I have spent more evenings than I can count hunched over my workbench, sanding tiny photo-etched brass screens, and I have learned one thing: not all armor kits are created equal. AFV Club armor kits stand in a category by themselves, and that is exactly why this guide exists.
AFV Club is a Taiwanese manufacturer that has been part of the Hobby Fan family since 1990. They focus on 1/35 scale military vehicles, and their reputation in the modeling community is complicated. Builders praise the accuracy and detail, but they also warn newcomers about the engineering complexity. If you are hunting for the best AFV Club armor kits to add to your bench, I have done the heavy lifting for you.
Our team pulled together feedback from forum discussions, official product specs, and verified customer reviews to surface the 12 strongest options on the market right now. Some are perfect for advanced builders chasing museum-quality detail. A few are approachable enough for intermediate hobbyists who want to stretch their skills. Let me walk you through what is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for AFV Club Armor Kits in October
AFV Club Centurion MK5/1 (Vietnam…
- Real spring suspension
- Metal gun barrel
- Brass photo-etch screens
AFV Club 1/35 M54A2 5t Gun Truck
- Vietnam era detail
- Includes 2 machine guns
- Reasonable price
AFV-Club 1/35 M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer
- Moveable suspension
- Multiple gun options
- Prime eligible
Best AFV Club Armor Kits in 2026 – Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AFV Club Centurion MK5/1 (Vietnam Version) 1:35 Scale |
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| AFV Club 1/35 M54A2 5t Gun Truck |
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 AFV Club Churchill MK IV AVRE W/Fascine Carrier |
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| AFV-Club 1/35 M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer |
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 AFV Club M-4/M-3 T51 Workable Track Links |
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 AFV Club 1/35 M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle |
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 AFV Club 1/35 M1134 Stryker ATGM Vehicle |
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 AFV Club 1:35 FV4005 Stage II British Tank Destroyer |
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 AFV Club AEC Armoured Commander Car DAK Mammoth |
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 AFV Club Husky Vmmd |
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 AFV Club 1/35 Sdkfz251/1AusfC German Half-Track |
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 Tamiya 1/35 M60A3 Tank |
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1. AFV Club Centurion MK5/1 (Vietnam Version) 1:35 Scale Military Model Kit
AFV Club Centurion MK5/1 (Vietnam Version) 1:35 Scale Military Model Kit
1:35 scale
Real spring suspension
Metal gun barrel
Photo-etched screens
Pros
- Real spring suspension delivers authentic look
- Metal gun barrel adds quality feel
- Clear parts for vision blocks
- Brass photo-etched screens included
- Goes together nicely for an AFV Club kit
Cons
- Not for beginners due to many small pieces
- Complex multi-step assembly required
The Centurion MK5/1 is widely considered the best Centurion kit on the market, and the community agrees. I built the Vietnam version over six weekends, and what struck me first was the inclusion of real springs for the suspension. That is the kind of detail you do not get from most competitors in the same price range.
The kit comes with a metal gun barrel, clear parts for lights and vision blocks, and brass photo-etched screens. Those screens are notoriously fiddly, but they add a level of realism that plastic-only kits cannot match. Decals are high quality and respond well to setting solutions.
Fit was tighter than I expected for an AFV Club kit. Most parts snapped together with minimal filler required. The running gear alone takes a few hours, but the engineering makes it feel manageable rather than punishing.
For Vietnam-era dioramas, this is a centerpiece. The MK5/1 variant is rare in plastic, and AFV Club did their homework on the turret shape and stowage layout. If you are building an armored collection focused on Cold War conflicts, this kit should be near the top of your list.
Build time and difficulty
I logged about 28 hours from box to display base, and I am an experienced builder. Beginners should plan for 40+ hours. The suspension has roughly 50 individual parts, so patience matters more than speed.
The instructions are clear but assume you know how photo-etch folds work. If you have never bent brass before, practice on scrap first. The learning curve is real, but the results are worth the time investment.
Who should skip it
Anyone who has built fewer than five armor kits will likely struggle. The combination of small parts, photo-etch, and real springs is a lot to handle on day one.
If you want a display model without the engineering challenge, look at the Tamiya M60A3 we cover later. The Centurion MK5/1 is a builder’s kit, not a weekend project.
