The ARL 44 holds a peculiar place in French military history. It was the first heavy tank France designed after liberation, but it was already obsolete when it entered service in 1949. Only about 60 were ever built, and the type was retired by 1953 in favor of the AMX-50 series. That short, awkward service life is exactly what makes ARL 44 model kits appealing to scale modelers today. You get an unusual subject, a real piece of post-war French armor doctrine, and a hull profile that nobody else on the bench is going to match.
I want to be straight with you before we get into the picks. Of the 10 kits on this list, only three are true ARL 44-specific builds: the Amusing Hobby 1/35 plastic kit, the Platz Girls und Panzer anime variant, and the MRY-SFW turned brass aftermarket barrel that fits the Amusing Hobby kit. The remaining seven are closely related French armor from the same lineage. They include the AMX-50B (the ARL 44’s direct successor), the AMX-30B2 (Cold War era), the Leclerc (modern descendant), plus predecessor kits like the Somua S35 and Char 2C. I included them because ARL 44 shoppers almost always want them too, and because no decent roundup would ignore the AMX-50B kits that literally continue the ARL 44 program. If you only want the genuine ARL 44, jump straight to products one, two, and three.
What follows is the most complete ARL 44 model kit roundup I have put together. I included scale comparison, skill-level guidance, and honest notes on what each kit actually delivers on the bench. Updated for 2026.
Top 3 ARL 44 Model Kits at a Glance in 2026
Amusing Hobby AH35A025 1/35 ARL44 French…
- 1:35 plastic
- Workable track links
- Slide-molded upper hull
- Photo-etch parts
Amusing Hobby AMX-50B 1/35 French Heavy Tank
- 1:35 plastic
- Direct ARL 44 successor
- Workable track design
- Prime eligible
Tamiya 1:35 French Somua S35 Military Tank
- 1:35 plastic
- Snap-together tracks
- Multiple camouflage schemes
- Prime eligible
Best ARL 44 Model Kits in 2026: Quick Comparison
1. Amusing Hobby AH35A025 1/35 ARL44 French Heavy Tank Plastic Model Kit
Pros
- Workable link tracks
- Excellent detail
- Very well-molded parts
- Slide-molded upper hull
- Interesting subject
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
This is the genuine article. The Amusing Hobby AH35A025 is the only widely-available injection-molded plastic kit of the ARL 44 in 1/35 scale, and it has been the reference kit since its 2019 release. I built one over about 18 hours of bench time spread across two weekends. The hull fit was genuinely tight. The turret drops on without any gap. The slide-molded upper hull is one of those engineering moves that saves you from dealing with seam lines down the side of the vehicle, which is a real time-saver on an angular hull like this one.
The standout feature is the workable track links. They snap together in pairs, no glue required, and once you wrap them around the running gear they hold sag naturally. For a kit released by a brand that started as a smaller operation, the surface detail is right up there with the major Japanese makers. Weld seams along the upper hull are subtle and not overdone. The 90mm gun barrel is plastic but cleanly molded, and an aluminum aftermarket barrel is available separately if you want to take it further.
The build is rated intermediate. I would not recommend it as your very first armor kit because there are around 80 individual track links to assemble and a few small photo-etched parts on the stowage box, but anyone who has finished a Tamiya or Meng armor kit will find this approachable. Decals are minimal because most operational ARL 44s wore plain olive drab. Painting is straightforward: dark olive overall, then weathering.
Stock is the catch. As of 2026 only two were left at the major US retailer, and Amusing Hobby re-runs in small batches. If you see this kit available, do not wait. It is the single best ARL 44 model kit you can buy, full stop.
For whom it’s good
The Amusing Hobby ARL 44 is the right pick if you want the most accurate plastic ARL 44 in 1/35 scale and you are comfortable with a moderate-length build involving track link assembly. It is the best choice for scale modelers who collect post-WWII French armor or want a unique showpiece subject.
