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Military Models & Kits
Explore military model kits and finished display models by subject, country and scale. Choose battleships, aircraft, land vehicles, submarines and tanks, or build a collection around WW2.
Compare Airfix, Tamiya and Revell plastic model kits, alongside metal, wood, brick-built and ready-built options. Find a subject below, then use the detailed guides to compare manufacturers, variants and building difficulty.
Featured build · Tamiya Challenger 2, 1:48
Featured military models
A Spitfire, Tiger I and Bismarck introduce three different military subjects: an Easy aircraft kit, a tank starter set and a Challenging warship build. Explore more choices in the subject guides below.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
Best for a first glued tank kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Paints, glue and brush included
Best for a detailed 1:700 Bismarck
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
295 parts · Full-hull display model
Military models by country
Explore each national collection for aircraft, armour, vehicles and naval subjects, with recommended models and guidance on scale and difficulty.
Battleship models
Revell’s 1:700 Bismarck, Academy’s 1:350 HMS Warspite and Tamiya’s 1:700 USS Missouri offer three WW2 battleship subjects. All are Challenging plastic builds, but their dimensions, detail and full-hull or waterline presentation differ. The battleship guide compares national fleets, scales and alternative formats.
Best for a detailed 1:700 Bismarck
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
295 parts · Full-hull display model
This Challenging 1:700 Bismarck kit combines 295 parts with a full-hull presentation. Its relatively compact scale still calls for care with fine ship fittings, making it a detailed project rather than a simple first build.
Best for a larger Royal Navy model
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
Queen Elizabeth-class battleship · 1:350
A Challenging Royal Navy battleship project in 1:350 scale. HMS Warspite offers a larger naval display than the 1:700 choices, with deck structures and small fittings that reward precise assembly and painted finishing.
Best for a WW2 US Navy display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Waterline model · 38.65cm long
Build Tamiya’s 31613 USS Missouri BB-63 in 1:700 scale. This Challenging plastic waterline kit includes fine weapons and floatplanes for a detailed WW2 battleship display measuring 38.65cm long.
Military aircraft models
Start with Tamiya’s Easy 1:72 Spitfire Mk.I, then compare Airfix’s Challenging Dambusters Lancaster and Tamiya’s detailed 1:48 F-35A. The aircraft hub leads to dedicated guides for Spitfire, Lancaster, Messerschmitt, Zero, Mustang, F-22, F-35 and Mi-24 Hind models.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
A compact Spitfire Mk.I for a traditional glued and painted build. Its Easy construction rating makes it an approachable aircraft project, while the small canopy and markings still reward careful finishing.
Best for the Dambusters subject
Challenging · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 · 267 parts · B.III Special
Build Airfix’s A09007A Lancaster B.III Special in Dambusters configuration. This Challenging 1:72 plastic kit has 267 parts and two Operation Chastise marking options, with glue and paint required separately.
Best for a detailed 1:48 F-35A
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 · 32.6 cm long · Nine marking options
Build Tamiya’s 61124 F-35A Lightning II in 1:48 scale. This Challenging plastic kit offers detailed intake ducts and weapons bays, canopy options and nine marking choices for a modern collection.
Military vehicle models
Military vehicles cover more than tanks. These featured picks include Airfix’s 1:35 Alvis Stalwart cargo truck, Tamiya’s 1:48 British ambulance and its 1:35 M36 tank destroyer. Explore trucks, transporters, support vehicles, artillery and armour in the full guide.
Best for a British logistics vehicle
Challenging · Plastic · 1:35
211 parts · Static amphibious-truck subject
A Challenging 1:35 cargo-truck project depicting the Alvis Stalwart Mk.2. Its 211-part construction suits a modeller ready for careful chassis and body alignment; the amphibious vehicle is represented as a static display model.
Best for a military medical vehicle
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Driver and Red Cross markings
Tamiya 32605 builds a British WWII 2-ton 4×2 ambulance in 1:48 scale. This Intermediate plastic kit requires cement and paint and includes a driver figure and two sets of markings.
Best for an open-turret vehicle build
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:35
1:35 scale · Open turret and crew figure
Tamiya 35390 builds the US M36 tank destroyer in 1:35 scale. This Intermediate plastic kit recreates its open turret and 90 mm gun. You’ll need modelling glue and paint.
Submarine models
Compare Revell’s Expert 1:72 Type VIIC/41 U-boat, Tamiya’s Challenging 1:350 I-400 and Revell’s Easy 1:305 USS Nautilus. Scale and finished length vary substantially: the U-boat is about 93.4 cm long. The submarine guide covers wartime and post-war subjects as well as alternative builds.
Best for a large U-boat display
Expert · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · About 93.4cm long
An Expert U-boat project with a finished length of about 93.4 cm. The large 1:72 hull and fine deck fittings make working space, careful alignment and patient finishing important parts of the build.