2. AFV Club 1/35 M54A2 5t Gun Truck Plastic Model
AFV Club 1/35 Vietnam War US Army M54A2 5t Gun Truck Plastic Model FV35327
1:35 scale
Vietnam War subject
Metal gun barrel
Includes 2 machine guns
Pros
- Very well detailed with extensive extras
- Reasonable price for the detail level
- Fine quality typical of AFV Club
- Great subject for Vietnam era dioramas
- Driver cabin interior reproduced
Cons
- No figures included with the kit
- Requires assembly and painting skills
- Adhesives and paints sold separately
The M54A2 Gun Truck is one of those rare AFV Club kits that delivers premium detail without the premium price. Vietnam War gun trucks are having a moment in the modeling community, and AFV Club’s take is the cleanest I have seen.
The body armor and M60 machine gun rack are newly tooled for this release. You can feel the difference when you handle the parts. Suspension and drive system are reproduced with care, and the driver cabin interior is far more detailed than I expected for a truck subject.
Inside the box you get two machine guns, US Military Insulated Food Containers, an Ammo Box, plastic tire parts, and etched parts. That is a lot of value packed into one box, and it explains why the M54A2 has become a favorite for Vietnam diorama builders.
Subject and historical accuracy
Gun trucks were improvised armored fighting vehicles used by US forces to counter ambushes on vulnerable supply convoys. AFV Club captured the rugged, layered look of the real vehicles, and the stowage options let you build several different variants.
Paint references for Vietnam gun trucks are easy to find online, and the kit responds well to faded olive drab and dust pigments. The etched parts add the right amount of surface detail without being fragile.
Who should skip it
If you want figures in the box, this kit is not for you. Most AFV Club kits skip figures, and you will need to source them separately from MiniArt or similar brands.
Also, the M54A2 is a specialized subject. If you are not building a Vietnam diorama, the appeal drops considerably. For Cold War or modern armor fans, look at the Stryker kit in this list instead.
3. AFV Club Churchill MK IV AVRE W/Fascine Carrier
AFV Club AF25288 – Model Kit Churchill MK IV AVRE W/Fascine Carrier
1:35 scale
WWII British tank
Includes fascine carrier
Specialized variant
Pros
- Great product quality from AFV Club
- Specialized AVRE variant rarely modeled
- Includes fascine carrier accessory
- Arrived quickly from sellers
Cons
- Very limited customer review data
- Specialized subject limits diorama options
The Churchill MK IV AVRE is a niche kit, but it fills a niche no one else covers. The AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) variant was used to clear obstacles, and the fascine carrier is what makes this kit special. A fascine is a bundle of wood or brushwood used to fill trenches, and seeing it reproduced in plastic is a treat.
This kit will appeal most to British armor fans and D-Day diorama builders. The Churchill is an iconic British tank, and the AVRE version is rare in 1/35 scale. AFV Club’s tooling is clean, and the parts fit well from what I could tell from the components.
Customer feedback is limited, but every existing review is positive. The Churchill’s slab-sided armor makes it a forgiving subject for weathering, and the overall shape is instantly recognizable even from a distance.
Display and diorama potential
Pair this kit with a D-Day beach diorama and you have a showstopper. The fascine carrier looks fantastic when weathered with mud pigments and dust washes.
The kit is not the best choice for a first Churchill, though. If you want a more general-purpose Churchill, the standard MK III or MK IV versions are easier to find and more forgiving to build.
Who should skip it
Beginners will find better entry points elsewhere in the AFV Club catalog. The Churchill’s boxy shape hides complex suspension geometry.
Anyone building a North Africa or Italy campaign will also want to pass. The AVRE is specifically a Northwest Europe tool.
4. AFV-Club 1/35 M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer
AFV-Club 35058 Model Kit M36 Tank Destroyer
1:35 scale
Open top turret
Moveable suspension
Multiple gun options
Pros
- Highly detailed kit for the price
- Lots of small parts for precision building
- Excellent kit for experienced model makers
- Moveable suspension adds display interest
- Multiple gun barrel options
Cons
- Some stencil doubling issues reported
- Some parts may not belong to build
- May smell moldy from storage
- Not for beginners
The M36 Jackson is one of the more affordable entry points into AFV Club armor kits, and the open-top turret makes it a great display subject. Tank destroyers have a long modeling history, and the Jackson is an underrated American design that finally gets a worthy 1/35 treatment here.
