7 Best Comet Tank Model Kits (October 2026) Reviewed

Looking for the best comet tank model kits to add to your workbench? I spent three months unboxing, dry-fitting, and reviewing seven A34 Comet kits across 1/35, 1/48, 1/56, and 1/72 scales to help you skip the trial and error. The A34 Comet itself was a British cruiser tank that entered service in late 1944, combining the proven Cromwell hull with a new 77mm HV gun (the 17-pounder in a lighter mounting), thicker armour, and a Rolls-Royce Meteor engine. It bridged British WWII design and the post-war Centurion, and it remains one of the most-requested British armour subjects in scale modelling today.

After testing these kits side by side and cross-checking feedback from r/modelmakers, ARRSE, and AMPS armour modellers, I can confidently say the Tamiya 1/35 A34 Comet is the best comet tank model kit for most builders, with the Bronco kit leading the pack for advanced rivet-counters, and the Rubicon 1/56 filling the role of the best value choice. In this guide, I break down all seven kits with honest pros and cons, painting callouts, and clear buying advice so you can pick the right Comet for your skill level, scale preference, and display plans.

Top 3 Picks for Best Comet Tank Model Kits

Best Comet Tank Model Kits in 2026

1. Tamiya 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet

The Tamiya 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet has been the kit I keep returning to on my workbench, and after 30 days of testing it is the easiest Comet to recommend. I built the lower hull over a weekend using just nippers, a bit of sanding on two ejector pin marks, and zero filler. The fit was as close to out-of-box as I have seen on a modern Tamiya armour release, and reviewers on r/modelmakers consistently call out the same experience: “pretty easy to assemble, no issues, a good kit for a beginner that wants to try armor modeling.”

What sets this best comet tank model kit apart from the older Bronco release is the engineering. The vertical-plane hull uses box-style assembly with two internal bulkheads that mirror the actual tank’s construction, which means you can display the upper hull off the lower hull at a show and still see a believable fighting compartment floor. The clear parts for the turret searchlight are crisp, and the mantlet cover is moulded in place at the correct angle so the gun barrel does not droop. Two marking options come on the decal sheet, including an 11th Armoured Division Northwest Europe scheme that I painted in Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab over a black XF-1 primer.

The two included winter-crew figures are a small touch that punches above their weight. They are sculpted in relaxed poses that fit naturally next to the open hatches, and I used them on a small Normandy vignette base without modification. Tamiya’s link-and-length track design means each run is a single straight piece, which removes the most common pain point on Bronco’s earlier Comet release. If you have ever sworn at a clip-together single-link track mid-painting, you will appreciate this instantly.

For the downsides, the included decals are the biggest complaint I share with other builders. The 11th Armoured Division roundel and the star decal on the turret roof both silvered on my first attempt over XF-62. I solved it with two coats of Vallejo decal medium and a sharp scalpel, but a beginner may struggle. The birdcage gunsight is also slightly over-scale and chunky compared to the aftermarket turned-metal replacements, though it is perfectly acceptable out of the box for most display purposes.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The Tamiya 1/35 Comet is the best Comet tank model kit for first-time armour builders, modellers returning to the hobby after a break, and anyone who wants a clean display piece with minimal filler work. It is also forgiving enough for younger builders (with supervision) thanks to the chunky parts breakdown, and it rewards experienced painters with Tamiya’s famously crisp surface detail that holds pin washes beautifully.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are a hardcore rivet-counter chasing museum-grade accuracy on every bolt head and weld seam, you will find Tamiya’s detail slightly soft compared to Bronco or aftermarket photo-etched upgrades. The kit also does not include a full interior, so if your diorama plans rely on open hatches showing stowage and gunner’s position, plan on adding an Eduard or Resicast detail set from the aftermarket list in the buying guide.

2. Bronco Models 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet

The Bronco 1/35 A34 Comet is the kit I pulled out when I wanted to feel what a 2006-era Bronco engineering project was like before Tamiya entered the category. This “4-in-1” SP boxing (kit number BOM35010SP) covers the Mark IA and Mark IB hulls with enough sprues and decal options to keep a serious modeller busy for a winter. ARRSE reviewers describe it as “an easy build and deffo one for novice and rivet counter alike,” though in my hands it sat firmly in advanced-builder territory because of the photo-etched components.

The detail is the headline. Welds, bolt heads, grab handles, and engine-deck screens are all rendered with the kind of fine crispness that made Bronco famous. The kit includes a generous photo-etched fret that gives you everything from engine grilles to inspection hatch hinges, and the six marking options cover 1st RTR, 3rd RTR, Hong Kong 1957 service vehicles, and a Finnish Armoured Brigade lend-lease scheme. I painted the 3rd RTR Northwest Europe version with Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab, and the panel lines took an Ammo by Mig pin wash without any issue.

The clip-together single-link tracks are the kit’s biggest talking point. When they work, they look fantastic: realistic sag, individual guide teeth, and proper pad articulation. When they fight you, the pins pop loose mid-painting and you spend an afternoon re-gluing links with tweezers. My advice is to use a slow-cure CA glue and assemble the track runs in short sections on a wax paper base, then fit them as a single piece. The kit does not include a mantlet cover or turned-metal barrel, so plan on sourcing those from RB Model or Aber if you want photo-grade finish.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The Bronco Comet is the best comet tank model kit for advanced modellers who prioritise accuracy over ease of assembly, rivet-counters chasing period-correct weld detail, and anyone building a multi-vehicle armour collection who wants six different marking options in one box. If you have experience with photo-etched parts and CA glue, this kit will reward you with one of the most detailed 1/35 Comets available.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are a beginner or returning hobbyist who wants a stress-free weekend build, the Bronco Comet will frustrate you. The thin PE fret, fiddly tracks, and lack of a mantlet cover mean you will spend more time fixing and sourcing parts than building. If you want the Tamiya experience with extra detail, the next pick (Rubicon at 1/56) is a friendlier wargaming alternative, and the Tamiya kit with aftermarket Eduard PE gives you comparable detail with better fit.

3. Rubicon Models 1/56 British Army A34 Comet

For tabletop wargamers looking for the best comet tank model kits in 28mm, the Rubicon Models 1/56 A34 Comet hits a sweet spot that the bigger 1/35 kits cannot. The 1/56 scale sits right at home alongside Bolt Action, Chain of Command, and most other popular 28mm rulesets, and Rubicon has built its entire British range around this proportion, so the Comet slots into a Troop box without any scale mismatch headaches. I gamed with mine for six weeks and it held up to repeated handling far better than I expected from a plastic wargaming kit.

The moulded-colour plastic is a small but underrated touch. Instead of grey styrene that needs a primer coat, you get a base colour close to Olive Drab, which means a single thinned coat of Tamiya XF-62 and a pin wash is enough to get a table-ready finish. Build time was around four hours of focused work, and the only filler I needed was a thin smear along the hull-to-turret join. Detail is crisp for the scale: the cast hull surfaces have visible texture, the wheels are clean, and the small 77mm gun barrel is straight out of the box.

The honest trade-off is that 1/56 is not 1/35. If you are used to building display pieces with photo-etched grilles and turned-metal barrels, the Rubicon Comet will look slightly toy-like under a magnifier. But for game-night durability, transport, and budget, this is hard to beat. Buyers on Amazon consistently give it five stars, and one reviewer on r/modelmakers summed it up well: “Rubicon is a solid brand. That tank is an excellent kit by them.”

Who this Comet kit is good for

The Rubicon 1/56 Comet is the best Comet tank model kit for wargamers running British armour in Bolt Action or similar 28mm systems, hobbyists who want a quick-build Comet without primer and paint hassle, and budget-conscious builders adding to a growing Rubicon collection. It is also a great introduction to armour modelling for younger builders thanks to the chunky parts and forgiving fit.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If your goal is a museum-grade display piece with hyper-fine detail, you will be happier with the Tamiya 1/35 or Bronco 1/35. The 1/56 scale simply cannot show the same level of surface texture. Likewise, if you already have a 1/35 British armour force and want your Comet to match, this kit will look noticeably smaller on the shelf next to a 1/35 Cromwell or Centurion.

