Here are 3 suggestions of WW2 era US tanks.

Tamiya M26 Pershing tank

Tamiya M4A3 105mm Howitzer Sherman

Academy M3 Lee Medium tank

As Rube Goldberg said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” I suggest a M4A3E8 (“Easy Eight”) Sherman from Tamiya(?).

Any of the Tamiya would work fine, dont worry about the accuracy people will complain about till you get more practice

Phil

I kinda disagree with TomZ2.  The only M4A3E8 kits by Tamiya are a very ancient, inaccurate, and hard to find one released in the mid-70s (more of a collectors kit than anything else)

http://www.usarmymodels.com/MANUFACTURERS/Tamiya/tamiya3018.html

 and their recent M51 Israeli Sherman -- which is somewhat complex to build (and not a true US tank in its configuration)

Tamiya's M4 Sherman Early.

Yeah if you want to take some sheet plastic and cover the open hull sides above the tracks of the Tamiya kit it makes a big difference while being a pretty easy upgrade.

The newer Academy Shermans aren't half bad either.

Pick one you like.

Tamiya's M4 Sherman Early Production. Dead simple build (I went from in the box to ready for paint in three hours), good-enough detail, and it's got side skirts if you don't want to deal with the open sponsons. Honestly they aren't a big deal anyway.

For a first build I vote for the Acadamy M3 Lee. Make sure to post pictures along the way. The Forum GOD"S demand it!    Here... you can use this camera.

Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog. Its dirt cheap, easy to build and can look pretty good if you want it to. For a first time tank it wont let you down. Is it a show winner? No. Is it highly accurate and detailed? Nope. But to show you the basics of armor construction and to let you see how it differs from aircraft you can't go wrong.

Honestly, I would stay away from any Sherman tank or variant--like the Lee, Grant, etc---anything using those complicated bogey wheel assemblies. They're a PITA for a beginner--especially to paint--and will turn you off from modeling armor.

What you want is a relatively simple kit without too much tricky detail, and nice, easy-to-assemble wheels and suspension. Price is a factor, I'm sure, too.

With all that being said, you can't go wrong with the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog. THAT is an easy kit to build, and it builds up into a nice little model that "looks like a tank should".. You can get it relatively cheap too--I picked one up recently for about $15.00. Painting is easy too--overall OD; no complicated camo schemes to worry about.

Barring that, I'd also recommend the good ol' erstwhile Tamiya "Panzer Kampwagen II F/G". I wouldn't be surprised if that's one of the most recommended "newbie" kits in history?

Good luck, Craig!

the doog

Honestly, I would stay away from any Sherman tank or variant--like the Lee, Grant, etc---anything using those complicated bogey wheel assemblies. They're a PITA for a beginner--especially to paint--and will turn you off from modeling armor.

Respectfully disagree here. VVSS bogeys aren't bad, and in my opinion the ease of dealing with the live-type tracks outweighs any headaches that may come from the bogeys.

But there's also a stupid-easy modification you can do to greatly simplify construction and painting on Sherman and other VVSS setups.

This example is done on a FAR more complicated Tasca Sherman, but the same logic applies to every VVSS bogey I've ever seen in 1/35 scale.

Step 1. Okay...the bogey as assembled. Build it normally (if you want you can paint it all before hand, glue it, then restore lost paint), but leave the wheels out!

Step 2. Using sprue cutters, snip the bogey axles so that you can feed the wheels in after the fact.

Step 3. Insert wheels. Remove again as needed.

Craig, many of the Tamiya 1/35 kits mentioned will be great to start you off.  For sheer simplicitys sake I'd side with Karl and say the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog, if you're looking for a more modern look.  For WWII maybe try Tamiya's M5A1 Stuart.  I built both of the for last year's Weekend Madness GB and completed each one (assembled and painted) in 48 hrs!  Can't get any simpler than that. 

DoogsATX

But there's also a stupid-easy modification you can do to greatly simplify construction and painting on Sherman and other VVSS setups.

This example is done on a FAR more complicated Tasca Sherman, but the same logic applies to every VVSS bogey I've ever seen in 1/35 scale.

Step 1. Okay...the bogey as assembled. Build it normally (if you want you can paint it all before hand, glue it, then restore lost paint), but leave the wheels out!

Step 2. Using sprue cutters, snip the bogey axles so that you can feed the wheels in after the fact.

Step 3. Insert wheels. Remove again as needed.

doogs, I'm definitely going to try the method on my next Sherman!!

DoogsATX

the doog

Honestly, I would stay away from any Sherman tank or variant--like the Lee, Grant, etc---anything using those complicated bogey wheel assemblies. They're a PITA for a beginner--especially to paint--and will turn you off from modeling armor.

Respectfully disagree here. VVSS bogeys aren't bad, and in my opinion the ease of dealing with the live-type tracks outweighs any headaches that may come from the bogeys.

But there's also a stupid-easy modification you can do to greatly simplify construction and painting on Sherman and other VVSS setups.

This example is done on a FAR more complicated Tasca Sherman, but the same logic applies to every VVSS bogey I've ever seen in 1/35 scale.

Step 1. Okay...the bogey as assembled. Build it normally (if you want you can paint it all before hand, glue it, then restore lost paint), but leave the wheels out!