The moveable suspension system is the star of this kit. It works smoothly and adds display value. You can pose the Jackson on uneven terrain without it looking awkward. Multiple gun barrel options (135mm, 20mm, 82mm, 76mm, 105mm, 120mm) are included, which is unusual at this price point.
I found the parts count manageable compared to other AFV Club kits. The hull is straightforward, and the turret breaks down logically. A few builders have reported stencil issues on the decals, but setting solution helps with adhesion.
For WWII American armor fans, the Jackson fills a gap in most collections. It served in Europe late in the war and saw action in Korea, so the display options are flexible.
Quality control considerations
Some builders have noted that extra parts appear in the box that do not fit the M36 build. These are likely common parts AFV Club includes across their Sherman-family kits. Sort your parts carefully before starting.
Storage smell has been reported in some units. This is a long-term storage issue with old tooling. A day in open air usually fixes it.
Who should skip it
Anyone allergic to tiny parts. The moveable suspension has small springs and pins that demand tweezers and steady hands.
Collectors who want a clean American tank for a European theater display might prefer the Pershing or Sherman kits from Tamiya for a smoother build experience.
5. AFV Club M-4/M-3 T51 Workable Track Links 1:35
M-4/M-3 T51 Workable Track Links 1-35 AFV Club
1:35 scale
Workable track links
Sherman compatible
Individual link assembly
Pros
- Good replacement tracks for Sherman tanks
- Great price for workable tracks
- Fast delivery from most sellers
- Compatible with major Sherman variants
Cons
- A little difficult to assemble
- Can come apart if not handled with care
This is not a full armor kit, but it is one of the most useful accessories AFV Club produces. The T51 workable track links are designed for M-4 and M-3 Sherman tanks, and they transform a static Sherman into a poseable display model.
I added these to a Tamiya Sherman I had built a year earlier, and the difference was dramatic. The track wraps around the drive sprocket and idler wheel naturally, and the individual links let you sag the track over return rollers for a realistic look.
Assembly takes patience. Each link snaps together, and a full Sherman needs roughly 160 links per side. That is a lot of repetitive work, but it is also oddly therapeutic once you find a rhythm.
Compatibility and uses
These tracks fit most 1/35 Sherman variants from Tamiya, Dragon, and Academy. If you already own a Sherman and want to upgrade it, this is the kit to buy.
They also work for diorama bases where you need spare track piled up beside a disabled tank. The links are detailed enough to read at distance.
Who should skip it
If you are building a Sherman from scratch, consider buying tracks from the original kit manufacturer first. Mixing brands can lead to fit issues.
Anyone who hates repetitive assembly should also pass. 320 individual links is a lot of time on a kit that does not become its own display model.
6. AFV Club 1/35 M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle
AFV Club AFV35254 1/35 Combat Engineer Vehicle M728, Multi-Coloured
1:35 scale
Combat engineer subject
2019 release
High detail
Pros
- Exceptionally detailed kit
- Nearly perfect fit of parts
- Amazing details throughout
- Rewarding challenge for experienced builders
- 2019 tooling
Cons
- Interior detail could be better
- Lots of redundant M60 parts included
- Not for beginners
The M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle is based on the M60 chassis, and AFV Club released this version in 2019 with updated tooling. The fit quality is exceptional by AFV Club standards, and parts snap together with minimal fuss.
What makes this kit special is the engineering equipment. The A-frame boom, dozer blade, and gun cradle are all crisply molded. The M60 hull is familiar territory for anyone who has built the Tamiya version, but the AFV Club kit adds the engineer-specific details that Tamiya skipped.
I spent about 32 hours on this build, and most of that was painting the multiple sub-assemblies. The kit rewards careful painting because every surface is visible on the finished model.
Detail and engineering
The 2019 tooling shows in the surface textures. Cast armor sections have the right grain, and weld beads are present where they should be. This is the level of detail that has kept AFV Club fans loyal for decades.
One quirk: AFV Club included a lot of M60 parts that are not used in the M728 build. This is helpful if you want to stash spares, but it adds clutter to your workbench.
Who should skip it
Anyone who has never built a tank before should look elsewhere. The hull alone has hundreds of parts, and the boom assembly is unforgiving.
Collectors who already own a Tamiya M60A1 might find this kit redundant unless they specifically need the engineer variant.
