10 Best Bronco Models Artillery Kits (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever spent a weekend hunched over a workbench, tweezers in hand, trying to get a photo-etched bracket to sit just right on a 1/35 scale howitzer, you already know the appeal of Bronco Models artillery kits. These kits fill a niche that bigger brands like Tamiya and Dragon often overlook, offering modelers detailed subjects ranging from WWII German rocket launchers to Vietnam-era American field guns.

Our team has spent months researching the best Bronco Models artillery kits available right now, comparing build complexity, detail quality, and historical accuracy across the entire range. Whether you are looking for your first artillery build or adding another showpiece to your diorama, this guide covers 10 standout kits that deserve a spot on your workbench.

Bronco Models has built a strong reputation in the military modeling community for producing 1/35 scale plastic model kits with sharp molding and interesting subjects you simply cannot find elsewhere. From classic field guns to Cold War armored vehicles, their artillery lineup offers something for every skill level and interest.

Top 3 Picks for Bronco Models Artillery Kits

10 Best Bronco Models Artillery Kits in 2026

1. Bronco CB35102 – 155mm Howitzer M114A1 Vietnam

The M114A1 howitzer is one of those subjects that immediately grabs attention on a display shelf. I picked up this kit expecting a straightforward field gun build, and Bronco delivered exactly that with clean molding and well-defined parts throughout. The 155mm barrel assembly has convincing detail, and the trails and spade anchors look the part when you get everything together.

What struck me about this kit is how approachable it is compared to some of Bronco’s more complex offerings. The parts count is manageable, and the instruction sheets walk you through each sub-assembly without too much head-scratching. You get a solid artillery piece without needing to wrestle with tiny photo-etched brackets at every turn.

The tradeoff is that you will need to supply your own paint, glue, and tools since this is an unpainted assembly kit. Bronco keeps the focus on the gun itself rather than loading the box with extras like crew figures or accessories. For a Vietnam War diorama, you can pair this with aftermarket figures to create a really compelling scene.

Assembly Experience and Detail Quality

The molding on this Bronco kit is clean with minimal flash to clean up. Panel lines and rivet detail on the howitzer carriage are sharp enough to catch a wash nicely. I found the trail assembly to be the most time-consuming part, but the parts fit well with only minor adjustment needed. The barrel slides together in sections and benefits from careful seam cleanup along the length.

Painting is where this kit really shines. The large, flat surfaces of the gun shield and trails take olive drab beautifully, and a pin wash brings out the bolt detail across the carriage. If you want to push it further, a subtle dry brush on the spades and wheel hubs adds a convincing worn-metal look.

Who Should Build This Kit

This kit is a strong choice for intermediate builders looking for a straightforward artillery build without a steep learning curve. It also works well for anyone building a Vietnam War diorama who needs a centerpiece field gun. Beginners with a few tank builds under their belt should feel comfortable tackling this one.

Advanced builders looking for an ultra-detailed challenge may want to consider adding aftermarket photo-etched sets to bring this kit to competition level. On its own, it builds into a solid display piece that holds up well against more expensive options.

2. Bronco CB35148 – US M19A1 Twin 40mm Gun Motor Carriage

The M19A1 Twin 40mm Gun Motor Carriage is one of those kits that makes you wonder why more manufacturers have not tackled this subject. Bronco captured the dual Bofors gun arrangement with impressive fidelity, and the finished model has real presence on the shelf. I found myself spending extra time on the gun mount assembly because the detail is just that rewarding to bring out.

This Korean War subject sits at an interesting point in military history, bridging the gap between WWII antiaircraft technology and modern self-propelled guns. The chassis is based on the M24 Chaffee, which gives the model a familiar silhouette with enough differences to keep things interesting. Bronco’s molding captures the welded hull texture and the open turret configuration well.

At this price point with a perfect 5-star rating from buyers and Prime shipping, this kit represents strong value. You get a complete gun motor carriage with both Bofors barrels, the chassis, and enough detail to keep you engaged through a full weekend build session.

Build Complexity and Parts Quality

The twin gun assembly is the heart of this build and where most of your time will go. Each Bofors gun has multiple barrel sections and mount brackets that need careful alignment. I recommend dry-fitting the gun cradle before committing to glue because getting both barrels parallel takes some patience. The chassis goes together smoothly and the road wheel assembly follows standard AFV construction.

Bronco’s plastic quality on this kit is consistent with no warping or sink marks on the larger parts. The smaller gun-sight and ammo-feed parts are finely molded but manageable with a good pair of tweezers. A slow-setting cement gives you time to position the fiddly gun elevation mechanisms.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate builders with a few armor kits completed will get the most from this build. The gun assembly rewards careful work, and the chassis construction follows familiar AFV patterns. This kit is perfect for anyone interested in Korean War subjects or antiaircraft artillery in general.

Modelers who enjoy painting complex mechanical assemblies will find plenty to work with here. The open turret arrangement means you can see straight into the gun mechanism, so spending time on the interior detail pays off in the finished model.

3. Bronco CB35070 – 15cm Nebelwerfer 42 auf SWS Rocket Artillery

The Nebelwerfer 42 auf SWS is the kind of kit that stops people at model shows. German rocket artillery mounted on a semi-tracked prime mover is a subject that no other manufacturer has produced at this level of detail, and Bronco went all-in with multi-media parts including photo-etched brass and turned aluminum components. This kit earned our Editor’s Choice because it represents everything Bronco does best.

Building this kit took me the better part of two weeks of evening sessions, and every sub-assembly delivered something interesting. The rocket launcher frame with its ten launch tubes builds into a complex and visually striking assembly. The SWS half-track chassis underneath adds another layer of construction with road wheels, tracks, and a detailed engine compartment.

Forum discussions on Armorama consistently highlight this kit for its well-executed detail and engineering. The modelers who have built it praise the crisp molding and the way the multi-media parts integrate with the standard plastic components. It is the definition of a rewarding build for experienced modelers.

Detail Level and Historical Accuracy

The standout feature of this kit is the rocket launcher assembly itself. Each launch tube has interior detail visible through the open front, and the frame includes aiming mechanisms and elevation controls that actually move on the completed model. The photo-etched grilles and brackets add a level of finesse that plastic alone simply cannot match.

Bronco researched the SWS chassis thoroughly, and it shows in details like the correct track link pattern, the winch assembly on the rear deck, and the ammunition storage racks. The kit includes decals for German WWII unit markings, and the instruction booklet provides painting guides based on documented vehicles.

Who Should Build This Kit

Advanced builders with experience in multi-media kits will get the most satisfaction from this build. The photo-etched parts require a PE bending tool and steady hands, and the overall parts count means this is not a weekend project. Plan for 40 to 60 hours of build time.

Competition modelers should seriously consider this kit as a show entry. The unusual subject, high detail level, and dramatic visual impact of the rocket launcher array make it a natural attention-grabber on the contest table. Pair it with Bronco’s German artillery crew figures for a complete diorama.

4. Bronco CB35058 – German V-1 Fi103 A-1 Flying Bomb

The V-1 flying bomb is one of the most recognizable weapons of WWII, and Bronco’s 1/35 scale rendition captures its distinctive shape with impressive accuracy. This is the standard Fi103 A-1 variant, the unpiloted version that rained down on London and Antwerp in 1944 and 1945. I found the build to be surprisingly straightforward for a Bronco kit, making it accessible to a wider range of builders.

The fuselage halves slide together cleanly, and the pulse-jet engine pod on top is a separate assembly that adds visual interest to the finished model. The wings are thin and well-molded with sharp leading edges. At 1/35 scale, the V-1 has real presence on the shelf, measuring roughly 15 inches long when completed.

This kit stands out because it offers something different from the usual tank-and-gun lineup. A V-1 displayed on a launch ramp or in a crashed-diorama setting creates a unique conversation piece. The 5-star rating from verified buyers confirms that modelers are happy with what they find in the box.

Assembly and Display Potential

Construction follows a logical sequence starting with the fuselage, then the wings, and finally the pulse-jet engine and tail assembly. The wing-to-fuselage join needs some attention to get a gap-free fit, but a little filler and sanding takes care of it. The engine pod mounts on pylon struts that are surprisingly sturdy once the cement sets.

Display options are where this kit gets interesting. You can build it as a standalone model on the included stand, or use aftermarket launch ramp accessories to create a full diorama scene. Painting is straightforward with the overall field gray scheme, and the decal sheet provides marking options for operational V-1s.

Who Should Build This Kit

Beginners with two or three model builds completed can tackle this kit confidently. The simple construction and relatively low parts count make it a good introduction to the Bronco Models range. It is also ideal for modelers who want something genuinely different from the usual tank and artillery subjects.

WWII aviation enthusiasts will appreciate having a V-1 in their collection even if they typically build aircraft rather than military vehicles. The 1/35 scale pairs well with vehicle models in dioramas featuring launch sites or airfield scenes.

5. Bronco CB35059 – V-1 FI103 Re 4 PILO Flying Bomb

The Reichenberg program that produced the manned V-1 is one of the more unusual chapters in WWII aviation history. Bronco captured this piloted variant with a cockpit section that replaces the standard warhead, giving you a model that tells a story most people have never heard. I had to explain what this was to three different people at my last model club meeting, which tells you how rare and interesting this subject is.

The cockpit interior includes a basic seat, control column, and instrument panel that are visible through the small canopy. The rest of the airframe follows the standard V-1 layout, so if you have built Bronco’s CB35058, the construction feels familiar. The main difference is up front where the warhead section becomes a cramped pilot compartment.

Three verified buyers have rated this kit at 5 stars, which is impressive for such a niche subject. The preformed parts and included assembly tools mean you can start building without sourcing additional supplies right away. This is a conversation piece that earns its spot in any WWII collection.

Kit Contents and Assembly Notes

Bronco includes preformed parts in this kit, which simplifies some of the trickier fuselage work. The cockpit canopy is the centerpiece of the build and requires careful masking if you want a clean paint job around the frame lines. I recommend painting the cockpit interior before sealing the fuselage halves to avoid awkward brush work in tight spaces.

The decal sheet provides markings for the Re 4 training variant, though reference material for accurate color schemes can be hard to track down. Bronco’s instruction sheet includes a basic painting guide that gets you close enough for display purposes. Advanced modelers may want to research the original Rechlin test program for more detailed marking options.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate builders will enjoy this kit as a companion piece to the standard V-1. The construction difficulty is similar to the CB35058, so if you have built that one, this feels like a comfortable second build. It is ideal for modelers who collect unusual and lesser-known WWII subjects.

History enthusiasts who appreciate obscure military technology will find this kit especially rewarding. The manned V-1 program was desperate and short-lived, which makes it a compelling story to tell alongside the finished model on your display shelf.

6. Bronco CB35075 – German Rhein Daughter Surface-to-Air Missile

The Rhein Daughter is one of those fascinating late-war German experimental weapons that never saw mass production but paved the way for modern surface-to-air missile technology. Bronco chose an unusual and compelling subject with this kit, and the finished model looks like nothing else on your display shelf. The missile sits on its launch rail with a sense of purpose that draws the eye immediately.

Building this kit is a different experience from standard artillery because the subject is essentially a missile on a rail. The construction focuses on the launch platform, guidance system details, and the missile body itself. Bronco includes assembly tools in the box, which is a nice touch that saves you from hunting for the right screwdriver or file mid-build.

Two verified buyers have given this kit a perfect 5-star rating, which speaks to the quality of what you get. This is a model for builders who want something their clubmates probably do not have. The Rhein Daughter attracts questions and starts conversations every time someone sees it.

Subject Rarity and Display Value

The missile body has clean panel lines and subtle surface detail that responds well to a wash and subtle weathering. The launch rail assembly includes elevation and traverse mechanisms that add mechanical interest to the finished piece. I found that painting the missile in the documented test scheme of overall white with red bands creates a striking display model.

At 1/35 scale, the Rhein Daughter is large enough to show off the detail but compact enough that it does not dominate your display space. It works well as a standalone model on a base or as part of a larger late-war German technology diorama alongside subjects like the V-2 rocket or the Enzian missile.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate builders with an interest in experimental weapons and technology will get the most from this kit. The construction is straightforward, but the unusual subject rewards builders who are willing to do some historical research to get the markings and colors right. It is not the best first Bronco kit, but it is far from the hardest.

Collectors who focus on German WWII wonder weapons should definitely add this to their stash. The Rhein Daughter fills a gap that no other manufacturer has addressed at this scale, and it completes a lineup of late-war experimental ordnance alongside Bronco’s V-1 kits.

7. Bronco CB35095 – German Sd.Kfz.247 Ausf.A Armored Command Car

The Sd.Kfz.247 Ausf.A is a six-wheeled armored command car that most modelers have never heard of, which is exactly what makes it appealing. Only about 60 of these vehicles were built, and Bronco is one of the few manufacturers to offer it in 1/35 scale. The finished model has an elegant interwar design aesthetic that stands out from the typical boxy German armor subjects.

My build experience with this kit was genuinely enjoyable once I got past the initial suspension work. The six-wheel configuration means you are building three axle assemblies with leaf springs and steering linkages before you even start on the body. Bronco’s molding quality makes this manageable, but plan on a few evenings just for the chassis.

The body goes together well with the open-topped fighting compartment revealing interior detail that Bronco molded with care. Radio equipment, seating, and the dashboard are all represented. This is a model that begs to be displayed with the top open so viewers can see the work you put into the interior.

Build Experience and Detail Assessment

The suspension is the most challenging part of this build, and I recommend assembling each wheel station as a complete sub-assembly before attaching them to the chassis frame. The leaf springs are delicate but well-molded, and getting them positioned correctly makes a big difference in how the finished model sits. Take your time here because it is the foundation everything else builds on.

Once the chassis is done, the body panels fit cleanly with only minor filling needed at the fender joints. The interior detail includes a molded dashboard with instrument faces, radio racks, and seating cushions with texture. A dark wash in the fighting compartment brings out all of this detail without much effort.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate to advanced builders who enjoy chassis and suspension work will find this kit satisfying. The six-wheel assembly is more complex than a standard tracked vehicle, so some experience with wheeled military vehicles helps. This is a great kit for modelers who want something unusual without committing to a massive multipart build.

Diorama builders should consider pairing this command vehicle with a radio team or command post scene. The Sd.Kfz.247 served as a mobile headquarters, so it naturally fits into early-war invasion scenarios or parade-ground vignettes.

8. Bronco BOM35010SP – British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet

The A34 Comet was Britain’s best cruiser tank of WWII, and it is one of Bronco’s most popular kits with five verified reviews and a perfect 5-star rating. This is the kit I would hand to someone asking where to start with Bronco Models. The subject is well-known, the build is satisfying without being punishing, and the finished model looks fantastic in a late-war British scheme.

The Comet sits at an interesting point in tank design history. It combined the reliable Christie suspension with a powerful 77mm gun, making it fast enough to keep up with armored advances while packing enough punch to deal with late-war German armor. Bronco captured the low silhouette and the distinctive turret shape accurately.

Five positive reviews tell me that other modelers are having the same positive experience I did. The parts fit is consistent, the instruction booklet is clear, and the kit goes together without the head-scratching moments that plague some lesser brands. This is a confidence-building kit that delivers a great result.

Build Quality and Parts Fit

The turret assembly is the highlight of this build. The mantlet and gun barrel go together cleanly, and the turret bustle has storage detail molded on the exterior. The hull follows standard construction with separate upper and lower halves that join at the waistline. I found that the fender attachment points needed a touch of filler, but nothing excessive.

The track links are injection-molded individual links that assemble into workable track runs. This takes time but allows you to pose the tracks naturally over the road wheels. Each link has the correct guide horn pattern for the Comet, and the end connectors are molded as separate parts for accuracy.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate builders looking for a reliable, enjoyable build should start here. The Comet is one of Bronco’s most approachable kits, and the result looks impressive on the shelf. Beginners who have completed two or three simpler kits can step up to this one without feeling overwhelmed.

British armor enthusiasts and late-war WWII collectors will find this kit essential. The Comet served with British forces during the advance into Germany and continued in postwar service, giving you multiple marking and painting options from the included decal sheet.

9. Bronco CB35011 – T17E1 Staghound MK.I Late Production

The Staghound is one of those armored cars that served everywhere during WWII but rarely gets the attention it deserves in the modeling world. Bronco’s late-production MK.I variant captures the four-wheel-drive design with its distinctive rounded hull and turret. With a 4.7-star rating from verified buyers, this kit has earned its place on our list of the best Bronco Models artillery kits and military vehicles.

Building the Staghound is a study in wheeled-vehicle construction. The four large wheels with their detailed tires and hub assemblies take patience, but the result is a model that looks planted and purposeful. The turret includes the 37mm gun with elevation detail and a commander’s hatch that can be posed open or closed.

This late-production variant includes the correct stowage arrangement and hull modifications that differentiate it from earlier marks. Bronco researched the differences carefully, which matters to modelers who care about getting the right version for their specific unit or timeframe.

Detail and Accuracy Assessment

The hull detail is where this kit earns its rating. Weld seams, casting texture on the turret, and bolt detail on the hull plates are all represented with crisp molding. The fender stowage boxes are separate parts that can be posed open to reveal internal detail, which adds display interest without much extra effort.

The suspension is fully detailed with visible shock absorbers and steering linkages if you build the model with the fenders removed or damaged. Even with the fenders on, the large wheel wells show enough of the running gear to make the undercarriage worth detailing. A wash in the wheel wells ties everything together.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate to advanced builders with experience in wheeled military vehicles will get the best results from this kit. The wheel and suspension assembly requires patience and careful alignment. This kit is ideal for modelers who collect Commonwealth armor or want to build a recognizable vehicle for a Northwest Europe 1944-45 diorama.

The Staghound served with British, Canadian, Polish, and New Zealand forces, which gives you multiple marking options and camouflage schemes to choose from. Check unit histories for specific theaters to find the most interesting painting option for your display.

10. Bronco CB35091 – YW-701A Armoured Command and Control Vehicle

The YW-701A is a Chinese PLA armored command vehicle that most Western modelers have never seen in plastic form. Bronco is one of the few manufacturers producing kits of Chinese military hardware, and this 5-star rated kit fills a genuine gap in the market. If you build Cold War subjects or want something genuinely different for your collection, this is it.

The YW-701A is based on the Type 63 armored personnel carrier chassis, which gives it a familiar boxy silhouette with an unusual command superstructure. The build follows standard APC construction patterns with separate upper and lower hull halves and individual track links. Bronco’s molding quality is consistent throughout, with clean detail on the hull plates and turret ring.

What makes this kit special is the command vehicle interior. Bronco tooled the inside with radio equipment, map tables, and seating that you can see through the open hatches. This interior detail justifies the build effort and makes the finished model rewarding to examine up close.

Assembly and Detail Review

The hull goes together without drama, and the upper deck fits the lower hull with only minor seam work needed at the join line. The track links are individual injection-molded parts that assemble into runs. Take your time with the track assembly because the YW-701A sits low to the ground, and the tracks are highly visible on the finished model.

The command interior is worth the extra painting effort. A base coat of interior green followed by detail painting on the radio faces and instrument panels brings the inside to life. Even if you pose most hatches closed, leaving the rear door open gives viewers a peek at the work inside.

Who Should Build This Kit

Intermediate builders with an interest in Cold War or modern Chinese military subjects will find this kit both accessible and rewarding. The construction difficulty is comparable to a standard APC build, so no special skills are required beyond basic model-building experience. It is a great choice for modelers looking to branch out from the usual NATO and Warsaw Pact subjects.

Collectors who want to represent Chinese military forces at model shows need this kit. The YW-701A is a rare subject that demonstrates the breadth of your collection and your willingness to explore beyond mainstream military modeling subjects.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bronco Models Artillery Kits

Picking the right Bronco Models artillery kit comes down to three factors: your skill level, the subject matter that interests you, and how much build complexity you are comfortable with. Our team has broken down the key considerations to help you make the right choice from the 10 kits in this guide.

Skill Level and Difficulty Ratings

Bronco kits range from approachable intermediate builds to advanced multi-media projects. If you are new to Bronco Models, the V-1 Flying Bomb (CB35058) or the Comet tank (BOM35010SP) are excellent starting points. Both have manageable parts counts and straightforward assembly sequences that build your confidence with Bronco’s engineering style.

For intermediate builders ready to step up, the M19A1 Twin 40mm (CB35148) and the 155mm Howitzer (CB35102) offer more complex assemblies without the photo-etched parts that define Bronco’s hardest kits. Save the Nebelwerfer 42 auf SWS (CB35070) and the Sd.Kfz.247 (CB35095) for when you have several Bronco builds under your belt.

Forum users on r/modelmakers consistently note that Bronco kits require more patience than Tamiya equivalents. One builder put it well: Bronco kits are always a little more time and patience than expected, but the detail reward is worth the effort. Go in knowing this and you will not be disappointed.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need

Every Bronco artillery kit requires basic modeling tools: side cutters for removing parts from sprues, a hobby knife for cleanup, sanding sticks for seam removal, and plastic cement for assembly. For kits with photo-etched parts like the Nebelwerfer 42, you will also need a PE bending tool, CA glue, and fine-tip tweezers.

Paint and weathering supplies complete the picture. Most builders use acrylic paints like Vallejo or Tamiya for base coats, followed by enamel washes for panel line detail. A good set of detail brushes, masking tape, and an airbrush will give you the best results on Bronco’s finely molded surfaces.

1/35 Scale Considerations

All 10 kits in this guide are 1/35 scale, which is the standard for military vehicle modeling. This scale gives you enough size to show off fine detail while keeping the finished model manageable on a shelf or in a display case. At 1/35 scale, a standard artillery piece measures roughly 6 to 8 inches long, while larger subjects like the Nebelwerfer on its SWS chassis can reach 12 inches or more.

The 1/35 scale advantage is compatibility. You can mix Bronco kits with figures, accessories, and diorama bases from Tamiya, Dragon, and other major brands without scale mismatches. This opens up endless diorama possibilities and lets you create scenes that tell a complete story.

Understanding Photo-Etched Parts

Several Bronco artillery kits include photo-etched (PE) brass parts for fine details like grilles, tool clasps, and brackets that cannot be reproduced in injection-molded plastic. These parts add realism but require patience and specialized techniques. If you have never worked with PE before, practice on a cheap aftermarket set before tackling the PE parts included in Bronco kits.

The key to successful PE work is a good bending tool, slow-setting CA glue, and the willingness to accept that some small parts will ping across the room never to be seen again. Forum builders recommend keeping a magnetic parts tray nearby and working over a light-colored surface so dropped parts are easier to find.

FAQs

Conclusion

Bronco Models continues to fill an important role in the military modeling world by producing artillery kits and military vehicles that no other manufacturer offers at this level of detail. From the approachable V-1 Flying Bomb to the show-stopping Nebelwerfer 42 auf SWS, there is a Bronco kit for every skill level and interest.

Our top three recommendations cover the range: the Nebelwerfer 42 for experienced builders seeking a statement piece, the M19A1 Twin 40mm Gun Motor Carriage for the best balance of detail and value, and the 155mm Howitzer M114A1 for an accessible entry into the best Bronco Models artillery kits lineup. Whichever kit you choose, take your time and enjoy the build. These kits reward patience with results that stand out on any display shelf.