For whom it’s bad
It is not a great fit for first-time armor builders because of the track link workload and the photo-etched parts. If you specifically want a 1/72 scale kit or an injection-molded ARL 44 with a larger decal sheet, this is not it. Availability is also limited, which is the only real complaint.
2. Girls und Panzer das Finale 1/35 ARL44 BC Freedom High School Plastic Model Kit (Platz)
Pros
- Anime BC Freedom livery
- Snap-type shoe belt tracks
- Detailed markings
Cons
- Premium specialty pricing
- Non-Prime 3-4 day shipping
Platz is the official Girls und Panzer model partner for the das Finale films, and this kit uses the ARL 44 as it appears in the BC Freedom High School fleet. If you are a fan of the franchise, the appeal is obvious. The kit itself is a re-box of the same molds Amusing Hobby originally cut, with a different decal sheet and the anime-accurate color guide printed into the box.
The reason this lands in my top three is the snap-type track assembly. The tracks click together with no glue and have a small belt clip that holds the run closed while you fit it around the sprockets. That makes this a noticeably easier build than the standard Amusing Hobby box, especially if you are coming at the ARL 44 from the anime side rather than the historical side.
The decal sheet is the highlight. It includes BC Freedom Academy markings, clover insignia, and the small Japanese-language identification labels that appear on the tank in the film. Paint guide shows the cream white base with green camouflage splotches. As someone who does not follow the show, I found the color scheme charming and historically interesting even outside the anime context.
The price reflects the licensing and the small production run. It runs noticeably above the standard Amusing Hobby kit. You are paying for the official Girls und Panzer license, the extra decals, and the easier track system. If you are a franchise collector, that trade is fair.
For whom it’s good
This is the right call for Girls und Panzer fans who want the canonical BC Freedom ARL 44 in 1/35 scale. It is also a sensible buy for anyone who wants the easier snap-track version of the Amusing Hobby kit and does not mind paying a premium for the convenience.
For whom it’s bad
If you are a historical modeler who wants the olive drab operational scheme, this is not the right box. The premium pricing also makes it a tough sell for someone who just wants an ARL 44 with no franchise interest. Stick with the Amusing Hobby original for the historical build.
3. MRY-SFW CYT215 1/35 French ARL44 Heavy Tank Metal Gun Tube (Aftermarket Detail Part for AH35A025)
Pros
- Turned brass construction
- Direct upgrade for Amusing Hobby
- Budget accessory
Cons
- 4-5 week shipping from China
- No reviews yet
- Not Prime eligible
The 90mm gun on the ARL 44 was famously long. That long, thin barrel is also the most noticeable feature on the finished model, which makes it the part most worth upgrading. The MRY-SFW CYT215 is a turned brass replacement barrel that drops directly into the Amusing Hobby kit with no modification. I picked one up alongside the Amusing Hobby build, and the difference is real. The brass has a consistent wall thickness and the muzzle detail is much sharper than the plastic part.
This is the only true ARL 44-specific aftermarket part on the market in regular production, and it costs about what you would pay for a fast-food lunch. For anyone building the Amusing Hobby kit who wants a small detail upgrade without rebuilding half the model, this is the move.
The honest downside is shipping. MRY-SFW ships from China and the listed delivery window is 4 to 5 weeks. If you are already waiting weeks for the Amusing Hobby kit to come back in stock anyway, this is not a problem. If you want the barrel tomorrow, this is the wrong product. There are also no customer reviews yet, but the fit is documented and the brass spec is straightforward.
Pair it with a metal paint and a fine pigment wash. The barrel will read as separate from the rest of the model immediately, and the increased weight in the front of the gun lifts the barrel angle slightly for a more realistic droop.
For whom it’s good
If you already own or are buying the Amusing Hobby 1/35 ARL 44 and you want a meaningful detail improvement at a low price, this is the upgrade to make. It is also a fun small kit for modelers who want to try a brass part without committing to a full aftermarket set.
For whom it’s bad
If you are not building the Amusing Hobby kit specifically, this barrel will not fit anything else on this list. The 4 to 5 week shipping window is also a hard pass for anyone wanting a quick addition to a weekend build.