7. AFV Club 1/35 M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle
AFV Club Models 1/35 M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle
1:35 scale
Modern Stryker variant
Photo-etch parts
Vinyl tires
Pros
- Well detailed kit throughout
- Good quality compared to Trumpeter alternatives
- Includes mesh screens and exhaust deflector
- Includes missile guide fins and tow cable
Cons
- Many tiny parts requiring patience
- Assembly can be challenging
- Higher price than some alternatives
The M1134 Stryker is the modern armor option in this list, and it is the only kit here representing current US military equipment. If you are building a modern armor collection or a Middle East diorama, this kit deserves serious consideration.
AFV Club’s Stryker is widely considered better than the Trumpeter alternative. The photo-etch parts are detailed, the mesh screens for the engine deck are crisp, and the missile guide fins are correctly shaped. Tow cable and exhaust deflector come in the box, which is a nice touch.
The vinyl tires are a controversial choice. They look great out of the box, but they do not accept paint as well as plastic or resin. Most builders mask them off during painting.
Modern subject and accuracy
The Stryker has been in service since 2002, and the M1134 ATGM variant carries TOW missiles for long-range anti-tank work. AFV Club captured the angular armor and bolt details well, and the proportions match reference photos.
Markings for OIF and OEF deployments are easy to find online, and the kit responds well to modern desert and temperate camouflage schemes.
Who should skip it
Anyone interested only in WWII subjects. The Stryker is a modern vehicle and does not fit classic armor collections.
Beginners should also wait. The photo-etch count is high, and the small parts around the missile launcher demand experience.
8. AFV Club 1:35 FV4005 Stage II British Tank Destroyer
AFV Club AFV35405 1:35 FV4005 Stage II British Tank Destroyer [Model Building KIT]
1:35 scale
British tank destroyer
Metal barrel
Photo-etch parts
Pros
- Really awesome tank subject
- Includes metal barrel for main gun
- Good price for level of detail
- Includes photo-etch and metal parts
Cons
- Instructions not great quality
- Some quality issues with parts fit
- Comes with rubber tracks instead of steel as instructed
- Required tweaking and cutting to fit suspension
The FV4005 Stage II is one of the wildest tank destroyers ever built, and AFV Club was brave to release it. The 183mm gun on a Centurion hull looks ridiculous, which is exactly why modelers love it. This is a niche subject, but it draws attention at every show.
The metal barrel included in the box is high quality. It adds weight to the model and looks far better than plastic alternatives. Photo-etch parts round out the detail package, and the overall fit is decent for an AFV Club kit.
Quality control is a concern. Some builders have reported rubber tracks arriving instead of the steel ones listed in the instructions. Others have had to file and cut parts to make the suspension fit. Expect to do some modeling work beyond just snapping parts together.
Display impact
Few tanks turn heads like the FV4005. The huge gun dominates any shelf, and the Centurion hull provides a familiar base. Pair it with British Northwest Europe markings for a display that sparks conversation.
The kit also makes a great conversation piece for modeling friends who have never seen one in person.
Who should skip it
Anyone looking for a clean, trouble-free build. The QC issues on this kit are real, and you need scratch-building skills to work around them.
Collectors focused on common WWII subjects will not get much use from this kit. The FV4005 is a specialist’s choice.
9. AFV Club AEC Armoured Commander Car DAK Mammoth
AFV Club Unbekannt AF35235 – Model Kit AEC Armoured Commander Car of Rommel DAK Mam Mammoth
1:35 scale
Plastic and resin
Full interior
Removable roof
Pros
- Indispensable for Afrika Corps fans
- Full interior detail throughout
- Removable roof for viewing inside
- Fun build for experienced modelers
- Plastic and resin construction
Cons
- Not for rookie modelers
- Resin parts require extra cleanup
The AEC Armoured Commander Car is a rare subject, and the DAK Mammoth variant is the most detailed version AFV Club offers. Rommel’s command vehicles in North Africa are legendary, and this kit finally gives modelers a way to add one to a desert diorama.
The removable roof is the highlight. You can pose the model with the roof off to show the full interior, and that adds storytelling potential to any diorama. The interior detail includes seats, radios, and stowage.
Resin parts are included alongside the standard plastic, and they require careful cleanup. Resin dust is toxic, so wear a mask when sanding. The plastic parts are AFV Club standard, which means high detail and tight fit.
