Thunde Model Kit

Overview

Thunder Model is a Chinese manufacturer of plastic scale model kits focused on military subjects such as tanks, vehicles, trucks, trailers, and figures, primarily in 1/35 scale.¹²³⁵ The brand produces kits of both mainstream and obscure historical vehicles, including British WWII tank transporters and German armor, targeting hobbyists and collectors.⁴¹ It is listed in scale modeling directories and maintains an active website with new releases announced as recently as April.³

History

Thunder Model entered the market in fall 2016 with its first kit, a 1/35 scale Case VAI tractor.⁴ Subsequent early releases included the Bergepanzer Hetzer recovery tank and the British Scammell Pioneer TRMU30/TRCU30 Tank Transporter.⁴ The company has expanded into partnerships, such as with the LRDG Preservation Society for F30 truck variations used by the NZ Army in WWII, and continues to release new kits like the TM35313 1/35 LRDG F8 Pilot Car.²³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in China by this independent brand.⁵ No details indicate outsourcing; production appears in-house given their role as a dedicated kit producer.¹²

Notable Products

• Case VAI Tractor (1/35) - First release, obscure WWII tractor kit from 2016.
• Bergepanzer Hetzer (1/35) - Recovery tank based on Hetzer tank hunter.
• Scammell Pioneer TRMU30/TRCU30 (1/35) - British 30-ton WWII tank transporter.
• LRDG F30 Truck Variations (1/35) - Developed with LRDG Preservation Society, NZ Army WWII subject.
• LRDG F8 Pilot Car (TM35313, 1/35) - Recent standard pilot car kit.

Reputation

Enthusiasts note Thunder Model's focus on obscure and detailed military subjects as a strength, filling gaps in the market with kits like rare tractors and recovery vehicles.⁴ Reviews highlight good box art and subject selection for intermediate builders.⁴ As a newer Chinese brand since 2016, it receives attention in modeling communities but lacks long-term reputation data.¹⁵