Tabletop battles need armoured support, and 1:56 military model kits supply it: Second World War tanks and self-propelled guns sized to match the 28 mm figures used in the most widely played historical wargames. The kits are engineered for quick assembly and rough handling, and many boxes carry optional turrets or guns, so one purchase can cover several army-list entries. Below: how to pick machines that survive on the table and still look right behind glass.
This size exists because of wargaming. A tank comes out around 10 cm long, sturdy enough to be picked up and moved all evening, yet still carrying legible detail. Coverage spans the main machines of the Second World War, from Shermans and Cromwells through Panthers and Tigers to heavy Soviet types, so you can field armoured support for any of the major armies. Several subjects appear in both styrene and resin, which lets you trade assembly time against crispness of detail.
Many boxes include parts for more than one variant, with alternative turrets or guns, so a single kit covers multiple entries. Leave fragile extras such as aerials off gaming models; table handling does them no favours.
A single-colour camouflage scheme is an evening's work with a rattle can and a wash. Brushwork and a dry-brushed edge highlight take it further, and the tank then looks better on the table than many a cabinet build. Starter sets with paints save newcomers a shopping list.
Match the infantry to the armour: we list 1:56 figures and general 28 mm figures, both of which stand correctly beside these tanks.
If detailed cabinet machines are what you are after, the larger sizes in the military model kits overview will serve you better.
