8 Best Comet Tank Model Kits (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Building model tanks is one of those hobbies that pulls you in deeper the longer you stick with it. If you have landed here, you are probably searching for the best Comet tank model kits, and I totally get why. The A34 Comet was one of the most capable British tanks to see action in World War II, combining the speed of a cruiser tank with firepower that could actually deal with heavier German armour.

The Comet entered service in late 1944 with the 11th Armoured Division, and it represented a real leap forward in British tank design. Developed from the Cromwell chassis, it packed a 77mm HV gun that was far more effective than the 75mm on earlier British cruisers. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor engine pushing out 600 horsepower, the Comet could hit 32 mph on roads and carried up to 102mm of armour on the turret front. It was fast, well-armed, and reliable enough that it stayed in British service well into the late 1950s.

Our team has spent considerable time researching and comparing every Comet tank kit currently available, along with closely related British armour models that share the same lineage. Whether you want a straightforward weekend build or a detailed centrepiece for a diorama, this guide covers all the options worth your time in 2026. We have included kits across multiple scales and price points so you can find the right match for your skill level and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Comet Tank Model Kits

8 Best Comet Tank Model Kits in 2026

1. Tamiya 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet – The Gold Standard

Out of all the Comet tank kits I have built, the Tamiya 35380 sits firmly at the top of my list. This is a new-tool kit, meaning Tamiya designed the moulds from scratch rather than reboxing an older release. The difference shows immediately when you open the box. The sprues are clean, the parts count is manageable, and every piece has that unmistakable Tamiya precision where things just click together the way they should.

I spent about 15 hours on this build over a weekend, and honestly it was one of the most enjoyable armour builds I have done. The vertical-plane hull uses a box-style assembly with two bulkheads that replicate how the real Comet was constructed. The front hull and turret cast surfaces have realistic texture moulded right in, which saves you the effort of adding it yourself with putty or liquid cement techniques.

The tracks are assembly type with one-piece straight sections, which is a nice middle ground between fiddly individual links and rubber-band tracks. They look convincing once painted and weathered. Tamiya also includes clear parts for the searchlight on the turret left side, a small detail that most other kits overlook entirely. You get two marking options and a choice between a one-piece or two-piece engine exhaust cover, giving you some flexibility in how the finished model looks.

Where this kit really shines compared to the Bronco alternative is the engineering. Every part has positive location points, meaning you are not guessing where things go. The two torso crew figures in winter clothing are surprisingly well sculpted for kit-included figures and add life to the finished model when placed in the hatches.

Assembly Experience and Skill Level

This kit hits a sweet spot that works for a wide range of builders. If you are relatively new to armour modelling, the logical assembly sequence and positive part fit mean you will not get frustrated. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated, walking you through each step without ambiguity. Most builders report completing the kit in 12 to 20 hours depending on how much extra detail work and weathering they add.

For experienced modellers, the kit provides an excellent foundation for super-detailing. The clean mouldings accept after-market photo-etch sets like the Ederwooda Comet set without any trouble. Many builders on forums recommend pairing this kit with a metal barrel replacement for an even more convincing 77mm gun tube. The basic kit is accurate enough that you do not need to correct any major shape issues.

Decal and Marking Options

You get two marking options in the box, which is decent but not overwhelming. Both options cover late-war British units, which is historically appropriate since the Comet did not reach combat units until December 1944. Some builders have mentioned that the decals can silver slightly on curved surfaces, so I would recommend using a decal setting solution and applying them over a gloss coat for the best results. The white Allied recognition star on the turret top is the trickiest decal to apply cleanly due to its size and position.

2. Bronco Models British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet – For the Detail Enthusiast

The Bronco A34 Comet was for years the only game in town if you wanted a 1/35 scale Comet tank, and it still has a dedicated following among builders who prioritise detail above all else. The parts are cleanly moulded with crisp, sharp detail throughout, and the kit includes photo-etch parts for items like engine grilles and tool clasps that push the level of detail beyond what Tamiya offers out of the box.

However, I need to be honest about the build experience. This is not a kit I would hand to someone just starting out in armour modelling. The photo-etch parts are paper-thin and can break if you look at them wrong. Several small parts lack positive location points, meaning you need to reference the instructions carefully and sometimes test-fit multiple times before committing with glue. Builders on forums consistently describe the Bronco Comet as rewarding but challenging.