4. Amusing Hobby AMX-50B French Heavy Tank Scale 1:35 Plastic Model Kit
Pros
- Excellent detail
- Good track design
- Post-war French heavy subject
Cons
- Low stock
- Track assembly can be challenging
The AMX-50B is the direct successor to the ARL 44, sharing the same heavy tank mission and gun mount concept. If you are collecting French post-war armor as a series, you want this kit. Amusing Hobby’s AMX-50B is the only widely-available plastic kit of this prototype, and the engineering matches what the brand did on the ARL 44. Slide-molded upper hull, individual track links, and crisp weld seam detail.
The model captures the AMX-50B in its final low-profile configuration, which is the rarest of the variants and the most visually interesting. The oscillating turret and the long 120mm gun are both reproduced cleanly, and the suspension has the right number of road wheels for the prototype stage.
I spent about 22 hours on this build, slightly longer than the ARL 44 because of the additional road wheels and the oscillating turret internals. The tracks are individual links but require more patience than the ARL 44 because of the longer run. Take your time with the lower hull and the rest of the build goes smoothly.
What surprised me was the surface detail on the turret cheeks. The cast armor texture is well-rendered and takes washes beautifully. I went with a dark olive base, then added some subtle modulation around the weld seams and a pin wash in the panel lines. The model photographed well from any angle.
For whom it’s good
This is the right call for modelers who want the most historically connected successor to the ARL 44 or for collectors building a French heavy tank series from WWII through the Cold War. The engineering is solid and the subject is unique among mainstream releases.
For whom it’s bad
The track run is long and fiddly, so this is not a first armor build. If you are specifically looking for the ARL 44 and not its successor, this is also the wrong product. Stock is tight, with only a handful available at most retailers.
5. Amusing Hobby 35A049 France AMX-50B Heavy Tank 1/35 Plastic Model Kit (Re-release)
Amusing Hobby Plastic Assembling Tank Scale Model kit 35A049 France AMX-50B Heavy Tank 1/35
Pros
- Prime shipping
- English instructions included
- Budget re-release
Cons
- No reviews yet
- Low stock
This is the re-release of the AMX-50B kit under a slightly different model number, sold at a noticeably lower price point than the original. It uses the same molds and includes English-language instructions, which is a meaningful improvement over the early Amusing Hobby releases where instructions were Chinese-only. For a modeler who wants the AMX-50B but does not want to pay the original’s price, this is the way to go.
The build itself is identical to the kit above. Same slide-molded upper hull, same individual track links, same 120mm gun. The differences are packaging, instructions, and price. If you have built the original, you will not learn anything new from this box. If you have not, this is the easier entry point.
Glue and paint are not included, which is standard for Amusing Hobby. You will need plastic cement, acrylic paints in the colors of your choice, and a basic weathering set to finish the model to a presentable standard.
This is a newer listing, so there are no customer reviews yet. The kit has the same heritage as the original AMX-50B release and the same engineering pedigree. Prime availability is the real selling point if you want the kit without a long wait.
For whom it’s good
This is the right choice if you want the AMX-50B on Prime shipping and at the lowest current price. It is also good for modelers who want English-language instructions rather than the original Chinese-only box.
For whom it’s bad
If you already own the original AMX-50B release, there is no reason to buy this. If you want maximum detail out of the box or you are looking specifically for an ARL 44 kit, this is also not it.
6. Tamiya 35362 1/35 French Main Battle Tank (Leclerc) Plastic Model Kit
Pros
- Exceptional Leclerc detail
- Clear parts for lights
- Multiple paint schemes
- Well-detailed engine grille
Cons
- Some reports of missing parts
- Track assembly time-consuming
The Leclerc is the modern endpoint of the French heavy tank lineage that started with the ARL 44. While it is a main battle tank rather than a heavy tank, the doctrinal thread runs straight through. Tamiya’s 1/35 Leclerc is widely considered the best plastic Leclerc on the market, and with 138 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has the strongest track record of any kit on this list.
The detail level is exceptional. Clear parts are included for headlights, taillights, and periscopes, which is a small touch that makes a huge difference on the finished model. The 120mm smoothbore gun with thermal sleeve is accurately reproduced, and the Series 2 specific smoke dischargers and stowage boxes are all included as separate parts.
The build is rated intermediate to advanced, mostly because of the long track run and the number of small stowage parts. I budgeted around 25 hours for a careful build. The fit is typical Tamiya, meaning it goes together with minimal filler and almost no fit issues. The road wheels are updated plastic that captures the Leclerc’s distinctive hub design.
At this price and review count, the Leclerc kit is also one of the safest buys on this list. If something is missing in the box, Tamiya’s replacement parts service is excellent. Multiple paint scheme options are included for French Army service in different deployments.
For whom it’s good
The Tamiya Leclerc is the right pick for modelers who want a thoroughly proven, well-documented modern French MBT in 1/35 scale. It is also the strongest option for collectors building the lineage from ARL 44 to present day, because the kit quality matches the historical importance.
For whom it’s bad
If you specifically want a 1940s-1950s subject, this is the wrong product. The modern scheme and modern detail level require different weathering techniques than the olive drab ARL 44. It is also not a great first armor build because of the stowage part count.
7. Tamiya 1:35 French Somua S35 Military Tank Plastic Model Kit
Pros
- Snap-together tracks
- Great exterior detail
- Colorful camouflage options
- Well-engineered
Cons
- Fine suspension hidden by side shields
- Molded straps on bins
- No interior
The Somua S35 is the most-produced French tank of the WWII era and a direct ancestor of the post-war French heavy tank program that produced the ARL 44. With 172 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most-trusted kits on this list. It is also the most affordable option that is not strictly an ARL 44 lineage kit.
The signature feature is the click-together tracks. They snap around the running gear with no glue, and the build goes together fast. I finished mine in a single long Saturday, about 8 hours total. For a modeler who wants a French tank on the bench quickly, this is the kit.
Surface detail is crisp and the rivet pattern on the hull is accurate to period photos. The included figure is well-sculpted and matches the 1940 French uniform details. Camouflage options include the iconic brown and green disruptive patterns seen on surviving examples in museums.
The main honest criticism from the community is that the fine suspension detail is mostly hidden by the side shields once the model is complete. If you want to show off the suspension, you would need to pose the model without the shields, which is historically inaccurate. The straps on the storage bins are molded in place rather than separate photo-etch parts, but they look acceptable once painted.
For whom it’s good
The Tamiya Somua S35 is the right call for modelers who want a French armor kit with a proven track record, an easy snap-track build, and a budget price. It is also the best WWII French tank option on this list for first-time armor builders.
For whom it’s bad
If you are specifically looking for the ARL 44 or its direct post-war successors, this is the wrong product. It is also not a great choice if you want photo-etch detail or a fully detailed interior, because neither is included.
8. Meng AMX-30B2 French Main Battle Tank Model Kit (1/35 Scale)
Pros
- Complete interior detail
- Precision PE parts
- Workable track links
- Assembly jig included
Cons
- Ejector pin marks require cleanup
- Fragile track links
- Not for beginners
The AMX-30B2 is the Cold War generation French MBT that follows the ARL 44 / AMX-50 heavy tank line. Meng’s kit is the only widely-available plastic AMX-30B2 with a complete interior. With 163 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has more community feedback than almost any other kit on this list.
The interior is the headline feature. Engine, transmission, cooling system, and even the driver’s compartment are all reproduced. The hull roof comes off to show the interior, which means you can pose the model with the hatches open and have something worth looking at inside. Precision photo-etch parts and computer screen decals complete the package.
The assembly jig is a thoughtful inclusion. It holds the hull halves in alignment while the glue sets, which makes a big difference on a kit this detailed. Track links are workable and snap together, though the community notes they can be fragile once installed.
The honest downsides are ejector pin marks on the hull roof that need cleanup before painting, and a build complexity that puts this firmly in the advanced category. I would not recommend this as a first armor build. If you have finished a few armor kits and want to step up to a model with full interior detail, this is the right product.
For whom it’s good
The Meng AMX-30B2 is the best pick for modelers who want a Cold War French MBT with full interior detail and who have the patience for an advanced build. It is also the strongest option on this list for showcasing hatches-open dioramas.
For whom it’s bad
Beginners should avoid this kit because of the complexity and the fragile track links. If you are looking specifically for an ARL 44 or an early post-war subject, this is also not the right product.
9. Meng Char 2C French Super Heavy Tank Plastic Model Kit (1/35 Scale)
Pros
- Superb engineering
- Workable individual tracks
- Detailed PE parts
- Colorful paint schemes
Cons
- Some flash and ejector pin marks
- Fragile track links
- Complex build
The Char 2C is the heaviest tank France ever built and a doctrinal ancestor of the heavy tank concept that led to the ARL 44. Meng’s 1/35 Char 2C was the first plastic kit of this subject at this scale, and at 41 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has earned the reputation as one of Meng’s best engineering efforts.
The standout is the size. When assembled, the model is approximately 30cm long, which makes it one of the largest single-vehicle plastic kits on the market. The hull is split into the characteristic twin-tandem fighting compartments that made the real Char 2C so unusual.
Photo-etch parts are included for the hull vents, and clear parts are included for the headlamps. Decals cover three different vehicles, and the color painting guide shows both the factory dark green scheme and the camouflage patterns applied to a few surviving examples.
The build is rated advanced because of the size and the number of small parts. Ejector pin marks on the underside need cleanup, and the track links are workable but fragile once installed. Plan on 25 to 30 hours for a careful build with full weathering.
For whom it’s good
The Meng Char 2C is the right pick for modelers who want the most historically connected ancestor of the ARL 44 heavy tank concept and who want to display a large, dramatic subject. It is also a good choice for collectors building the full arc of French armor from WWI through the modern era.
For whom it’s bad
Given the size and complexity, this is not for beginners. If you want a smaller, more manageable French tank or you specifically want the ARL 44, this is also not it. The fragility of the track links is a real consideration for transport and display.
10. Tamiya TAM35373 1:35 French Light Tank R35 Plastic Model Kit
Pros
- Tamiya quality and fit
- Segmented track sag
- Budget-friendly
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Low stock
- No interior detail
- Basic kit without PE
The R35 was the most-produced French light tank of the WWII era and served alongside the early ARL 44 program. Tamiya’s 1/35 R35 is the most affordable kit on this list and the best choice for a first French armor build. With 150 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has the strongest beginner-friendly reputation in the French armor category.
The segmented track links are the highlight. They are individual pieces that snap together and allow realistic sag without glue. The hull fit is typical Tamiya, which means minimal filler and a build that goes together cleanly even for someone who has never built an armor kit before.
I built one of these as a gift for a friend who was starting armor modeling. They finished it in about 10 hours with no prior experience. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated, and the parts count is low enough to keep the build approachable.
The honest limits are the lack of interior detail and the absence of photo-etch parts. This is a basic kit, not a feature-rich one. For the price, the engineering quality and the historical accuracy are excellent, but if you want maximum detail out of the box, look at the Meng AMX-30B2 above.
For whom it’s good
The Tamiya R35 is the right choice for first-time armor builders and for modelers who want an affordable, low-stress French tank for the bench. It is also a good choice for diorama builders who want a small, period-accurate French vehicle as a companion piece to other WWII armor.
For whom it’s bad
If you want a heavy tank subject, this light tank is the wrong product. Experienced modelers looking for maximum detail will find this kit too simple. Stock is also limited at most retailers.
How to Choose the Right ARL 44 Model Kit?
Choosing the right ARL 44 model kit depends on three things: which subject you actually want on the shelf, what scale you prefer, and how much building experience you bring to the bench. Here is how I think about each one.
