13 Best M198 Howitzer Model Kits (June 2026) Expert Reviews

If you have ever stood in front of a display case at a military museum and thought about recreating that same presence on your workbench, you are in the right place. The M198 155mm medium towed howitzer served the United States military from 1978 through the early 2000s, replacing the older M114 and seeing action in conflicts from Grenada to Iraq. Building an M198 howitzer model kit lets you capture that piece of engineering history in scale form, whether you are drawn to the late version with its updated fire-control features or the early configuration with its classic profile.

Our team spent weeks comparing every available howitzer model kit we could find, from the iconic Trumpeter M198 in 1/35 scale to the massive I Love Kit 1/16 version, plus several related howitzer kits from Tamiya, Italeri, AFV Club, and Nifeliz. We looked at parts count, detail quality, build difficulty, and real builder feedback from forums and review sites to put together this guide to the best M198 howitzer model kits available in 2026.

Whether you are building your first military model or adding to a growing diorama collection, this roundup covers 13 kits across multiple scales and skill levels. We included direct M198 kits alongside comparable howitzers so you can find the right build for your collection.

Top 3 Picks for M198 Howitzer Model Kits

13 Best M198 Howitzer Model Kits in 2026

1. Trumpeter 1/35 M198 Medium Towed Howitzer Late Version

I built this Trumpeter late version M198 over the course of about two weeks, and it quickly became the centerpiece of my military model shelf. The kit includes photo-etched brass parts that add a level of refinement you do not see in every howitzer kit at this price range. The slide-molded components capture fine details like the muzzle brake and gun trails with impressive accuracy.

One thing I appreciated right away was the option to build it in either towing or firing configuration. I chose the firing position with the trails spread, and the resulting model has a commanding presence. The photo-etched parts do require careful handling with tweezers, but they are worth the effort for the added realism on the recoil mechanism and trail hardware.

The main drawback I ran into was the instruction manual. Several steps were unclear about part orientation, and I had to dry-fit pieces multiple times before committing to glue. The barrel elevation is also limited to about 20 degrees out of the box, which is less than the real M198’s range. Forum builders have shared workarounds that involve modifying the trunnion mounts, but that takes extra effort.

The plastic quality is generally good, though some smaller pieces can be brittle when removing them from the sprues. I recommend using a sharp sprue cutter rather than twisting parts off. Despite these minor frustrations, the finished model is genuinely impressive and earns its spot as our editor’s pick.

Who Should Build This Kit

This kit is ideal for intermediate to advanced modelers who have completed at least a few military vehicle builds. The photo-etched parts and small components demand steady hands and patience. If you are building a modern US artillery diorama with USMC or US Army vehicles from the 1980s through 2000s, this M198 late version fits perfectly into that setting.

Assembly Time and Build Tips

Plan for 15 to 20 hours of build time. I strongly recommend painting sub-assemblies before final construction, especially around the recoil mechanism and trail connection points. Use liquid cement for the plastic parts and cyanoacrylate for the photo-etched metal components. Test-fit the barrel before gluing to check your desired elevation angle.

2. Trumpeter 1/35 M198 Medium Towed Howitzer Early Version

The early version of the Trumpeter M198 captures the original configuration of this howitzer as it appeared when first fielded in 1978. I found the slide-molded muzzle brake to be particularly well done, with crisp details that match reference photos I checked during the build. The two-directional slide-molded gun trails are another highlight, featuring molded-in detail on both sides.

However, this kit demands more from the builder than the late version. Several metal parts refused to accept both paint and glue, which made certain assembly steps frustrating. The instructions also contain conflicting guidance about whether to paint before or during assembly for some sub-components. I ended up working through those sections by testing on scrap pieces first.

The early version differs from the late primarily in the fire-control configuration and some trail hardware details. If you are building a Vietnam-era or early Cold War diorama, this is the version you want. Just be prepared for a more challenging build experience compared to the late version.

Early vs Late Version Differences

The early M198 features the original fire-control sight bracket and different breech ring configuration. The late version updated these components with improved sighting systems. If historical accuracy matters for your display, knowing which era you are modeling determines which kit to pick.

Skill Level Recommendation

I would rate this as an advanced build due to the problematic metal parts and ambiguous instructions. Builders comfortable with modifying parts and problem-solving during assembly will get the most satisfaction from this kit. Beginners should start with the late version instead.