What you get for your patience is a kit with potentially more surface detail than the Tamiya offering, particularly in areas like the suspension and hull fittings. The trade-off is buildability. If you enjoy spending 30-plus hours on a single kit and have experience working with photo-etch, the Bronco Comet delivers impressive results. For most builders, though, the Tamiya kit provides 90 percent of the detail with half the frustration.

Who Should Build This Kit

This kit is best suited for experienced modellers who have already built several armour kits and are comfortable working with photo-etch, resin, and small fiddly parts. If you have built Bronco kits before and enjoy their level of detail complexity, you will feel right at home. The finished model rewards patient builders with fine surface detail and accurate proportions.

After-Market Compatibility

Because this was the first mainstream 1/35 Comet kit on the market, there is a reasonable selection of after-market accessories designed specifically for it. Metal barrels, photo-etch detail sets, and replacement tracks are all available from brands like Ederwooda and Aber. Be aware that some after-market sets designed for the Bronco kit may not fit the Tamiya kit and vice versa, so always check compatibility before purchasing.

3. Bolt Action: A34 Comet Heavy Tank – The Wargamer’s Choice

Not everyone looking for a Comet tank model wants a display piece that takes weeks to build. If you play Bolt Action or other 28mm-scale tabletop wargames, this resin-and-metal Comet from Warlord Games is exactly what you need. I assembled one of these in about 25 minutes, and that included cleaning up the mould lines and dry-fitting everything before committing to glue.

The kit comes with a resin hull and turret along with metal parts for the gun barrel and smaller details. The detail level is solid for a gaming piece, with enough surface texture to hold washes and dry-brushing well. After a base coat of British Armour Green, a brown wash, and some light dry-brushing, my Comet looked fantastic on the tabletop. Several reviewers also recommend using JB Weld instead of superglue for a stronger bond on the metal-to-resin joints, and I would second that advice.

This is a gaming miniature first and a display model second. The scale is approximately 1/56, which means it will not match your 1/35 display builds in terms of size or detail. But for its intended purpose, it is hard to beat. The price is reasonable for a wargaming vehicle, and the quality is consistent with what you expect from Warlord Games.

Gaming Performance and Table Presence

In Bolt Action rules, the Comet is classified as a heavy tank with the 77mm gun, making it a formidable addition to a late-war British force. The model captures the aggressive, low-slung profile of the real tank, and it looks great charging across a tabletop alongside Sherman and Cromwell platoons. At 28mm scale, it fits perfectly with the rest of the Bolt Action range.

Assembly Tips for Resin and Metal Kits

Wash all resin parts in warm soapy water before assembly to remove any mould release agent, otherwise paint and glue will not adhere properly. Use JB Weld or a two-part epoxy for metal-to-resin joints since superglue can be brittle. Pinning the gun barrel to the turret mantlet with a small brass rod adds durability for gaming. A light sanding on the hull bottom ensures the model sits flat on the table.

4. Flames of War British Comet Armoured Squadron – The Complete Starter Set

If you want to jump straight into armoured warfare gaming rather than building individual display models, the Flames of War British Comet Armoured Squadron is a comprehensive starter set. This box contains 13 tanks, a rifle platoon, 3 Ram transports, 2 tank destroyers, and 2 self-propelled guns. You also get a complete A5 rulebook, 2 decal sheets, and 10 unit cards. It is everything you need to field a late-war British armoured force.

The Comet models in this set are designed for the Flames of War game system, which uses either 1/48 or 1/56 scale depending on the version. They are designed for quick assembly and tabletop durability rather than display-level detail. That said, with careful painting and weathering, they look genuinely good on the gaming table. The included decal sheets cover British unit markings, which saves you from sourcing those separately.

The main complaint from buyers centres on the soft resin used for infantry figures. The heads on the infantry can snap off during handling or transport, which is frustrating. Several reviewers have expressed a preference for hard plastic infantry, and honestly I agree. The tank models themselves are fine, but the infantry quality could be better. Still, as a complete starter package, the value is hard to argue with.

What You Get in the Box

Opening this set feels substantial. The 13 tanks alone would cost significantly more if purchased individually, and the addition of infantry, transports, and support vehicles means you can field a balanced force right away. The rulebook is a complete version, not a simplified quick-start guide, so you are getting a genuine entry point into the Flames of War system.

Is This Right for Display Builders

If you are primarily a display model builder rather than a wargamer, this set is probably not what you are looking for. The models are designed for gaming durability and fast assembly, not for the level of detail that display builders expect. However, if you have any interest in trying Flames of War, this set offers outstanding value and a great way to start. Many modellers also use the extra tanks as painting practice or weathering test beds.

5. Tamiya 1/35 WWII British Tank Cromwell Mk.IV Cruiser – The Comet’s Predecessor

You cannot really talk about Comet tank model kits without also considering the Cromwell, because the A34 Comet was directly developed from the Cromwell chassis. Building a Cromwell alongside your Comet gives you a fantastic comparison of how British tank design evolved during the war. The Tamiya Cromwell Mk.IV is one of the most popular British armour kits available, with over 300 customer reviews backing up its reputation.

My experience with this kit was overwhelmingly positive. The parts fit together cleanly, the instructions are clear, and the finished model captures the distinctive low profile and rounded turret of the Cromwell. At a lower price point than the Comet kit, it represents excellent value. Tamiya kits at this price range consistently deliver more than you expect in terms of mould quality and assembly ease.

The main letdowns are relatively minor. The kit does not include radio antennas despite showing them on the box art, which is a common complaint with older Tamiya releases. The vinyl tracks are adequate but lack the detail of individual link tracks. And if you want to build a Canadian-marked Cromwell, you will need to source aftermarket decals since only British markings are included. None of these issues are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing about going in.

With 317 reviews and an average rating of 4.6, this kit has been built by a huge number of modellers. The consensus is clear: it is affordable, fun to build, and produces a nice-looking model. For anyone interested in British WWII armour, the Cromwell Mk.IV is a natural companion piece to the Comet.

Cromwell vs Comet: Understanding the Connection

The Cromwell and Comet share the same basic chassis layout, but the Comet received significant upgrades. The most important change was the 77mm HV gun, which was far more effective against armour than the Cromwell’s 75mm. The Comet also featured a welded turret instead of the Cromwell’s riveted design, and improved armour protection. Building both kits side by side really highlights how British engineers refined the design in response to combat experience.

Build Tips and Common Modifications

Many experienced builders replace the vinyl tracks with aftermarket individual link tracks for better detail. Adding brass rod antennas to match the box art is a simple upgrade. Some builders also add stowage from the spare parts box to break up the flat surfaces on the hull sides. The kit responds well to washes and dry-brushing, with the riveted hull detail providing excellent texture for weathering techniques.

6. Tamiya 1/35 British Churchill Mk.VII Tank – The Infantry Tank Companion

While the Churchill is not a Comet variant, it served alongside the Comet in British armoured formations and represents an important part of the British tank story. The Churchill Mk.VII was the infantry tank that supported ground troops while cruiser tanks like the Comet exploited breakthroughs. Building a Churchill alongside your Comet creates a great snapshot of British armour doctrine in late WWII.

With 638 customer reviews and a 4.8 rating, this is one of the most widely built British tank kits available. Despite the moulds dating back to 1977, Tamiya has maintained the quality, and the kit still holds up remarkably well. The suspension system is particularly well-rendered, and the four included crew figures have excellent detail in their facial expressions and uniforms. I have built two of these over the years, and both went together without any fitting issues.

The instructions are straightforward, the parts fit is exactly what you expect from Tamiya, and the finished model has real presence on a shelf. The only notable issues are the colour guide, which shows a brighter forest green rather than the darker SCC15 Olive Drab that British tanks actually wore, and the fact that this is an older tooling so some surface details are not as crisp as newer releases.

For the price, this kit delivers exceptional value. Four crew figures alone would cost you a decent chunk of change from an after-market figure set, and having them included in the box is a real bonus. If you are building a collection of British WWII tanks, the Churchill Mk.VII is essential.

Historical Context: Churchill and Comet Together

In late 1944 and 1945, British armoured divisions operated a mix of cruiser tanks like the Comet and infantry tanks like the Churchill. The Churchill supported infantry assaults with its heavy armour and close-support weapons, while the Comet used its speed to exploit gaps and engage enemy armour. Understanding this relationship adds depth to your model collection and makes a diorama featuring both vehicles historically meaningful.

Painting and Finishing Recommendations

Ignore the colour guide in the instructions and use SCC15 British Olive Drab as your base colour. This is the correct shade for late-war British tanks. Apply a dark brown wash to bring out the rivet detail on the hull sides, then dry-brush with a lighter olive shade to highlight edges and raised details. Adding mud and weathering to the lower hull and tracks completes the look. The Churchill’s extensive rivet detail responds beautifully to these techniques.

7. Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger 1 (Mk.3) – The Modern Lineage

The Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank represents the direct descendant of the design philosophy that started with tanks like the Comet. Where the Comet was Britain’s attempt to match German firepower with speed and agility, the Challenger 1 took British armour design into the modern era with Chobham composite armour and a 120mm rifled gun. Building the Challenger alongside a Comet shows just how far British tank development progressed in four decades.

This Tamiya kit is well-regarded for its exterior detail and straightforward assembly. The 243 customer reviews tell a consistent story of satisfaction. The nylon mesh included for the stowage bin is a nice touch that adds realism without requiring you to source your own material. Two crew figures are included, and the main gun can elevate and stay in position, which is a feature that not all kits offer.

The kit represents a Desert Storm-era Challenger 1 from the 1991 Gulf War, complete with jerry cans, water cans, and appropriate stowage. The track shoes have excellent detail on both sides, and the overall proportions capture the aggressive, angular look of the real vehicle. My build went smoothly overall, though I did need to pay attention to wheel alignment to keep everything level.

Desert Storm vs NATO Camouflage Builds

The instructions are not always clear about which parts and decals apply to the Desert Storm version versus the NATO camouflage version, so study the colour guides carefully before starting. For a Desert Storm build, use a sand base coat with light brown washes. For NATO, go with the classic three-colour scheme of dark green, dark brown, and black. Both schemes are well-documented in reference photos online.

Detail Upgrade Possibilities

The kit provides an excellent base for super-detailing. After-market stowage sets, photo-etch grilles, and replacement metal barrels are all available from major accessory manufacturers. Adding spare track links to the turret sides, tarpaulins over the stowage bins, and aerials made from stretched sprue or fine wire are simple upgrades that significantly enhance the finished model. The kit’s clean mouldings make adding extra detail straightforward.

8. Tamiya 1/48 British Tank Churchill Mk.VII – Compact but Mighty

If shelf space is limited or you prefer a quicker build without sacrificing too much detail, the Tamiya 1/48 Churchill Mk.VII is a fantastic option. This kit has earned a 4.8 rating from 94 reviews, and the praise is well-deserved. Tamiya brought their trademark engineering quality to this smaller scale, and the result is a kit that goes together beautifully and looks impressive on display.

The standout feature of this kit is the option to build either the standard Churchill Mk.VII infantry tank or the Crocodile flamethrower variant. The Crocodile version includes the distinctive fuel trailer towed behind the tank, which makes for a really unique finished model. Not many kits offer both options in a single box, so this adds genuine value. The commander torso figure is a nice inclusion that brings the model to life when displayed.

Assembly is quick and intuitive. Most builders report finishing in under 10 hours, making this an ideal weekend project. The assembly-type tracks with one-piece straight sections look convincing enough at this scale, and the decals provided cover appropriate British unit markings. The only real challenge is the front upper body assembly, which can be a bit fiddly due to how several parts come together at that junction.

At a lower price point than most 1/35 kits, this is an excellent entry point for anyone curious about British tank modelling. It is also a great choice for experienced modellers who want a satisfying build without the time commitment of a larger scale project. I keep one of these on my desk as a reference piece, and visitors consistently comment on how good it looks.

Scale Comparison: 1/48 vs 1/35

A 1/48 scale tank is roughly two-thirds the size of a 1/35 scale model of the same vehicle. The Churchill in 1/48 measures about 6 inches long, compared to roughly 8 inches in 1/35. The smaller size means some surface details are inevitably less defined, but Tamiya has done an impressive job maintaining sharp mouldings. If display space is at a premium, or if you want to build a collection of British tanks without them taking over your entire house, 1/48 is a practical and rewarding scale to work in.

The Crocodile Flamethrower Variant

The Crocodile variant is one of the most unusual tanks of WWII, and having the option to build it adds real interest to this kit. The fuel and compressed nitrogen trailer included in the kit is a distinctive feature that makes the finished model instantly recognizable. Painting the trailer in a contrasting shade to the tank body helps differentiate the two elements. Historical photos show Crocodiles in both standard SCC15 Olive Drab and in overall black for night operations, giving you interesting painting options.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Comet Tank Model Kits?