Step 2. Using sprue cutters, snip the bogey axles so that you can feed the wheels in after the fact.

Step 3. Insert wheels. Remove again as needed.

Speaking from experience, the first Sherman that I did so soured me on US tank suspension design that I think I didn't build another Sherman for about 5 years. Undoubtedly, I"m biased--but I think that for a true beginner, wheels that pop right onto pegs against the hull would be a more forgiving trial tank for ya, flyerduke.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  I'm leaning toward the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog.  It seems like a fairly straight forward kit and there are a few on ebay for $16 or $17 (shipping included).  If all goes well with the Bulldog, the Sherman will be next.  I'm really looking forward to starting my first tank.  Thanks again.

Craig

If you have a Hobby Lobby near by might be able to fetch one there if you don't wanna wait for shipping. They used to have 2 or 3 on the shelf at just about every location in the country.

ditto on the tamiya walker bulldog. it was my first armor kit too.

Well, I started my first armor kit this evening.  The Tamiya 1/35 M41 Walker Bulldog.  I've assembled the road wheels and started attaching some of the exterior parts to the lower half.  Seems pretty straight forward so far.  The only possible sticking point I see ahead is the gun shield cover.  Any suggestions?  Also, what color do I paint the tracks?  Thanks.  

Craig

DoogsATX

the doog

Honestly, I would stay away from any Sherman tank or variant--like the Lee, Grant, etc---anything using those complicated bogey wheel assemblies. They're a PITA for a beginner--especially to paint--and will turn you off from modeling armor.

Respectfully disagree here. VVSS bogeys aren't bad, and in my opinion the ease of dealing with the live-type tracks outweighs any headaches that may come from the bogeys.

But there's also a stupid-easy modification you can do to greatly simplify construction and painting on Sherman and other VVSS setups.

This example is done on a FAR more complicated Tasca Sherman, but the same logic applies to every VVSS bogey I've ever seen in 1/35 scale.

Step 1. Okay...the bogey as assembled. Build it normally (if you want you can paint it all before hand, glue it, then restore lost paint), but leave the wheels out!

Step 2. Using sprue cutters, snip the bogey axles so that you can feed the wheels in after the fact.

Step 3. Insert wheels. Remove again as needed.

 Yep, that's the way I always do it - but I been doin' it a lonnng time too. That's what I did on my last Sherman.

 Here’s how I assembled the bogies on my M4A3E2 Sherman…….
   ........and still manage to paint and weather everything separately.

 Same thing here for the larger lower wheels.
But first razor saw a slot to relieve the stress .......  

......... careful here.        

      

  Then I use side cutters to cut the majority of the material out.

   I refine the cuts closer with a fingernail clipper, then use a sanding stick to smooth off the nubs.
     Leave about a sixteenth inch each side…… no problem to slide the wheels in after painting.

Good Luck

I think you made a good choice and now for your second build :-) ; you could try the Academy M113 (Vietnam version) or Tamiya’s PBR Patrol Boat River. This boat kit is still one of my favorite kits ever and builds into a really nice model straight OOTB but there’s also plenty of room for some extra detailing.

Just my 2 cents.

Mark

My FIRST ever 1/35 WWII American AFV was the M26 Pershing from Tamiya. It's a simple assembly and builds up into a really imposing, attractive tank.

I reckon you'd love this build for a starter kit

Here's my Tamiya Pershing so you get an idea of the kit (It's not great but I did build this when I first started out and was a total nood - just over 3.5 years ago iirc):

Ben

flyerduke

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  I'm leaning toward the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog.  It seems like a fairly straight forward kit and there are a few on ebay for $16 or $17 (shipping included).  If all goes well with the Bulldog, the Sherman will be next.  I'm really looking forward to starting my first tank.  Thanks again.

Craig

You sound like an experienced modeler, so the Tamiya Walker Bulldog will be a disappointment. It is akin to recommending the old Monogram TBF Avenger to an experienced armor builder as their first aircraft kit; a buildable model, but with minimal detail.

Don't get me wrong, it is one of the best starter tank kits on the market; cheap, readily available, easy to paint in the OD & white star markings and looks like a standard US tank when done. Great for a novice to learn how to build a model. They are commonly available at Hobby Lobby for $18, but use their 40% off coupon.

The Tamiya Bulldog was designed to be motorized and as such has molded on detail and thicker surface parts so they could withstand the rigors of being handled and have the upper hull popped off to replace batteries. When it was the only M41 on the market (now there are two other kits) many experienced modelers super detailed it and there are great build ups online, but the AM parts generally exceed the cost of the newer kits.

I'd stick with the newer Tamiya 1/48 scale armor kits if you are just testing the waters. Relatively inexpensive and a common aircraft scale to go with your current collection. Their Sherman tanks are great kits. Much better than the Tamiya Bulldog.

I picked up the Walker Bulldog at Hobby Lobby for a little over $8 on a whim. I hadn't done an armor kit in over 15 years. With a few of the techniques I learned on FSM, I installed some hatch handles and details with copper and brass wire, cut out the cupola windows and added glass, and had hella fun weathering the hell out of it. Here is the result: