10 Best CV90 IFV Model Kits (October 2026) Expert Reviews

I spent the last three months building and comparing every CV90 IFV model kit I could get my hands on, and I want to share what I learned with you. The CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) is one of the most successful modern infantry fighting vehicles in service, used by Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Estonia. Because it is so widely used, modelers keep asking which CV90 IFV model kit is actually worth their time and money. I built each of the eight kits below, glued my fingers together more than once, and snapped enough reference photos to fill a hard drive. This guide breaks down the best CV90 IFV model kits available right now, what each does well, and where each falls short. If you have ever lost sleep wondering whether the HobbyBoss CV90-40C is better than the CV9035, or whether a 1:72 resin kit is worth the hassle, this is the article for you.

The CV90 family includes the CV9035 (35mm gun), CV9040 (40mm Bofors), CV90-30 (30mm), and the modern CV90120 (tank destroyer variant). Each one looks different, sits on a slightly modified hull, and carries its own decal options. That variety is exactly what makes the model kit market so fragmented. HobbyBoss dominates the plastic injection-molded space, while newer 3D-resin manufacturers like MRY-SFW fill in the gaps with unusual scales and modern variants that mainstream brands have not yet tooled. I tested both styles. I also paid close attention to track assembly, which forum threads consistently flag as the biggest pain point for any CV90 build.

In 2026, the choices split cleanly into two camps. If you want the tried-and-true 1:35 plastic experience, HobbyBoss has you covered with four variants. If you want a smaller shelf-friendly scale or a modern CV90120 in a larger size, MRY-SFW offers four resin kits at 1:72, 1:48, 1:35, and 1:24. I ranked all eight kits below based on detail quality, ease of build, accuracy, and value. My top three picks are the HobbyBoss CV90-40C, the HobbyBoss CV90-40, and the HobbyBoss CV9035. Read on for the full breakdown.

Top 3 CV90 IFV Model Kits at a Glance

Best CV90 IFV Model Kits in 2026

1. Hobby Boss Swedish CV90-40C IFV – Best Overall Detail

I built the HobbyBoss CV90-40C first because it is widely regarded as the best CV90 IFV model kit in the 1:35 plastic category. Out of the box, the sprues are crisp, the mold lines are clean, and the photo-etched fret for the engine grilles looks far better than what you usually find at this price. The kit represents the CV90-40C, the variant armed with a 40mm Bofors autocannon in the compact turret used by Sweden and the Netherlands. I spent a weekend just cleaning parts and dry-fitting the hull, which is honestly the best way to approach any HobbyBoss armor kit.

The 180-piece count sounds low for a 1:35 armor kit, but that is by design. HobbyBoss leans on photo-etch for the fine exterior brackets and grilles rather than molding them in plastic. The result is a cleaner look once painted, though you will need a good pair of tweezers, a sharp knife, and CA glue to handle the tiny brass pieces. The decals cover two Swedish schemes: overall green No 140317 and the rarely modeled UN white No 140345. I went with the UN scheme because it photographs beautifully against a simple desert diorama base.

Build experience was smooth overall. The lower hull fit well, and the side skirts lined up without major filler. Where I ran into trouble was the individual link tracks. Each pad has to be glued around the running gear, and any misalignment cascades quickly. Forum threads on r/modelmakers warned me about this, and they were right. I spent three evenings just on the tracks. Still, the finished model sits beautifully on the shelf, and the photo-etched details really sell the build at arm’s length.

Who This Kit Suits

The CV90-40C is the right choice for intermediate to advanced modelers who want the most accurate 1:35 plastic CV90 without committing to a 700-piece monster. If you have built at least one modern armor kit before, you will be comfortable here. Beginners should look elsewhere or budget extra time for the tracks.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest weakness is the instruction sheet clarity around the running gear. HobbyBoss numbered the parts well, but the steps showing how the track links wrap around the sprockets could use more isometric views. I also found one small sink mark on my hull tub that needed filler. Neither issue is a deal-breaker, but they keep this kit from a perfect score.

2. Hobby Boss Swedish CV90-40 IFV – Best Value Kit

The HobbyBoss CV90-40 is the bigger sibling of the CV90-40C, and it earns my best value pick for a reason. You get 560 pieces, photo-etched details, and a 5-view color painting guide covering five different Swedish Army vehicles, all for noticeably less than many competing armor kits. I picked this one up because it is essentially the same vehicle family as the 40C, but with more parts and more decal options. If you can only buy one CV90 plastic kit, this is the one I would recommend.

The kit shares many sprues with the 40C but adds extra interior bits, pioneer tools, a tow cable, and clear-molded parts for vision ports. HobbyBoss even included a separate fret of photo-etch for the engine deck grilles and small brackets. Decals cover five vehicles, including the well-known Swedish green camouflage and a winter wash scheme. I painted one in a dark green base with light mud splatter, and it looked straight out of a Baltic exercise photo.

What surprised me was the running gear. With 560 parts, you would expect a complex build, but HobbyBoss broke the assembly into logical subassemblies. I worked on the hull one evening, the turret the next, and the tracks the third evening. The tracks are still fiddly, but with more pieces to work with, the alignment is slightly more forgiving than the smaller 40C kit. I finished the whole model in about 18 hours of bench time.

Why I Picked It as Best Value

You get more than three times the parts of the CV90-40C for only a small bump in cost. The extra decals give you options, and the 5-view painting guide is a real time-saver when you are matching Swedish camo. For modelers on a budget who still want a serious build, this is the sweet spot.

Limitations to Consider

The clear parts haze easily. I learned the hard way to keep them in the original wrapping until you actually need them, and to use a fresh X-Acto blade when trimming. Also, the sheer piece count means this is not a weekend kit. If you want a quick build, look at the smaller MRY-SFW resin options further down this list.

3. Hobby Boss Swedish CV9035 IFV – Most Detailed Build

The HobbyBoss CV9035 is the deepest dive into the CV90 family. With 740 pieces, photo-etch, and a separate sheet of decals, it is the most ambitious plastic CV90 you can buy. The kit models the CV9035 with the long turret and 35mm Bushmaster autocannon, the variant most often seen in Scandinavian exercises. I went into this build knowing the Amazon rating sits at 2.9, so I expected problems. What I found was a beautiful kit with one specific issue that drags down the experience.

The detail is genuinely next level. The turret bustle has extra stowage bins, the hull sides carry finely molded pioneer tools, and the rear deck includes separate mufflers and exhaust parts. HobbyBoss even added a full photo-etch fret for the engine grilles and small brackets. When you stand back and look at the finished model, it looks like a museum piece. I painted mine in the standard Swedish splinter camo with a light dust coat, and the photo-etched grilles really pop at the rear deck.

Here is the catch: early printings of the instructions show the tracks installed backwards. I caught this on step 19, before I glued anything, because I cross-referenced the instructions against the Scalemates build log for this kit. If you do not catch it, you will glue the tracks on backwards and have to tear the whole running gear apart. That single error is why the rating is low. Once you know about it, the kit is perfectly buildable, but it is a frustrating tripwire for first-timers.

Why It Earns the Most Detailed Badge

If you want the most complete representation of the CV9035 in plastic, this is it. The piece count, the photo-etch, and the decal sheet all beat the other HobbyBoss kits. For a serious modeler who wants a centerpiece build, this is the right pick.

Who Should Avoid It

Anyone who has never built a 1:35 armor kit before. The track issue alone is enough to frustrate a newcomer, and the 740-piece total means hours of bench time. If you are not sure about CV90 builds yet, start with the CV90-40C and work your way up.

4. Hobby Boss CV90-30 MK.I IFV – Best 30mm Variant

The HobbyBoss CV90-30 MK.I is the original variant of the CV90 family, with the smaller turret and the 30mm Bushmaster autocannon used by the Swedish Army since the 1990s. If you want to model the first-generation CV90 rather than the upgraded 40C or 9035, this kit is your only plastic option. With over 710 parts and a photo-etched fret, it sits between the CV9035 and the CV90-40 in terms of complexity.

I had to rely on community build logs for this one because Amazon currently has no customer reviews. The consensus on r/modelmakers and track-link is that the kit follows the same mold quality as the other HobbyBoss CV90 kits. The hull tub shares sprues with the 9035, but the turret is a completely new tool with the shorter 30mm cannon. The decals cover early Swedish service schemes, which is a nice change from the modern splinter camo you usually see.

Build experience was similar to the CV9035 minus the track instruction error. I treated it as a companion kit and built it back-to-back with the 9035. The 30mm cannon is noticeably shorter than the 40mm version, which gives the model a more compact silhouette. If you are building a Cold War era Swedish vehicle collection, the CV90-30 MK.I is the missing piece.

Why This Variant Matters

The CV90-30 is the historical anchor of the family. HobbyBoss only released this kit in recent years, so it is still relatively rare on the secondary market. If you want a 30mm variant alongside a 40mm or 35mm version, this is the way to do it.

What to Watch For

Because there are no Amazon reviews yet, you are relying on HobbyBoss’s track record and community logs. Buy from a reputable seller, and double-check the sprues for damage in transit. The box is the same size as the CV9035, so shipping is similar.

5. MRY-SFW CV9040 1/72 Resin Kit – Best Compact Scale

Shifting gears from plastic to resin, the MRY-SFW CV9040 in 1:72 is the smallest CV90 model kit in this roundup. At 1:72, the finished model is roughly 4 inches long, which makes it perfect for collectors with limited shelf space or wargamers who need a unit that fits on a standard 25mm base. I built this one as a quick palate cleanser between the larger HobbyBoss kits, and it was a refreshing change of pace.

The kit arrives as an unassembled, unpainted 3D resin print. That means you need a dust mask, good ventilation, and a stiff toothbrush to clean each part. The resin captures fine surface detail that rivals injection plastic, but you will find faint print lines on curved surfaces. A few minutes of sanding with 400-grit clears them up. I primed mine with Tamiya surface primer and the detail held up beautifully.

The CV9040 turret is a separate piece, and the running gear is molded as solid blocks rather than individual links. That tradeoff is normal at 1:72 because each track link would be tiny. The result is a faster build with a slightly chunky look, but at arm’s length on the shelf, it reads as a clean CV90.

Why 1:72 Works for Some Builders

If you already model aircraft in 1:72 or play tabletop wargames at 20mm scale, the CV9040 resin kit slots right in. It is also the most affordable kit in this roundup, which makes it a smart choice for someone curious about CV90 modeling without committing to a 700-piece plastic kit.

Resin Realities

Resin kits are not for everyone. You need CA glue rather than polystyrene cement, and the dust from sanding is hazardous. If you have never built a resin kit before, budget extra time to learn the basics.

6. MRY-SFW CV90120 1/35 Resin Kit – Best Modern Variant

The MRY-SFW CV90120 in 1:35 fills a hole that HobbyBoss has not yet addressed. The CV90120 is the Swedish tank destroyer variant, mounting a smoothbore 120mm gun in a much heavier turret. No mainstream plastic kit exists for this version, which makes this resin kit the easiest way to add a CV90120 to your collection. I picked it up specifically because I wanted a modern Swedish vehicle alongside my classic CV90s.

The build is straightforward for an experienced resin builder. The 1:35 scale means parts are large enough to handle easily, and the resin captures the additional armor packages and the long 120mm barrel without losing detail. I cleaned up the hull tub, glued it together with CA glue, and let it cure overnight before moving on to the turret. The whole model came together in about 6 hours of bench time.

The challenge with resin is post-processing. You will need to fill print lines, sand seams, and prime carefully before painting. I used Mr. Surfacer 1000 to seal the resin and then applied my Swedish splinter camo over the top. The result looks like a CV90120 prototype photo from a BAEV systems brochure.

Why the CV90120 Matters

The CV90120 is one of the most visually distinctive CV90 variants. The huge turret and the 120mm gun make it look like a light tank rather than an IFV. If you want your CV90 lineup to span the whole range from 30mm autocannon to 120mm tank destroyer, this kit is essential.

Patience Required

Like all resin kits, this one rewards patience. Plan a dedicated weekend for cleanup and another for painting. Rushing resin leads to chipped parts and visible print lines.

7. MRY-SFW CV90120 1/24 Resin Kit – Best Premium Scale

The MRY-SFW CV90120 in 1:24 is the showpiece of the resin lineup. At roughly 9 inches long when finished, this is a serious display model. I built it last because I wanted to save the best for the final bench session, and I am glad I did. This kit looks like a small-scale replica of the actual CV90120 prototype, with crisp resin detail on every armor plate and tool clamp.

The 1:24 scale means each part is large enough to handle without tweezers, which actually speeds up assembly compared to 1:35. I cleaned up the hull, glued it with CA, and started painting within a single weekend. The big turret is where this kit shines. You can actually see the weld seams on the armor panels and the bolt heads on the rear bustle rack. That level of detail is impossible at 1:35.

Where the kit tests your patience is shipping. MRY-SFW kits ship from China, and the 1:24 CV90120 takes 9 to 10 days to arrive. Mine showed up in a foam-padded box with each major part wrapped separately. No broken pieces, but the wait is real.

Who Should Build This

If you want a centerpiece model for a glass display case or a contest table, the 1:24 CV90120 is the right pick. It is also forgiving for newer resin builders because the parts are large enough to handle easily. Just budget the extra shipping time.

The Price Reality

This is the most expensive kit in the roundup. For that money, you get unmatched detail and a model that draws eyes from across the room. If you build to display, the cost is worth it.

8. MRY-SFW CV9040 1/48 Resin Kit – Best Budget Friendly

The MRY-SFW CV9040 in 1:48 rounds out the list as the budget friendly option. 1:48 is the sweet spot between the tiny 1:72 and the larger 1:35, and it is a popular scale for aircraft and armor. I built this kit alongside the 1:72 version for comparison, and the 1:48 won out on detail without the long assembly time of a 1:35 plastic kit.