3. I Love Kit 1/16 M198 155mm Towed Howitzer

This is the only 1/16 scale M198 howitzer model kit on the market, and for collectors who want a statement piece, it delivers. The I Love Kit brand is essentially Trumpeter product manufactured at the same facility with improved quality control, and the difference shows. At 1/16 scale, the finished model is roughly twice the size of a 1/35 build, making every detail more visible and impactful.

I was impressed by the molding quality straight out of the box. The larger scale means individual components like the breech mechanism, trail hardware, and wheel hubs have more surface area for detail engraving. This is not a kit you rush through on a weekend. It demands display space commensurate with its size.

The main consideration is the limited feedback available. With only a handful of customer reviews, you are buying into a kit that fewer people have documented. That said, the reviewer who did build it praised the quality and noted it compares favorably to the 1/35 Trumpeter M198 kits. For serious collectors, this is the definitive large-scale M198.

Display and Storage Considerations

At 1/16 scale, the finished howitzer will be substantially larger than standard 1/35 military models. Make sure you have adequate shelf or display case space before starting this build. A glass-fronted display case with good lighting will show off the extra detail this scale provides.

Who Is This Kit Best For

This kit suits experienced modelers and collectors who want the most detailed M198 available. If you already have 1/35 howitzer builds and want to upgrade to a showpiece, or if you specifically collect large-scale artillery models, this is your best option. Beginners may find the size and parts complexity overwhelming.

4. Italeri M1 155mm Howitzer with Crew (1/35 Scale)

The Italeri M1 155mm howitzer is technically a predecessor to the M198, but it earns a spot in this roundup because it is one of the best value howitzer kits you can buy. The six included crew figures immediately set this kit apart. Having soldiers positioned around the gun transforms a static model into a scene with narrative, which is perfect for diorama builders.

I found the assembly straightforward compared to the Trumpeter M198 kits. The 142 pieces go together without the frustration of tiny metal parts or ambiguous instructions. Converting between travel and firing modes is simple, and I switched back and forth during the build to see which configuration I preferred before committing.

The main downside is that every part comes molded in gray plastic, so you will spend considerable time painting if you want a realistic finish. I used an airbrush for the base coats and it made a huge difference in assembly time. The crew figures have some proportion issues, particularly around the helmets, but they look acceptable at arm’s length on a display shelf.

Best Use Cases for This Kit

This kit shines in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam-era dioramas. The M1 howitzer served through multiple conflicts before the M198 replaced it. If you are building a historical artillery scene, the included crew figures save you from buying separate figure sets.

Paint and Finish Recommendations

Since every part is molded in gray, plan your painting strategy before assembly. I recommend priming everything first, then painting sub-assemblies. An olive drab base coat with weathering washes brings out the molded detail. Use a matte clear coat to protect the finish without adding unwanted shine.

5. Tamiya 1/35 German Heavy SP Howitzer Hummel

Tamiya’s Hummel is not an M198, but it is one of the best howitzer model kits at any price point, and many collectors of artillery models will want it alongside their M198 builds. The parts fit is what you expect from Tamiya: everything lines up with minimal filler needed. I assembled the upper hull and fighting compartment in a single afternoon because the engineering is that clean.

The kit includes three brand-new figures, ammunition crates, shell casings, and multiple marking options. The late-production tracks use styrene link-and-length sections instead of vinyl, which gives a much more realistic track sag appearance. I found the track assembly tedious but the result looks far superior to rubber band tracks.

One thing to note is that the lower hull and road wheels are shared with Tamiya’s Nashorn kit. This is not a problem for the build itself, but detail-oriented modelers may notice the shared components. The upper armor plates are correctly thin for scale, and the overall silhouette is accurate to reference photos.

Build Difficulty and Time

Despite the advanced skill level rating, I found this kit more approachable than the Trumpeter M198. Tamiya’s instructions are clear and logical, and the absence of photo-etched parts simplifies the build. Expect 12 to 15 hours for a clean build, longer if you add aftermarket details.

How It Compares to Dragon’s Hummel

Dragon offers a more detailed Hummel kit, but it costs more and requires dealing with photo-etched parts and more complex assembly. Multiple builders on forums note that the Tamiya kit produces a better result for the average modeler because the fit is more consistent and the build process is more enjoyable.

6. Tamiya 1/35 US Howitzer Motor Carriage M8

The Tamiya M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage is our budget pick and one of the most accessible entry points into howitzer model building. At its price, you get the legendary Tamiya engineering quality that makes parts fit together almost effortlessly. I recommend this kit to anyone building their first or second military model.