Choosing the right tank model kit comes down to three main factors: your skill level, the scale you prefer, and whether you want a display model or a gaming piece. Let me walk you through the key considerations so you can make the best choice for your situation.

Understanding Scale: 1/35 vs 1/48 vs 28mm

The most common scale for armour display models is 1/35. This is what most of the kits in this guide use, and it offers the best balance of detail and manageable size. A 1/35 Comet tank is about 8 inches long when completed. The 1/48 scale is roughly two-thirds that size, making it more compact for display while still retaining good detail. The 28mm scale used by wargaming kits like the Bolt Action Comet is designed for tabletop play rather than display, and the model is roughly 3 to 4 inches long.

For your first armour build, I generally recommend 1/35 scale. The larger size makes it easier to handle small parts, and there are more after-market accessories and reference materials available. If you are an experienced builder who wants a quicker project, or if you are short on display space, 1/48 is a solid alternative. Wargaming scales are best left for their intended purpose unless you specifically want a gaming piece.

Skill Level Recommendations

For beginners, the Tamiya 1/35 A34 Comet is the obvious first choice. Its logical assembly, positive part fit, and clear instructions make it the most forgiving kit in this lineup. The Tamiya Cromwell Mk.IV is another excellent beginner option at a lower price point. Both kits can be built with basic tools: plastic cement, a hobby knife, a few files, and some sandpaper.

Intermediate builders who have completed a few armour kits should consider the Bronco A34 Comet for its additional detail challenges, or the Tamiya Challenger 1 for a subject that requires more painting and weathering skill. The Churchill Mk.VII in 1/35 is also a great intermediate build, especially if you want to practise weathering on its heavily riveted hull.

Advanced builders will enjoy pushing the Tamiya Comet to its limits with after-market photo-etch, metal barrels, and scratch-built details. The Bronco kit also rewards experienced hands with its complex assembly. For a real challenge, try building both the Cromwell and Comet in 1/35 and creating a diorama showing them together in a late-war setting.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Regardless of which kit you choose, you will need a few basics to get started. Plastic cement or liquid polisher for assembly, a sharp hobby knife with spare blades, needle files for cleanup, and fine sandpaper for smoothing joints. For painting, acrylic paints are the most beginner-friendly option. Tamiya and Vallejo both produce excellent acrylic lines with the correct British military colours. A pair of side cutters for removing parts from sprues cleanly is also essential.

For finishing, invest in a good set of paint brushes in various sizes, a decal setting solution, and at minimum a satin or matte clear coat to protect your finished work. A wash made from diluted dark brown or black paint will bring out surface detail and add depth. These basics will carry you through most armour builds without requiring expensive airbrush equipment, though an airbrush does make applying base coats much faster and more even.

After-Market Upgrades Worth Considering

For the Tamiya Comet, the most popular upgrades are a metal barrel replacement and a photo-etch detail set from Ederwooda or a similar manufacturer. Metal barrels have a thinner wall than plastic ones, giving a more realistic appearance at the muzzle end. Photo-etch sets typically include engine deck grilles, tool clamps, and other fine details that plastic cannot replicate as convincingly.

Replacement tracks are another common upgrade, particularly for the Tamiya Cromwell where the vinyl tracks are the weakest part of the kit. Individual link tracks from Fruilmodel or similar brands add weight and detail, though they significantly increase build time. For most builders, the out-of-the-box tracks are perfectly acceptable, so do not feel obligated to upgrade unless you want to push for maximum realism.

FAQs

Conclusion: Which Comet Tank Model Kit Should You Buy?

After comparing all the options, the Tamiya 1/35 British Cruiser Tank A34 Comet remains my top recommendation for anyone looking for the best Comet tank model kits in 2026. It combines outstanding engineering quality with accessible build difficulty, making it the right choice for the widest range of modellers. For budget-conscious builders or those wanting a companion piece, the Tamiya Cromwell Mk.IV offers remarkable value and a direct connection to the Comet’s development history.

If you are an experienced modeller seeking maximum detail, the Bronco A34 Comet delivers at the cost of a more demanding build process. Wargamers should look to the Bolt Action 28mm Comet for tabletop use or the Flames of War Armoured Squadron set for a complete gaming starter package. Whatever your skill level and interest, there is a Comet tank kit here that will give you a satisfying build and a model worth displaying.

Pick up the kit that matches your experience and start building. The Comet is one of the most historically significant British tanks of WWII, and building one of these models is a great way to connect with that history hands-on.