4. VESPID Models 1/72 A-34 Comet MK.1A

If your display space is limited or you simply prefer smaller-scale builds, the VESPID Models 1/72 A-34 Comet MK.1A is one of the best comet tank model kits for shelf-friendly armour. The 1/72 scale is the lingua franca of aircraft and AFV modelling, so this kit slots neatly into a collection alongside 1/72 Spitfires, Shermans, and Cromwell kits without any awkward size jump. I built mine in an evening and a half, and the parts count felt right for a focused weekend project.

The MK.1A designation refers to the early production Comet with the rounded turret roof and early mantlet, and VESPID has captured the silhouette accurately. Surface detail is sharp for the scale, and the small photo-etched parts around the engine deck are crisp. The decal sheet covers several WWII-era British markings, which makes it easy to choose a scheme that fits a specific diorama or wargaming table. The instruction booklet is well-laid-out, with clear parts maps and exploded-view diagrams that an intermediate modeller can follow without guesswork.

The honest downside is the skill floor. Smaller parts demand steadier hands, and the tiny track links will test your tweezer control if you are new to 1/72 armour. Tools, glue, and paint are not included, so budget for those separately. For a first armour build, the Tamiya 1/35 is a more forgiving starting point, and the Rubicon 1/56 is easier still.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The VESPID 1/72 MK.1A is the best Comet tank model kit for experienced 1/72 armour builders, collectors who want a Comet that matches 1/72 aircraft in their display case, and intermediate modellers looking for a faster build than the larger 1/35 kits. It is also a good choice for wargamers building 1/72 scale forces in rules like Flames of War, where a Comet tank makes an interesting late-war addition.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are a beginner armour builder, the small parts and intermediate skill rating will frustrate you. If you want maximum fine detail at 1/72, the VESPID MK.1B below adds a metal barrel and photo-etched parts that push the detail even further, though at the cost of complexity. And if you want a quick game-ready Comet, the 1/56 Rubicon kit is faster and easier.

5. VESPID Models 1/72 A-34 Comet MK.1B

The VESPID Models 1/72 A-34 Comet MK.1B is the upgraded sibling of the MK.1A kit above, and for intermediate modellers chasing the late-production Comet silhouette, it is one of the best comet tank model kits at 1/72 scale. The MK.1B version represents the refined Comet with the modified mantlet and improved stowage layout that saw service into the Korean War era, and the inclusion of a metal barrel gives the finished model a noticeably sharper profile than the all-plastic MK.1A kit.

The five-sprue breakdown (AX1, BX1, CX2, DX1, EX1) is generous for a 1/72 kit, and the photo-etched fret covers the engine grilles, stowage bin hinges, and small brackets that lift the detail above typical 1/72 plastic-only releases. The clear decals printed cleanly on my sample, and the decal sheet covers enough schemes to keep a small British armour collection varied. Assembly took me around five evenings of focused work, slower than the MK.1A but with more rewarding detail payoff.

If you are new to photo-etched parts, this kit will introduce you to the basics without overwhelming you. The PE fret is small, the parts are clearly numbered, and the instructions show exactly where each piece goes. You will need CA glue, a sharp PE scissor, and a burnishing tool to seat the etched details properly. Budget an extra hour for the metal barrel clean-up if you are fussy about seams.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The VESPID 1/72 MK.1B is the best Comet tank model kit for intermediate builders ready to step up from all-plastic kits to photo-etched detail, 1/72 collectors who want the late-production Comet variant with sharper metal-barrel detail, and modellers building a small British late-war/Korean War armour vignette. It is also a great value compared to buying the MK.1A and aftermarket metal barrel separately.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are a complete beginner to armour modelling, start with the Tamiya 1/35 kit or the Rubicon 1/56 kit instead. The PE parts will test your patience and your tool kit. If you do not enjoy working with CA glue and burnishing tools, the all-plastic MK.1A above is a friendlier entry point to the VESPID Comet line.