Best for an aircraft-carrying submarine
Challenging · Plastic · 1:350
1:350 scale · Japanese WW2 subject
A Challenging 1:350 project depicting the Japanese I-400 aircraft-carrying submarine. This special-edition boxing suits a naval modeller who enjoys detailed assembly and a distinctive WW2 subject; check the supplied contents before planning the display.
Best for a simpler historical submarine kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:305
30 parts · 1:305 scale · About 30cm long
Build Revell’s 05184 USS Nautilus in 1:305 scale from 30 plastic parts. This Easy submarine kit includes instructions and decals for a Cold War naval display about 30cm long.
Tank models
Airfix’s Easy 1:72 Tiger I starter set includes basic finishing supplies. Tamiya’s Intermediate 1:35 T-34/76 and 1:48 Challenger 2 add different national subjects and historical settings. The tank guide compares WW2 and modern armour, tank destroyers, scales and construction formats.
Best for a first glued tank kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Paints, glue and brush included
An Easy introduction to traditional tank building, with basic paints, glue and a brush included. The compact 1:72 Tiger I suits a smaller display, though assembly and painted finishing still need care.
Best for a classic Soviet tank
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:35
1:35 scale · 1943 production subject
Build Tamiya’s 35059 T-34/76 1943 tank in 1:35 scale, with hatch options and crew figures. This Intermediate plastic kit suits modellers who enjoy armour construction and personal finishing.
Best for a compact modern tank
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · British Iraq War subject
An Intermediate 1:48 armour project depicting a British Challenger 2 in desertised form. The smaller scale suits a compact vehicle collection, while careful running-gear assembly and a considered paint finish give the tank its character.
WW2 military models
Bring together wartime aircraft, armour and naval subjects with Tamiya’s Spitfire Mk.I, Airfix’s Tiger I and Tamiya’s USS Missouri. The WW2 guide also covers military vehicles, submarines, figures and diorama choices. Check the exact variant and marking scheme when planning a historically coherent collection.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
A compact Spitfire Mk.I for a traditional glued and painted build. Its Easy construction rating makes it an approachable aircraft project, while the small canopy and markings still reward careful finishing.
Best for a first glued tank kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Paints, glue and brush included
An Easy introduction to traditional tank building, with basic paints, glue and a brush included. The compact 1:72 Tiger I suits a smaller display, though assembly and painted finishing still need care.
Best for a WW2 US Navy display
Challenging · Plastic · 1:700
Waterline model · 38.65cm long
Build Tamiya’s 31613 USS Missouri BB-63 in 1:700 scale. This Challenging plastic waterline kit includes fine weapons and floatplanes for a detailed WW2 battleship display measuring 38.65cm long.
How to choose a military model
Choose a subject or collection theme. Start with aircraft, armour, military vehicles, battleships or submarines. The WW2 guide brings several subjects together, while the country guides help you explore a national collection. Check the specific variant, unit and markings when matching models to a period.
Decide whether you want to build or collect. Traditional plastic kits require assembly and painted finishing. Metal, wood and brick builds use different construction methods. Ready-built models focus on the finished aircraft or vehicle, paint scheme and display contents; construction difficulty does not apply to them.
Match the build to your experience. Airfix’s Tiger I starter set is Easy and includes basic finishing supplies. Tamiya’s ambulance is Intermediate, Revell’s Bismarck is Challenging and the large Type VIIC/41 U-boat is Expert. Our rating guide explains these construction demands.
Compare the exact boxing and display size. Manufacturer, scale and kit code all matter. Check supplied paints, adhesive, tools and any additional detail parts. For ships, decide between full hull and waterline; for aircraft and vehicles, consider the finishing work and the space needed by the completed model.
Choosing a military model scale
| Scale | Subject | What to consider | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:72 | Aircraft, small armour and large submarines | A shared scale does not mean a shared display footprint. Compare the finished dimensions: a fighter is much smaller than a U-boat. | Spitfire · Tiger I · Type VIIC/41 |
| 1:48 | Aircraft, tanks and military support vehicles | A useful collection scale across several subjects. Cockpit detail, track assembly and vehicle interiors involve different building tasks. | F-35A · Challenger 2 · British ambulance |
| 1:35 | Tanks, trucks and other land vehicles | Allow space for a larger vehicle display. Compare the detail, assembly method and rating of the exact kit rather than choosing by scale alone. | T-34/76 · Alvis Stalwart · M36 tank destroyer |
| 1:700 | Battleships and other warships | Compact relative to a full-size ship, but fittings can be very small. Check whether the kit is full hull or waterline. | Bismarck · USS Missouri |
| 1:350 | Larger naval models | More room for detail also means a larger display. A submarine and a battleship at this scale still differ greatly in size. | HMS Warspite · I-400 |
| Other scales | Smaller aircraft and armour, naval kits and alternative formats | Use the exact listed scale and finished dimensions. Some brick, wood and finished models have no stated scale. | USS Nautilus, 1:305 · Aircraft scale choices · Naval scale choices |
Compare the recommended military models
Compare the featured models by subject, scale and construction difficulty. Shared recommendations appear once here; check each product page for complete contents and current retailer offers.