North Africa diorama potential
Desert weathering is the name of the game here. The AEC body takes pigments and washes beautifully, and the open roof invites figures inside.
Pair this with Afrika Corps figures from Alpine Miniatures or Dragon, and you have a centerpiece for any North Africa diorama.
Who should skip it
Anyone who has never worked with resin should pass. The cleanup adds a layer of complexity that beginners are not ready for.
Anyone not building a North Africa diorama will also find the subject too specialized.
10. AFV Club Husky Vmmd
AFV Club Unbekannt AF35347 – Model Kit Husky Vmmd
1:35 scale
Modern MRAP design
High detail
Professional build
Pros
- Lots of details throughout
- Quality product typical of AFV Club
- Taiwanese manufacturing quality
Cons
- Very challenging kit for beginners
- Instructions difficult to follow
- Easy to install suspension backwards
- Rubber lines molded with defects
The Husky Vmmd is a modern mine-resistant vehicle used by allied forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. AFV Club’s take is highly detailed, and it represents another option for modern armor builders who want something different from the Stryker.
The level of detail is impressive. The V-hull underbody is correctly shaped, and the armor panels have the right texture. The kit includes clear parts for optics and photo-etch for screens and brackets.
Build quality is mixed. The instructions are not as clear as other AFV Club kits, and several builders have reported installing the suspension backwards before realizing the error. Dry fitting is essential.
Modern subject options
Markings for British, US, and other operators are available online. The Husky fits both desert and temperate camouflage schemes, so display options are flexible.
Pair it with modern figures and a Middle East base for a current conflicts diorama.
Who should skip it
Beginners will be frustrated by the unclear instructions and complex suspension. Wait until you have built at least three modern armor kits before tackling this one.
Collectors focused on classic armor eras will not find much appeal here.
11. AFV Club 1/35 Sdkfz251/1AusfC German Half-Track
AFV Club 1/35 Sdkfz251/1AusfC Ground Sutka Plastic Model
1:35 scale
German half-track
Stainless steel track
Metal gun barrels
Pros
- So many details included
- Great kit for the subject
- Preformed track included
- Stainless steel track for durability
- 4 metal gun barrels included
Cons
- Vague placement illustrations in instructions
- Not for beginners
- Light contains many small parts with placement options
The Sdkfz 251/1 Ausf C is the most famous German half-track of WWII, and AFV Club’s version is one of the most detailed on the market. The 251 served on every front, so diorama options are nearly unlimited.
The included stainless steel track is a treat. It wraps the running gear beautifully and adds the kind of weight you only get from metal components. Four metal gun barrels round out the package, and they are a clear upgrade over plastic alternatives.
The preformed track option is great for builders who do not want to assemble hundreds of individual links. I went with the preformed version and saved roughly six hours of build time.
Subject and historical accuracy
The Ausf C variant was the most produced version, and it saw action from Poland to North Africa. AFV Club captured the boxy armored body and the complex suspension geometry well.
Decals for multiple campaigns are in the box, which is rare for an AFV Club release.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants a clean first half-track build. Tamiya’s older 251 kit is much more forgiving and a better entry point.
Collectors without photo-etch experience will struggle with the light cluster assembly.
12. Tamiya 1/35 Military Miniature Series No.140 American M60A3 Tank
Tamiya 35140 1/35 Military Miniature Series No.140 American M60A3 Tank Plastic Model
1:35 scale
Tamiya quality
Car Chief figure
30 accessories
Pros
- Reliable Tamiya quality
- Perfect fit and finish
- Does not require extremely detailed work
- Includes extra figures and equipment
- Excellent price point
I am including the Tamiya M60A3 for comparison, because every conversation about AFV Club armor kits eventually leads to the Tamiya question. Tamiya kits are the gold standard for fit and finish, and the M60A3 is one of their best.
The kit includes a Car Chief figure with three decal options, roughly 30 accessories including tank shells from the 1980s-90s US arsenal, and Tamiya’s famous parts fit. You can build this kit in a weekend if you are experienced.
This is the most accessible kit in this entire roundup. Beginners who want to start with modern American armor should start here, then graduate to AFV Club kits for more detail.
Tamiya vs AFV Club comparison
Tamiya wins on fit and ease of assembly. AFV Club wins on detail and historical accuracy. The right choice depends on your priorities.
If you want a clean display model with minimal frustration, go Tamiya. If you want maximum detail and do not mind extra work, go AFV Club.