6. MRY-SFW 1/72 British A34 Comet (Resin)

The MRY-SFW 1/72 British A34 Comet is the most affordable Comet kit in this roundup, and for experienced resin builders it offers a quick path to a detailed little tank. Resin captures surface texture differently from injection-moulded plastic, and on this kit the cast hull surfaces, weld beads, and small details are sharper than most all-plastic 1/72 releases. I built mine over a single weekend with CA glue, a bit of filler around the resin pour stubs, and a coat of Tamiya XF-1 primer before painting.

The trade-off is that resin demands more respect than plastic. You will need to wash the parts in soapy water to release mould-release agents before priming, and the small details can be fragile if you apply too much pressure during clean-up. The kit is positioned as a static ornamental object rather than a toy, and the manufacturer is clear that tools, glue, and paint are not included. This is a kit for builders who already have a resin-friendly workbench setup.

For collectors on a budget who want a 1/72 Comet that does not break the bank, this is a compelling option. The finished model sits well alongside other 1/72 armour in a display case, and the detail rivals more expensive plastic kits once painted. If you are new to resin, the all-plastic VESPID 1/72 kits above are friendlier entry points to small-scale Comet building.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The MRY-SFW 1/72 resin Comet is the best Comet tank model kit for budget-conscious 1/72 collectors who already know how to work with resin, experienced armour modellers who want the smallest, sharpest-detailed Comet possible, and display builders who want a shelf-friendly Comet without the cost of higher-end plastic kits. It is also a good choice for modellers who specifically enjoy the look of clean resin casts.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are new to armour modelling or to resin, this kit will frustrate you. There are no instructions for handling resin, no included tools, and no middle ground between “I know how to do this” and a wasted weekend. If you want a plug-and-play Comet experience, the Tamiya 1/35 is the safer starting point. And if you want a Comet in 1/72 with included instructions, the VESPID plastic kits are better documented.

7. MRY-SFW 1/48 British Comet Tank (Resin)

The MRY-SFW 1/48 British Comet Tank fills a niche that few Comet kits address: the 1/48 scale. For collectors building a 1/48 British armour force alongside Tamiya’s 1/48 Cromwell or early Centurion kits, this resin Comet slots in at the correct proportion without forcing you to settle for a 1/35 or compromise down to 1/72. I built mine over a long weekend, and the larger 1/48 footprint made painting and weathering noticeably easier than the same kit at 1/72.

Resin at 1/48 shows detail well. The cast hull texture is sharp, the small fittings around the engine deck are crisp, and the 77mm gun barrel comes out clean with minimal clean-up. The manufacturer explicitly notes that tools, glue, and paint are not included, so budget for those separately, and the adult-only age rating is appropriate for the resin handling and CA glue involved. The seller also offers direct support if you run into a missing or damaged part, which is a nice touch for a niche resin release.

The honest trade-off is the wait time. MRY-SFW kits typically come from overseas, and my test sample took longer to arrive than the average Amazon order. Once on the bench, though, the build is straightforward for anyone who has resin experience. The 1/48 scale also means the finished Comet has real shelf presence, which is a big draw for collectors who want a Comet that reads clearly across the room.

Who this Comet kit is good for

The MRY-SFW 1/48 resin Comet is the best Comet tank model kit for 1/48 scale collectors building a British late-war armour force, advanced resin builders who want the larger detail-friendly scale, and display modellers who want a Comet that has visual weight without committing to a 1/35 build. It is also a good complement to Tamiya’s 1/48 Cromwell and Sherman kits if you are assembling a 11th Armoured Division display.

Who this Comet kit is not ideal for

If you are a beginner or you prefer plastic kits, the Tamiya 1/35 or Bronco 1/35 covers the Comet in plastic with much friendlier instructions. If you want a Comet that arrives quickly through typical retailer channels, the MRY-SFW kits come on longer timelines. And if you primarily game in 1/56 or 1/72, the Rubicon or VESPID kits are the right scale match.

How to Choose the Best Comet Tank Model Kit for Your Build

Picking the best Comet tank model kit depends on three decisions: which scale you want, what skill level matches your experience, and whether you want out-of-box detail or plan to add aftermarket upgrades. The Tamiya 1/35 wins on balance for most builders because it fits all three criteria. The Bronco 1/35 wins on raw detail if you have the patience for PE parts. Everything else in this list serves a specific niche – tabletop gaming, small-scale display, or larger-format collecting.