| Model / brand | Subject / format | Scale | Difficulty | Price | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revell 05098 Bismarck | Bismarck · Full-hull ship kit | 1:700 | Challenging | £25.05 | |
| Academy 14105 HMS Warspite | HMS Warspite · Battleship kit | 1:350 | Challenging | £59.95 | |
| Tamiya 31613 USS Missouri BB-63 | USS Missouri · Waterline ship kit | 1:700 | Challenging | £31.50 | |
| Tamiya 60748 Spitfire Mk.I | Spitfire Mk.I · Aircraft kit | 1:72 | Easy | £15.04 | |
| Airfix A09007A Dambusters Lancaster | Lancaster B.III Special · Aircraft kit | 1:72 | Challenging | £46.74 | |
| Tamiya 61124 F-35A Lightning II | F-35A · Aircraft kit | 1:48 | Challenging | £78.04 | |
| Airfix A1381 Alvis Stalwart Mk.2 | Alvis Stalwart · Cargo-truck kit | 1:35 | Challenging | £32.16 | |
| Tamiya 32605 British 2-Ton Ambulance | British ambulance · Vehicle kit | 1:48 | Intermediate | £21.49 | |
| Tamiya 35390 M36 Tank Destroyer | M36 · Tank-destroyer kit | 1:35 | Intermediate | £38.88 | |
| Revell 05163 Type VIIC/41 U-boat | Type VIIC/41 · Submarine kit | 1:72 | Expert | £79.29 | |
| Tamiya 25426 I-400 Special Edition | I-400 · Submarine kit | 1:350 | Challenging | £133.16 | |
| Revell 05184 USS Nautilus | USS Nautilus · Submarine kit | 1:305 | Easy | £13.82 | |
| Airfix A55004 Tiger I Starter Set | Tiger I · Tank starter set | 1:72 | Easy | £12.29 | |
| Tamiya 35059 T-34/76 1943 | T-34/76 1943 · Tank kit | 1:35 | Intermediate | £21.67 | |
| Tamiya 32601 Challenger 2 Desertised | Challenger 2 · Tank kit | 1:48 | Intermediate | £25.19 |
Browse all military models
Explore military aircraft, tanks, vehicles, warships, submarines and other military subjects. Browse by subject or scale to compare build kits, alternative construction formats and finished display models.
Revell 63309 German A4/V2 Rocket with Launch Platform – 1:72 Scale Model Kit
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Military model FAQs
Which military model kit is suitable for a beginner?
Start with a manageable subject and the construction rating. Tamiya’s 1:72 Spitfire Mk.I is Easy but needs separate glue and paints. Airfix’s Tiger I starter set is also Easy and includes basic finishing supplies. For assembly without adhesive, explore the brick and push-fit choices in the linked subject guides.
What types of military models can I browse?
The main guides cover battleships, aircraft, military vehicles, submarines and tanks. The WW2 guide brings wartime subjects together, including figures and diorama choices.
How do I choose a scale for a military collection?
Choose by subject, finished dimensions and how you want to display the models. For example, a 1:72 Spitfire and a 1:72 U-boat share a scale but have very different sizes. Aircraft, armour and naval collections often use different scales to suit the available space.
Are all military models construction kits?
No. The catalogue includes build kits and finished display models. Traditional plastic kits need assembly and finishing; metal, wood and brick formats use different building methods. Ready-built diecast models are supplied for display and have no construction difficulty rating. Check the exact listing and supplied contents.
Can I browse models by country?
Does a larger military model always mean a harder build?
No. Scale describes the model’s size relative to the real subject. Part count, construction method, detail and alignment demands affect the building difficulty. Revell’s USS Nautilus is Easy, while the large Type VIIC/41 U-boat is Expert. See our rating system for the full explanation.
Do tanks and military vehicles overlap?
Yes. The tank guide focuses on armour, while military vehicles also covers trucks, transporters, ambulances, artillery and support vehicles. A subject such as Tamiya’s M36 tank destroyer can be relevant to more than one collection.
How can I tell whether a model represents WW2 or a later period?
Check the exact variant, service setting and markings supplied with the kit. The Tiger I is a WW2 subject; the Challenger 2 Desertised and the F-35A belong to later settings. Some boxings offer schemes from more than one period, so use the instructions and chosen scheme rather than the aircraft or vehicle name alone.
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