - humm it does appear to be out of production but you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting it , if my local store had it chances are its not hard to find

Best bets IMO for a first armour project all come from the Tamiya line. Their engineering is second to none.

As already mentioned their T-34's or Panzer II's are very good for a first project. I'll also add their Stuart and of course, their Shermans.

I agree with the above mentioned, Lady.

I would definately start with a Tamiya kit. My choices would be one of the following kits: T-34 or Panther steel wheel version.

I would also recommend Tamiya's King Tiger "Ardennes" version. The fit was second to none and you even get to build a motorcycle with it!

Diane, all the above mentiond kits are great for starters. Pick one you like and go for it. Ask all the questions you want as you go along and we'll be glad to help.

And that tank of Chris' your looking for...he hid it from you ...told me last night he was tired of you stealing his kits, and tools, and glue,and....oops, sorry Chris...

Eric

Diane, I think Chris might be a tad jealous. He said you're a natural! The Tamiya kits are a great place to start, as the others have said. Please post photos of your builds so we can harass you spouse a bit more and brag on you! - Ed

Welcome to the forum Firstlady, Good luck on your first tank build, whatever it may be.
mark956

Tamiya T-34/85 the easiest and fastest to build, I think.

Welcome Firstlady. I guess I've been sleeping, what did you build before? Good luck on a tank.

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."-R.E.Lee

Hi Firstlady

The older Tamiya kits are not as detailed or as accurate as newer ones, but are a lot cheaper. If you are not worried about counting nuts and bolts, etc, go for an older kit of something that appeals to you. You will always feel you can do better, and might regret spending 'big bikkies' on a kit that you will look back on and want to do again, but better.

Things to consider before you buy:
Budget?
Do you want to try a Camo scheme or just a plain 'one colour' scheme?
Quick build, or take your time? (Cleaning the seam off all those Panzer IV type road wheels gets a bit boring after a short while!)
Period of operation. Are you keeping to WW2 or building from any time period.
Decal options in the kit. Subdued vs stand out striking (like some Vietnam crews did to their vehicles)
Unit Options. (Some people do not like modelling German SS Afv's as a matter of principle; etc)

Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy building it.

I would recommend anything in 1:35 that is a tank, by tamiya, and that doesn't have many things on the box-like a bunch of figures standing around, because they have a nasty tendancy of hiding the fact that they hid lots of figs in the box, but their panzer II is a fun one. You might find that their tracks are a little short-i don't know what to do with mine....

How about the good ol' Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog? An inexpensive, easy kit, looks good, and is currently in production.
Also, I think a couple of other folks have just started building Bulldogs, so there'd be a good chance to exchange thoughts on the build!

THEFIRSTLADY,

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I model mostly WWII aircraft and Sci-Fi kits but had been thinking of trying a WWII tank. I did not want to spend to much on my first effort (but the Tamiya kits ARE probably the best overall in variety and quality) so I looked for Italeri ktis on Ebay. I just bought a M4A1 for $13.50 and got a Panther G (from Tamiya) for $20.00. I quickly found out you can quicky go nuts with accurizing so I would suggest if you want a really accurate kit, go with Tamiya but if you just want to give it a try without too much of an investment but still looks OK built, go with Italeri. My hardest thing to decide was which tank design to start with.