1:72 scale tank builders-a couple of questions

Rob, that is a great link you posted.

Dragon issues tan colored DS one piece tracks that can be glued with regular model cement. They do not always react well with enamel paints though. Some of Dragon's original 1/72 scale kits include black vinyl tracks that do not handle enamel paint at all.

Older kits often include one piece vinyl tracks as well.

Revell's original kits include what is called "link & length" tracks. These are tracks that consist of long sections for the top, bottom and the diagonal runs of tracks and include a number of single links to curve around the sprocket, idler wheel and connect the straight runs together.

Later Esci kits (many now reissued by Italeri) included link & length from the 1980s and also the original vinyl tracks from the 70s.

I sense there is some scorn for "rubber band " tracks. I think it would be insane for me to attempt "link" tracks at this scale, as my eyes and hands aren't what they used to be, so I will just have to do what I can with the 1 pc. tracks.....

There are plenty of subjects available in 1/72 with decent tracks. Even Trumpeter rubber band tracks can be tamed. Also, you will find that Revell and Dragon's ranges are being expanded every year. Even their older kits are excellent quality with plenty of detail.

To watch out for; Italeri as they re-release much older Esci kits that have origins in the 70's. Revell AG used to release the old Matchbox 1/76 range under 1/72. However that practice was ceased some time back.

Some Eastern European or Russian brands such as Ace, that are great kits of interesting subjects but require a lot of work to complete.

Airfix are just starting to retool or expand their older 1/76 range with new tool kits. I built the new tool Cromwell IV last year and it is one of the finest armour kits I have built for some time.

Rob Gronovius

I used to say that 1/72 scale kits were the cheap and fun way to go, but having just spent $22 on a small amphibious tank that is tiny enough to use an iphone as a display base, they are no longer as inexpensive as they once were.

It is one of the mysteries of life that an Academy 1/25 Jagdpanther ( vintage 1986? )  can currently cost barely $10 ( or less ) more than some of the 1/72 armor kits.

Nevertheless, I will be taking a second look at 1/72 armor if manufacturers bring out enough "new tool" kits with decent tracks.

I used to build both 1/76 AIRFIX and 1/48th AURORA armor but prices and selection of 1/48 armor has not inspired me to build that scale.

A real shame Bandaii abandoned the armor kit market.

I also build Armour in 1/72 and would have to agree that Dragon is probably about the best .

However, do not discount Trumpeter or Revell either. Both have very good ranges in 1/72. Trumpeter has recently moved away from "rubber band" tracks towards integrated outer road wheel/one piece tracks which are quite refined and only need careful painting to look quite convincing. Revell's tracks are most often "link and length".

Of the eastern European brands, UM is probably about the best, with a very diverse and large range of subjects often overlooked by other manufacturers.

UM BA-6 armoured car

Dragon T-34/76 Model 1940

I build armor exclusively in 1/72 and have tried all the major brands. Dragon is the probably the best (I get the sense this is the number 1 brand modelers prefer). They have the most diverse offering of kits that are high quality. Their directions aren't simply black ink on white paper - there is a glossy coat to it. I like the example camo schemes they provide. Dragon kits are some of the most expensive however.

Italeri is my favorite and the only large brand to offer Italian armor (especially since they acquired Esci molds). Their range is not as broad as dragon but they still have a large offering. And the quality in my opinion is excellent. They have both detailed, single vehicle kits and fast assembly kits with 2 vehicles(advertised for war gamers). The fast assembly versions are still detailed models and leagues better than Armourfast.

I have not built so many Revell kits but they are decent (need more variety!).

The ones to stay away from, I think, are eastern European manufactures like UM. Not well molded and horrible instructions.    

i have that kit too, got it at a club auction. didn't think i did 1/72 but got involved in 1/72 GB (doing a diesel locomotive) and now have added to the K-5, BR-52, another WRC-12 and DORA the revel modern german tank transporter with SPA and recon vehicle and a modern german army truck. as if i don't have enough interests and niches  in 1/35.

I used to say that 1/72 scale kits were the cheap and fun way to go, but having just spent $22 on a small amphibious tank that is tiny enough to use an iphone as a display base, they are no longer as inexpensive as they once were.

I still get a lot of enjoyment out of building them; I don't "care" about German armor enough to worry about inaccuracies so when I do build one I stick to OOB. Dragon also has enough Sherman variants to equip Patton's 3rd Army.

Looking through my stash, I realize I actually have two Dragon kits. A Tiger I and a King Tiger. The Tiger I has the PE parts.

Thanks for the info and the link. I already saw looking over the site, that one of the kits I have has an issue with misaligned drive sprockets. Good to know in advance.

Like I said, I want to build a one or two as a side, and still stick with the group build I'm working on now.

My skills have gotten a bit better since my first attempt at the 1:35 kit, maybe eventually I'll have another go at it.

Thanks again

This is the number one site for 1/72 scale armor modeling: http://www.onthewaymodels.com/

They also have links to various other very good 1/72 scale armor modeling sites.

Right now, Dragon and Revell of Germany are the top two 1/72 scale modeling companies, but there are quite a few more with very good kits as well. WW2 German armor are the most prevalent kits in this genre. Read the reviews on On The Way to determine which kit of a particular subject is better than the other.

I tend to confine my 72nd vehciles to ground support for my aircraft builds. If i was doing 72nd Armour, i think i would go for dragon. The Hase kits are quite nice but getting a bit dated. Revell kits are not to bad either.

But i think Dragons 72nd kits seem to mirror their 35th ones, so for German armour you have quite a bit of choice. Though i do think some come with Indy link tracks. So not sure if you will like them in this scale.

There were not actually that many variants of the Tiger, Tiger II and Panther, at least when compared to other German armour. The model companies do seem to have found ways to expand the range.