Choosing between vehicle & armor model kits can come down to two different goals: do you want a Patton project with named moving parts and figures, or an Abrams kit centered on a modern U.S. tank subject? The Revell M48A2 Patton and Tamiya M1A2 Abrams are close enough in listed price to compare directly, but they point to different build priorities. The short answer: choose Revell for a project with moving features, figures, and waterslide decals; choose Tamiya when the M1A2 Abrams itself is the deciding subject.
Quick verdict
Revell is the better fit for a feature-led build where opening hatches, movable components, crew, figures, and decals matter. Tamiya is the clearer pick when the M1A2 Abrams subject is the point. The listed-price gap is $5.92, so the decision is mainly about whether Revell's named build features or Tamiya's specific modern U.S. tank subject matches your plan.
Compact comparison
| Kit | Listed price | Scale | Build requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revell M48A2 Patton | $21.88 | 1:35 | 152 pieces; assembly required |
| Tamiya M1A2 Abrams | $27.80 | 1/48 | Paint and assembly required |
Where each product wins
- Revell M48A2 Patton: wins for a feature-led project. Opening and closing hatches, a movable turret cannon, machine gun, and tank treads are specified, along with two crew members and six military figures.
- Tamiya M1A2 Abrams: wins for subject specificity. The kit identifies the M1A2 Abrams as a modern U.S. main battle tank in the Military Miniature series, giving an Abrams-focused project a clear direction.
Product notes
Revell M48A2 Patton Tank Model Kit
Revell's M48A2 Patton offers a concrete build brief. The kit includes waterslide decals and illustrated instructions, while the olive drab plastic and soft black treads give the build a defined color starting point. Two crew members and six military figures add more components to the project beyond the tank itself. That combination is the reason to choose it if you enjoy a build with vehicle details plus figure elements. The limitation is preparation: assembly is required, and a hobby knife, plastic cement, sprue cutters, and paint are listed for the project. Choose Revell when the Patton subject and those included finishing elements fit your plans; avoid it if you do not want to gather the named tools and paints.
Tamiya M1A2 Abrams Plastic Model Kit
Tamiya's M1A2 Abrams is a focused choice for a shopper who wants a modern U.S. main battle tank subject. It is part of the Military Miniature series, and the vehicle has a defined historical frame: M1A2s were introduced from 1992 after upgrades to the M1, and saw action in Iraq in 2003. That context is a concrete reason to select it when the Abrams identity and era matter to the project. The trade-off is the required work: paint and assembly are needed, so the kit suits a hands-on project rather than a ready-made miniature. Choose Tamiya for the Abrams-specific brief; the higher listed price is harder to justify if that subject is not your priority.
Final choice by use case
- For a Patton-focused build: Choose Revell because "M48A2 Patton" is the direct subject match.
- For a modern Abrams-focused build: Choose Tamiya because "M1A2 Abrams" and its modern U.S. main battle tank framing answer that brief.
- For the price tie-breaker: Choose Revell because the absolute listed-price spread is $5.92.
The practical winner depends on the project you want to build: Revell emphasizes named build features around the Patton, while Tamiya keeps the decision centered on the Abrams subject.