The M8 mounted a 75mm howitzer on an M5 Stuart tank chassis, making it a compact but interesting subject. The build goes quickly, and I finished mine over a weekend. The instructions are clear with good illustrations for every step, which is a major advantage for newer builders who may struggle with less intuitive manuals.

The two included crew figures are a nice touch but they are slightly over-scale compared to other 1/35 figures. This is a known issue that several reviewers have noted. If you plan to pose your M8 alongside other vehicles with figures from different manufacturers, you may notice the size difference. For a standalone display, it is not noticeable.

Best for Beginners and Young Builders

If you are looking for a first military model kit, this is where I would start. The parts are well-organized, the fit is forgiving, and the finished model looks great with basic painting techniques. It teaches fundamental skills like cement application, part cleanup, and dry-fitting without the frustration of complex sub-assemblies.

What You Need to Complete the Build

You will need plastic cement, a sprue cutter, sandpaper or a file for cleanup, and paint. Tamiya recommends specific paint colors listed in the instructions. A basic set of acrylic model paints and a couple of brushes are enough to get a good result. No airbrush required for this one.

7. Italeri 1/35 M110 Self Propelled Howitzer

The Italeri M110 is a self-propelled 8-inch howitzer that served alongside the M198 in US artillery units. What makes this kit special for newer builders is that the parts are molded in Olive Drab plastic, so you can assemble it and have a presentable model even without painting. That is a rare quality in military model kits.

I built this kit alongside a friend who is relatively new to scale modeling, and they completed it without any major issues. The large parts are easy to handle, and the flexible rubber tracks eliminate one of the most frustrating aspects of tracked vehicle builds. The movable gun barrel and recoil spade add interactive display value.

The main trade-off is accuracy. Serious modelers will notice the breech lock is not correct, and the instructions skip some assembly and painting details for the intricate dozer blade assembly. There are also no crew figures, which limits diorama potential unless you source figures separately.

Who Should Consider This Kit

This is an excellent choice for anyone building a Vietnam War-era artillery display. The M110 served extensively in that conflict. Beginner and intermediate modelers will appreciate the forgiving assembly, while advanced builders can use it as a base for super-detailing projects.

Assembly Without Painting

Since the parts are molded in Olive Drab, you can build this kit straight from the box for a basic display. Adding a matte clear coat and some weathering with washes will elevate it significantly. If you do paint it, the plastic accepts both acrylic and enamel paints without issues.

8. Italeri 1/35 M109 A2/A3/G Self-Propelled Howitzer

The M109 self-propelled howitzer is the vehicle that eventually replaced towed howitzers like the M198 in many artillery units. This Italeri kit covers the A2, A3, and G variants with decals for six different versions spanning Italy, the USA, Spain, and Belgium. That variety gives you multiple finishing options from a single kit.

I was pleased with the molding quality on most parts. The surfaces are clean with no visible flash, and the plastic takes paint well without being too slick. The gluable rubber tracks are a nice middle ground between flexible vinyl tracks and individual link assemblies. They look convincing once painted and weathered.

A few builders have reported mold quality issues where pieces do not align perfectly. I did not encounter this on my build, but it is worth dry-fitting parts before committing to glue. The kit is rated skill level 3, which means some experience with military models will help you get the best result.

Variant Selection and Markings

The six decal options let you build everything from a US Army vehicle to a Spanish or Belgian variant. Each has unique marking placement shown in the color instruction guide. I recommend choosing your variant before starting so you can paint the appropriate base color for that country’s camouflage scheme.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Beyond the basics of cement, paint, and a sprue cutter, you will benefit from a fine-point paintbrush for the small decal placement areas. The color instructions help with paint callouts, and the kit uses standard model paint colors that are easy to find at any hobby shop.

9. Tamiya 1/35 M109A6 Paladin US Self-Propelled Howitzer

The Tamiya M109A6 Paladin represents the modern evolution of the M109 platform and is the most reviewed kit in this roundup with 249 customer ratings. This is the howitzer that replaced towed artillery like the M198 in many US Army units, making it a natural companion piece for a collection spanning multiple eras of US artillery development.

I enjoyed the build overall, especially the photo-etched metal parts which are sized well enough to handle without a magnifying visor. The included crew gear stowage items like packs, helmets, and equipment add life to the finished model. Tamiya’s parts fit is generally excellent, though this is an older mold and a few components needed minor adjustment.

The Paladin is a premium-priced kit, and it shows in the level of detail throughout. The turret interior, gun breech, and exterior stowage all have crisp molding. My only real complaint is the shipping time. Since this kit is not always in stock at US warehouses, you may wait two to three weeks for delivery.