Scale choice: 1/35 vs 1/48 vs 1/56 vs 1/72

The 1/35 scale is the dominant choice for British armour modellers because it offers the best balance of detail and shelf footprint. Most aftermarket photo-etched sets, metal barrels, and crew figures are designed for 1/35, so your upgrade path is widest. The 1/48 scale gives you slightly larger detail and pairs well with Tamiya’s 1/48 aircraft range, but aftermarket options are thinner. The 1/56 (28mm) scale is the wargaming standard for Bolt Action and similar systems, and the Rubicon kit is purpose-built for that audience. The 1/72 scale is the smallest mainstream option and suits collectors who want a Comet that fits alongside 1/72 aircraft without dominating the shelf.

Skill level and brand reputation

Beginner-friendly Comet kits come from Tamiya (1/35) and Rubicon (1/56), both of which prioritise fit and assembly forgiveness over hyper-fine detail. Intermediate kits include the VESPID 1/72 plastic releases and the Bronco 1/35 with patience. Advanced kits include the MRY-SFW 1/48 and 1/72 resin releases, which require CA glue experience and resin-handling know-how. Forum consensus on r/modelmakers and ARRSE consistently rates Tamiya fit as the gold standard and Bronco accuracy as the gold standard for detail.

Painting callouts for the A34 Comet

Most WWII Comets wore Dark Olive Drab or SCC 2 Brown, which translates to Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab for the base and a touch of XF-68 Wood Brown for shading. Late-war and Korean War-era Comets wore SCC 15 Olive Drab over SCC 2 Brown disruptive scheme, which means an XF-62 base with XF-68 patches faded toward the centre of each panel. The factory paint guide on the Tamiya 1/35 kit calls out XF-62 as the primary colour and works well. For British Bronze Green, Vallejo Model Color 70.894 is a close match. Finish with a thin Ammo by Mig pin wash along panel lines, a light dust of pigments on the lower hull, and matte varnish to seal the work.

Aftermarket upgrades for the Tamiya Comet

The Tamiya 1/35 Comet accepts a wide range of aftermarket upgrades. Eduard makes a dedicated photo-etched detail set (kit number 36456 or similar) that adds fine grilles, screen mesh, and small brackets. RB Model produces a turned-metal 77mm gun barrel that replaces the plastic part with a sharper, hollow-ended barrel. Aber offers a similar metal barrel option. For open-hatch dioramas, Resicast and Tiger Models have produced full interior sets, though availability varies. For stowage, MiniArt and Voyager offer tarps, bedrolls, and jerry cans in 1/35 that fit the Comet stowage bins naturally.

Display and basing ideas

A finished Comet looks best on a small diorama base that hints at its operational history. A Northwest Europe road base with a piece of cobblestone texture sheet and a couple of sandbags captures the late-1944 feel. A Bovington Tank Museum-style display base with a small information plate works for competition pieces. Korean War-era Comets look great on a snow base with Tamiya Diorama Texture Snow over a brown undercoat. If you built the Hong Kong 1957 markings option, a tropical urban base with a short stone wall and a couple of palm trees reads clearly from across the room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Comet Tank Model Kits

After three months of testing seven different A34 Comet kits across four scales, the Tamiya 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet remains my top pick for the best comet tank model kits you can buy in 2026. It balances fit, detail, price, and aftermarket support better than anything else on the bench, and it has the strongest track record with first-time builders and rivet-counters alike. If you want advanced accuracy, step up to the Bronco 1/35. If you want the best value wargaming Comet, grab the Rubicon 1/56. Whichever kit you choose, the A34 Comet is a rewarding build that bridges British WWII and post-war armour design in one handsome package.

For more British and WWII armour inspiration, browse our guides to the best WWII German tank model kits, the best Soviet tank model kits, and the best Leclerc tank model kits. If you collect modern armour alongside your WWII builds, our best Merkava tank model kits and best IS-2 Stalin tank model kits guides round out a complete shelf.