Who should skip it
Advanced builders seeking a challenge will find this kit too easy. The Tamiya is designed for accessibility, not complexity.
Anyone who already owns a Tamiya M60A1 or M48 will also find this kit redundant.
What to Look for When Buying AFV Club Armor Kits
Buying AFV Club kits is different from buying from Tamiya or Dragon. Here is what I have learned after building a dozen of their kits, and what I wish someone had told me earlier.
Difficulty and skill level
AFV Club kits are almost always more complex than the box art suggests. The Centurion MK5/1 has 50+ parts just for the suspension, and that is normal for this brand. If you have built fewer than five armor kits, start with a Tamiya or Dragon before moving to AFV Club.
Photo-etched parts are standard on most AFV Club releases. If you have never bent brass, the learning curve will add hours to your build. Practice on scrap before you start the real kit.
Photo-etched parts and detail
Photo-etch, or PE, is thin brass or stainless steel that adds fine detail like screens, brackets, and buckles. AFV Club uses PE on most of their kits, and the parts are crisp. The trade-off is fragility and time.
Invest in a good PE bender and tweezers. The cheap tools will frustrate you and damage parts. A starter set runs about $30 and lasts for years.
Scale accuracy and subject matter
AFV Club focuses on 1/35 scale, which is the standard for armor modeling. Their subjects tend to be obscure variants that other manufacturers skip. If you build a specific theater, AFV Club likely has a kit you cannot find anywhere else.
Reference photos matter more with AFV Club than with mainstream brands. Their subjects are less documented, so you will spend more time hunting for accurate color references and markings.
Value and aftermarket support
AFV Club kits cost more than Tamiya equivalents, but the detail is higher. The value depends on what you value: smooth assembly or maximum realism. For most experienced builders, the AFV Club premium is worth it.
Aftermarket support is decent but not as strong as Tamiya or Dragon. Eduard makes PE sets for some AFV Club kits, and Aber covers a few. Check availability before buying a kit you want to super-detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AFV Club armor kits any good?
Yes, AFV Club armor kits are among the best 1/35 scale military vehicle kits on the market. They are known for exceptional detail, accurate historical subjects, and high-quality molding. The trade-off is complexity, which makes them better suited for intermediate to advanced builders rather than complete beginners.
What is the best AFV Club kit for beginners?
AFV Club kits are not typically beginner-friendly, but the Tamiya M60A3 is a great entry point if you want to work up to AFV Club quality. Among AFV Club kits, the M36 Jackson and the AEC Armoured Commander Car are slightly more approachable, though both still require experience with photo-etched parts and complex suspension assemblies.
How difficult are AFV Club kits compared to Tamiya?
AFV Club kits are noticeably more difficult than Tamiya kits. Tamiya focuses on fit and ease of assembly, while AFV Club prioritizes detail and historical accuracy. Expect to spend 30-50% more time on an AFV Club kit, and plan for more filler, sanding, and dry fitting along the way.
Are AFV Club kits worth the higher price?
For serious modelers, AFV Club kits are worth the premium because the detail level is higher than most competitors. The Centurion MK5/1, for example, includes real springs for suspension and brass photo-etched parts that you do not get from cheaper kits. For casual builders, the Tamiya alternative is usually a better value.
What is the difference between AFV Club and Tamiya?
AFV Club focuses on detail, accuracy, and obscure historical variants. Tamiya focuses on fit, finish, and accessibility. AFV Club kits are harder to build and more expensive, but they offer museum-quality results. Tamiya kits are easier, more affordable, and better for beginners or casual hobbyists.
Final Verdict
AFV Club armor kits are not for everyone, and that is exactly why they have a loyal following. If you want museum-quality detail and do not mind spending extra hours at the workbench, the Centurion MK5/1 remains the gold standard. For a more affordable entry into the brand, the M36 Jackson delivers surprising value with its moveable suspension.
Our team’s top pick for 2026 is the AFV Club Centurion MK5/1. The real spring suspension and metal gun barrel justify the price, and the Vietnam-era subject is rare in plastic. If you are building a Cold War or modern armor collection, the M54A2 Gun Truck and the M1134 Stryker are both excellent choices that showcase what AFV Club does best.
Take your time, invest in good tools, and pick a subject that genuinely excites you. The best armor kit is the one you actually finish and proudly display on your shelf.