Best for Experienced Builders

This kit is not ideal for beginners. The photo-etched parts and the number of small components require experience with handling delicate parts. If you have built several Tamiya military kits before and want to add a modern US howitzer to your collection, this is the one to get.

Display and Diorama Potential

The Paladin works well in Iraq War or Afghanistan-era dioramas. Pair it with Tamiya’s modern US figure sets and a desert base for a convincing scene. The multiple customization options for gear placement mean no two builds will look exactly the same.

10. Tamiya 1/35 German Self-Propelled Howitzer Wespe

The Wespe (Wasp) was a WWII German self-propelled howitzer built on a modified Panzer II chassis. This Tamiya kit captures the compact design of the original vehicle with their usual engineering precision. I built this kit in under 10 hours, making it one of the faster builds in this roundup.

The four included crew figures are well-sculpted and come with personal weapons including an MG34 machine gun and MP40 submachine guns. The ammunition components add extra detail for the fighting compartment. Having crew figures and accessories included saves you from buying aftermarket additions.

The link-and-length tracks are the most time-consuming part of the build. I spent roughly three hours on the tracks alone, carefully aligning each section and allowing the cement to set before moving to the next. The result looks realistic with proper track sag, but be prepared for the time investment.

Best for Quick WWII Dioramas

If you want a complete WWII Eastern Front diorama in a single box, the Wespe kit gets you most of the way there. The four figures, ammunition, and weapons give you enough elements for a small vignette. Add a base and some groundwork materials and you have a display-ready scene.

Track Assembly Tips

Use a straightedge to align the straight sections of track, and build the curved sections around a jig or form. Let each section dry completely before handling. Tamiya’s extra-thin cement works well for these track joints because it flows into the connection points by capillary action.

11. Trumpeter 1/35 British AS90 Self-Propelled Howitzer

The AS90 is the British Army’s self-propelled howitzer, and Trumpeter’s 1/35 kit does it justice with 309 pieces across seven sprues. I was impressed by the level of detail Trumpeter packed into this kit, especially for the price. The turret interior has visible breach details, and the hull surface textures replicate the real vehicle’s armor panels.

The decal sheet provides markings for British Army SFOR operations in Bosnia, which gives you a specific historical context for your build. The instructions are clearer than some other Trumpeter kits I have built, with better part callouts and assembly sequences. I still encountered a few spots where dry-fitting was necessary, but nothing that required major rework.

With 309 pieces, this is not a weekend build. I spent about 18 hours on mine, and some of that time was dealing with small parts that needed careful cleanup. A few builders mention that some components needed minor fitting adjustments, which matched my experience. The end result is worth the effort.

Who Should Build This Kit

This kit suits intermediate to advanced modelers who enjoy detailed builds. If you collect NATO artillery vehicles or want to add a British military piece alongside your US howitzers, the AS90 fills that niche. The detail level rewards careful painting and weathering.

Painting and Weathering Tips

The AS90 typically wears a dark green or desert sand scheme depending on the deployment. For the SFOR Bosnia version, I used a dark green base coat with brown and black disruptive patterns. A dark wash in the panel lines brings out the surface detail, and a light dusting with tan pigment on the lower hull adds realistic ground-level weathering.

12. AFV Club 1/35 M109A2 Howitzer

The AFV Club M109A2 is a niche option that targets modelers who want a higher level of detail than the Italeri M109 kit provides. The standout feature is the included metal main gun barrel, which eliminates the seam line that plagues plastic barrel halves. AFV Club also includes photo-etched brass parts for fine details and flexible vinyl tracks for simplified assembly.

I found the molding quality to be genuinely impressive. The surface textures and bolt details are sharper than what I have seen on comparable kits from larger manufacturers. The accuracy of the M109A2 variant is strong, matching reference photos for the turret configuration and stowage layout.

The main frustration is the instruction booklet. The text is small and printed in light ink, making it difficult to read under normal lighting. I ended up using a magnifying glass for several steps. The small green plastic components can also be hard to distinguish from each other on the sprues, so careful part identification is essential.

How It Compares to the Italeri M109

The AFV Club kit offers more detail and accuracy than the Italeri M109, particularly with the metal barrel and photo-etched parts. However, it costs more and is harder to build. Choose Italeri if you want a simpler build and AFV Club if you want maximum detail.

Recommended Skill Level

This is an intermediate to advanced build. The photo-etched parts, metal barrel assembly, and challenging instructions demand experience. I would not recommend this as a first howitzer kit. Build a Tamiya or Italeri howitzer first, then graduate to this one.

