The Ultimate Guide to Military Model Kits: Scales, Brands & How to Choose
Military scale modeling is bigger than ever, and with dozens of world-class brands producing tanks, aircraft, ships, and figures, choosing the right kit can feel overwhelming. Whether you prefer 1/35 armor, 1/48 aircraft, 1/72 jets, or naval subjects, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from scales and materials to brand differences and build difficulty.
What Scale Is Best for Military Model Kits?
The most popular scales in military modeling include:
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1/35 Scale – The industry standard for armored vehicles, tanks, and modern military subjects. Favored by Takom, Ryefield, Border Model, Tamiya, Meng, and Trumpeter.
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1/48 Scale – A perfect middle ground for aircraft and armor with excellent detail and manageable display size. Eduard, Tamiya, and ICM excel here.
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1/72 Scale – Ideal for aircraft collectors and large-format dioramas. Highly popular among beginners and veteran builders alike.
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1/32 Scale – Premium, large-scale aircraft for advanced modelers looking for extreme detail. Wingnut Wings, Trumpeter, Border Model, and Zoukei-Mura dominate this scale.
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Top Military Model Kit Brands (and What They’re Known For)
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Tamiya – Legendary engineering, perfect fit, beginner friendly, flawless armor and aircraft.
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Eduard – Hyper-detailed aircraft kits, photo-etch, masks, and limited-edition boxings.
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Takom – Some of the most innovative modern armor kits available.
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Trumpeter / Hobby Boss – Huge subject variety across armor, aircraft, ships, and oddball vehicles.
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ICM Models – Excellent-value kits with growing detail quality, especially in 1/48.
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Ryefield (RFM) – High-precision armor kits loaded with interior detail.
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Border Model – Premium armor and large-scale aircraft, highly accurate.
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Vallejo / AK / Tamiya Paints – Industry-leading acrylic paint lines for military builders.
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ResKit, CMK, Art Scale – Aftermarket detail sets, resin upgrades, masks, and photo-etch.
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Starfighter / Yellow Wings / GMM – Decals & detailing for advanced finishers.
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How to Choose the Right Military Model Kit
To help customers convert from search → purchase:
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Skill Level
Beginners should choose Tamiya or Hobby Boss; advanced builders may prefer Ryefield or Eduard Limited Editions. -
Subject Type
Armor (tanks), aircraft, ships, artillery, soft-skins, submarines, and figures. -
Aftermarket Availability
Brands like Eduard, CMK, Art Scale, ResKit and Aires offer deep upgrade support. -
Price vs. Detail
Budget: ICM, Hobby Boss
Mid-range: Tamiya, Eduard
Premium: RFM, Border, Trumpeter Large Scale