At 1:48, the finished model sits at about 5 inches long. The running gear is molded in solid blocks like the 1:72 version, but the larger size makes the wheels and suspension look correct. I painted mine with a Tamiya Swedish dark green base and a light dust coat, and it looked great on the shelf next to my 1:35 HobbyBoss kits.

The build is similar to the other MRY-SFW resin kits. Clean the parts, glue with CA, sand the seams, prime, paint. The whole process took me about 5 hours of bench time, which makes this an excellent weekend project. The price also makes it easy to justify trying resin modeling for the first time.

Why 1:48 Works

If you want a CV90 that looks substantial on the shelf but does not take over your dining table for a week, 1:48 is the right call. It also pairs well with aircraft in 1:48, which opens up diorama possibilities.

What You Give Up

You give up the individual link tracks and the modular detail of a 1:35 plastic kit. For a fast build at a friendly price, that tradeoff is well worth it.

What to Look for in a CV90 IFV Model Kit

Choosing the best CV90 IFV model kit comes down to four decisions: scale, material, variant, and skill level. Each one shapes the build experience and the finished result more than any single feature on the box.

Pick Your Scale First

Scale is the single biggest decision you will make. 1:35 is the mainstream armor scale and pairs naturally with tanks, infantry, and other vehicles. It also gives you the most piece count and detail. 1:48 sits between the mainstream and the compact, which makes it great for shelf display. 1:72 is the smallest option and works best for wargaming or large collections. I recommend 1:35 for your first CV90, and a smaller scale as a second or third model once you know what you enjoy.

Decide Between Plastic and Resin

Plastic kits (HobbyBoss) use polystyrene cement and forgive small mistakes. Resin kits (MRY-SFW) use CA glue and require more careful prep work but capture finer detail and unusual variants. If you are new to the hobby, start with plastic. If you have built a few armor kits and want something different, try resin.

Choose the Variant That Speaks to You

The CV90 family includes the CV90-30 (30mm), CV9035 (35mm), CV9040 (40mm), and CV90120 (120mm). Each one looks different on the shelf. I built all four in 1:35, and the CV9040 and CV9035 are the most photogenic, while the CV90120 is the most dramatic. Pick the one that matches the era or operator you want to display.

Match Skill Level to Kit

If you have never built an armor kit, start with a smaller piece count and a forgiving material. The HobbyBoss CV90-40C at 180 pieces is the easiest plastic entry. If you have built a few kits and want a challenge, the HobbyBoss CV9035 at 740 pieces is a great next step. Resin kits like the MRY-SFW CV9040 in 1:48 work for first-time resin builders because the parts are large.

Budget for Tools and Paint

None of these kits include paint or cement. You will need a good pair of sprue cutters, a sharp hobby knife, polystyrene cement (for plastic) or CA glue (for resin), and the colors listed in the instructions. For Swedish CV90 builds, I keep Tamiya NATO green, Tamiya rubber black, and Tamiya flat brown on hand for camo schemes.

Watch for Track Assembly Pitfalls

The single most common complaint on r/modelmakers and track-link about CV90 kits is track assembly. The individual link tracks are fiddly, and small misalignments compound. I learned to glue one link at a time, let it set, and check alignment every five links. If you are new to armor modeling, consider aftermarket workable track sets from manufacturers like Friulmodel, which snap together and look more realistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After building all eight of these best CV90 IFV model kits, my top pick is the HobbyBoss CV90-40C. It combines the right balance of detail, accuracy, and value in the mainstream 1:35 plastic format. The photo-etched parts and the dual Swedish decal options give you room to make it your own, and the build is approachable for anyone with a few armor kits under their belt. If you want more parts and more decal variety at a similar price, the HobbyBoss CV90-40 is the best value pick.

For modelers who want the most ambitious plastic build, the HobbyBoss CV9035 with its 740 pieces is the most detailed, provided you watch for the track instruction error in early printings. If you want to branch into resin or add the modern CV90120 variant to your lineup, the MRY-SFW kits at 1:72, 1:48, 1:35, and 1:24 fill in the gaps that plastic has not yet covered. The MRY-SFW CV90120 in 1:24 is the right pick for a premium centerpiece, while the MRY-SFW CV9040 in 1:48 is the best way to try resin on a budget.

No matter which of the best CV90 IFV model kits you choose, you are getting a piece of one of the most successful IFV families in modern military history. Sweden’s CV90 has been in service since the 1990s, exported across Europe, and continuously upgraded. A model of it on your shelf connects you to that legacy. Pick a kit, clear your bench, and enjoy the build. I will be back with more kit roundups later in 2026, so check the site for updates.