AFV Club M-18 or Churchill III?

Also there's also only AFV and Academy versions of the M-10, an AFV that saw much service. And like the M-18 both kits have very mixed reviews. (Doog did the AFV and was not totally pleased: http://doogsmodels.com/completed-builds/achilles-mk-iic-17-pounder-self-propelled-gun/ . Doog does give thumbs up on the Bronco Archer which was also praised by Perth - all 1,000 parts. I'll pass.) I'll excuse DML for not having a Grant or Stuart - those would be a new models. But no Kursk Tiger or M-10? The Kursk Tiger was more symbol than history but a powerful symbol: the M-10 was a major weapon. Lord knows they have lots of Tiger and Sherman sprues kicking around. Or Tasca. They've just brought in a Sherman recovery vehicle. A buggy of great tactical importance no doubt. Wonder if a few armor fans wouldn't prefer a widely used tank destroyer like the Wolverine.

Eric

I located my MMiR #15 with the head to head article comparing Hellcats.

Academy is the other company that makes the M18 Hellcat. Both kits have been around for well over ten years. I remembered an MMiR article a long time ago that broke down the differences and compared the two. I have the issue somewhere, but not at hand right now.

I did a quick search on Google and found an old Missing Lynx thread that mentioned the MMiR article. Remember this thread is 11 years old so some of the information may be dated.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/996036311/How+good+is+the+Academy+M18+Hellcat

I think I've read all the reviews. Always check Perth - if nothing else they often give part count which is important to me. (I like to avoid a 500 part tanks - not counting magic tracks. Of course I've got a DML Panzer IV that tops it.) Have to admit those suspension details appear a little daunting. But I'll probably go with the Churchill. I'd like a Hellcat but either Trumpie or Tamiya (forget) makes one if I get lazy. Tough choice though in terms of subject. The Churchill was the more important vehicle (both served through the Korean War) and the Churchill has all those neat rivets and assorted weird parts that would reward detail. Hellcat has an open fighting compartment. Haven't heard the AFV M-18 has trouble, but the reviews on their Kursk Tiger were all over the map. Good reason to check one out. (Fill my Kursk lust with a Trumpie KV-1 1942. I did their KV-2 and it was a really sweet build.)

Eric

If you do the Churchill, and I think they're really cool so I think you should, check out the PMMS review.  There are some really good tips on assembly.

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/afvclub/afv35153.html

I'll second the Churchill. The M18 was one of their earlier kits and not without its problems. The Churchill is a newer kit and has been well received.

You don't see a lot of Churchills around here.  I would love to see you do that.  I plan on building the AVRE eventually.