Although I have been modeling for years (Mostly trains) I'm pretty much an NFG with model armor. The question is how do you tell a excellent kit/maker from a not so excellent kit/maker? What to look for and what to look past in choosing a kit. What criteria do you use in picking one kit/company over the other? Can somebody give me a heading in the right direction?

L. Lee Davis

When I started again, I had this same questions. You just have to do your research on what you are looking for.

Do you want super detailed kits with interiors? Or kits that are easier but also a good representation of what you want to build.

I look at online reviews, build videos on YouTube, the gallery on Kitmaker, build threads on other modeling websites, etc...

It all depends on your comfort level. What I did was get a not-so-detailed, clearenced kit so I could get back into the motion of painting, practicing air brushing, weathering and how to organize everything.

it just takes time and a little research before you find the kit you really want. Then its probably sold out.

Dragon Smart Kits and, to some extent are about the best WWII German armor and Allied vehicles to be found. Tamiya kits are shake-and-bakes, with crisp detail. AFV Club are not to be discounted, rivaling its competitors for detail. Trumpeter are somewhat hit-and-miss, when it comes to accuracy. Academy is hit-and-miss, as well. Italeri kits are generally a nightmare, but good for practice. Hobby Boss produce some nice kits. Meng and Takom are the new kids, on the block. Both produce excellent models, with few shortcomings. Miniart has been around for a while and produces excellent kits. Bronco are fairly new, to me. I have a Chaffee, in my stash but am yet to build it. Revell is about the same quality as Italeri. Zvezda's newer kits are quite nice. I would avoid the older ones, like the plague. Then again, they also make for nice practice kits. This is all just my opinion and there are several manufacturers not listed, because I have no first-hand experience with them. Also, this applies to ground vehicles only.

While some brands are usually fine and others mostly poor, I would say it is better to focus on individual kits.

As you probably have preferences for a certain vehicle, check who makes it and look for reviews -or ask.

As Carlos wrote: Ask around! The Kitmaker forums are a good place to start depending on what type subject you want to model.

I do not think there is such a thing as the best overall kit since it depends so much on the criteria used to make the choice.
Asking about a specific subject will get you very exact answers but many subjects are only produced by one manufacturer.

If you had asked about the best kit of the M551 Sheridan a year ago the answer would have been: Tamiya, but PLEASE choose another subject since the kit is close to awful.
Today the answer would be: Wait for the new release by Tamiya.

Matthew provided a good general listing of manufacturers but be aware that there are some really bad apples in nearly every basket.
/ Robin

Thank you Robbin. I will ask around.

LLD

Thank you Matthew for the run down. Its a great help in focusing in and getting a lay of the land so to speak.

LLD

Thank you Carlos for the good advice.

LLD