Tamiya kit - 1/35 scale
Airfix kit - 1/72 scale
Plastic kits

First of all there aren't many models available out there.

There are two kits available in model shops currently. Tamiya 1/35 scale and Airfix 1/72 scale. Both kits represent first marks of Chieftains and contain multiple errors.

I have also seen pictures of a 1/25 scale Toycraft model somewhere on the Internet but it looked more like a toy than a real model.

Tamiya kit was released in early 70-ties. Various resin conversions are available from Accurate Armour. The only parts saved from the Tamiya kit are the lower hull, suspension units, wheels and tracks.

The AA conversion is quite detailed and with some effort you can create a decent 1/35 Chieftain. It is however very expensive and still requires some upgrading. Having built one myself, I don't think it represents good value for money.

Quite recently I have been sent these photographs of this 25th anniversary Tamiya Chieftain Prototype model. Many thanks to Ross in Texas, US for guiding me to this model.

My Tamiya Chieftain with Accurate Armour resin conversion

Completed in 2005. Overall it makes quite a nice model but it requires lots of work and good reference material is necessary as AA's instructions, once you get used to excellent Tamiya instructions, are quite poor.

AA kit contains two big mouldings: the upper hull and the turret plus lots of tiny parts. I scratch built some elements such as turret baskets as the original ones are moulded to the turret and don't look nice. I also used mini lenses for all the lamps on the tank.

Click on the links below to see the full report.
Your models

If you have pictures of your Chieftains models and would like to share, please email me.