13. Nifeliz M7 Priest Howitzer Tank Building Set (646 PCS)

The Nifeliz M7 Priest takes a different approach to howitzer modeling. Instead of glue-together plastic parts, this is a brick-building set with 646 pieces that snap together. The M7 Priest was a WWII self-propelled howitzer built on a Sherman tank chassis, and Nifeliz captures its open-top turret and front-mounted barrel in brick form.

I was genuinely surprised by the quality of the bricks. They connect firmly without the wobble you sometimes find in off-brand building sets. The numbered bags and clear instruction booklet make the assembly process straightforward. I finished the build in about four hours, and the finished model has a display size of roughly 7 by 4 by 4 inches.

The interior detail includes a driver seat, shell storage, and rear tools, which adds visual interest when you look through the open-top fighting compartment. The finished model is sturdy enough to handle and reposition without parts falling off. It is not going to fool anyone into thinking it is a traditional scale model, but it has its own charm as a display piece.

Who Is This Kit Best For

This set is perfect for anyone who wants a military display piece without the learning curve of traditional model building. If you enjoy brick-building sets and military subjects, the M7 Priest combines both. It also makes a great gift for teenagers or adults who are curious about military modeling but not ready to invest in paints and glue.

Build Quality and Parts Fit

The brick quality is comparable to name-brand building sets. Pieces fit tightly and stay together during handling. I had one missing piece during my build, which Nifeliz replaced quickly through their customer service. Having numbered bags for each building stage keeps the process organized and reduces the frustration of searching through a pile of loose bricks.

Buying Guide: How to Choose an M198 Howitzer Model Kits?

Picking the right M198 howitzer model kit comes down to three factors: scale preference, build experience level, and what you want the finished model for. Here is what I learned from building these kits and comparing them side by side.

Scale: 1/35 vs 1/16

The 1/35 scale is the standard for military model kits, and it offers the best balance between detail and display size. A 1/35 M198 finished model measures roughly 8 to 9 inches long in firing position. The 1/16 scale I Love Kit M198 is significantly larger at roughly double those dimensions, providing more surface detail but requiring substantially more shelf space. If you already have a 1/35 collection, sticking with that scale keeps everything proportional on your display shelf.

Brand Comparison

Trumpeter produces the only dedicated M198 howitzer kits in production. Their late version (TSM-2319) is the better choice for most builders because the instructions are clearer and the assembly is more forgiving than the early version. Tamiya kits consistently offer the best parts fit and clearest instructions, though they do not make an M198 specifically. Italeri provides solid mid-range options with good detail at reasonable prices. AFV Club targets advanced builders with higher detail but more challenging assembly.

Early vs Late Version

The M198 early version features the original fire-control sight bracket and breech configuration as fielded in 1978. The late version updated the sighting system and made several improvements to the trail hardware. For most modelers, the late version is the easier build and the more commonly seen configuration in reference photos. Choose the early version only if you specifically need the original configuration for a particular time period in your diorama.

Skill Level Guide

Beginners should start with the Tamiya M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage or the Italeri M110, both of which have forgiving assembly and do not require photo-etched parts. Intermediate builders can tackle the Trumpeter M198 late version or the Italeri M109. Advanced modelers looking for a challenge should consider the Trumpeter M198 early version or the AFV Club M109A2. The I Love Kit 1/16 M198 sits between intermediate and advanced due to its larger scale and parts complexity.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Regardless of which kit you choose, you will need a few basics: a sharp sprue cutter for removing parts cleanly, plastic cement for assembly, sandpaper or a file for cleanup, and paint for finishing. Kits with photo-etched parts also require tweezers and cyanoacrylate super glue. An airbrush speeds up painting considerably, especially for kits molded in a single color like the Italeri M1 howitzer.

FAQs

Conclusion

After comparing 13 howitzer model kits across multiple brands and scales, the Trumpeter 1/35 M198 Late Version stands out as the best M198 howitzer model kit for most builders. It balances detail, accuracy, and buildability better than any other option. The Italeri M1 155mm Howitzer with Crew takes the best value spot for its included figures and straightforward assembly, while the Tamiya M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage remains the most accessible entry point for new builders.

For collectors wanting the ultimate M198, the I Love Kit 1/16 scale version offers unmatched size and detail at a premium price. Whatever your skill level or budget, there is a howitzer model kit in this roundup that will give you a rewarding build experience and an impressive display piece for 2026.