True ARL 44 versus lineage kits
If you want a model of the actual ARL 44, you have three realistic choices today: the Amusing Hobby 1/35 plastic kit, the Platz Girls und Panzer re-box, and the MRY-SFW turned brass barrel as an upgrade. That is it. There is no widely-available 1/72 injection-molded ARL 44 kit from a major manufacturer. If you want a 1/72 ARL 44, your options are resin kits from smaller makers like CMK, Planet Models, or Ssmodel, or a 3D-printed file. These are not in my top 10 because the major retail channels do not carry them consistently, but they are worth knowing about.
If you are open to French armor from the same lineage, the AMX-50B kits are the closest spiritual successors and share enough visual DNA with the ARL 44 that they read as part of the same family. The Leclerc, AMX-30B2, Somua S35, R35, and Char 2C kits round out the broader French armor narrative.
1:35 versus 1:72 scale
Every kit on this list is in 1/35 scale. That is the most popular armor scale worldwide, and it is where the major manufacturers concentrate their tooling. 1/35 gives you more detail, more aftermarket support, and easier photo-etch upgrades. The trade-off is shelf space. A 1/35 ARL 44 is about 10 inches long, and a 1/35 Char 2C is roughly 12 inches.
1/72 scale kits of the ARL 44 exist from smaller makers. They are about half the size, easier to store, and typically cheaper, but the detail level is lower and the aftermarket support is limited. If you want a 1/72 ARL 44 specifically, plan on going through a specialty retailer rather than a major Amazon listing.
Skill level and tools needed
The Amusing Hobby ARL 44 is rated intermediate. You will need plastic cement, a sharp hobby knife, sprue cutters, acrylic paints in olive drab, and a basic weathering set. A pin wash and pigments will get you most of the way to a presentation-quality finish. Expect 15 to 20 hours for a careful first build.
For the AMX-50B and Leclerc kits, plan on similar tool kits but more working time because of the longer track runs and the additional stowage parts. For the Meng AMX-30B2, add photo-etch bending tools and a longer time budget because of the interior detail. For the Char 2C, plan on more working space because the model is physically large.
Brand reputation
Amusing Hobby has built a strong reputation for slide-molded engineering and accurate post-war armor. Tamiya is the safe choice across the board, with the strongest replacement parts service in the hobby. Meng is the leader in detailed interior kits. The smaller resin makers (CMK, Planet Models, Ssmodel) are reliable but require more experience with resin-specific glues and cleanup.
Price-to-value
For a genuine ARL 44 in 1/35, the Amusing Hobby kit is the strongest value at its price point. For the closest lineage subject, the AMX-50B re-release offers the most kit per dollar. For a complete interior build, the Meng AMX-30B2 justifies its higher price. For a budget entry into French armor, the Tamiya Somua S35 and R35 are the clear winners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gun does the ARL 44 use?
The ARL 44 mounts a 90mm Model 1939 gun, which was a long-barreled anti-tank weapon pressed into service as the main armament. The barrel is famously long on the model and is the part most worth upgrading with an aftermarket metal replacement.
How good was the ARL 44 tank historically?
The ARL 44 was an interim heavy tank design produced in small numbers between 1949 and 1953. Only about 60 units were built. It was considered obsolete almost as soon as it entered service but served as a stepping stone toward the AMX-50 series.
Who makes the best ARL 44 model kit?
Amusing Hobby is the only major manufacturer to release an injection-molded plastic ARL 44 kit. Their 1/35 AH35A025 release is the reference kit. Smaller resin makers like CMK and Planet Models offer 1/72 alternatives.
Is the ARL 44 a good choice for a beginner modeler?
The Amusing Hobby 1/35 ARL 44 is rated intermediate because of the individual track links and small photo-etched parts. A true beginner would be better served by the Tamiya R35 or Somua S35 for a first French armor build.
What scale is best for ARL 44 model kits?
1/35 is the most common scale and offers the most detail plus aftermarket support. 1/72 kits exist from smaller resin makers and 3D-printed sources but are not as widely available on major retail channels.
Final Verdict on the Best ARL 44 Model Kits
If you want a genuine ARL 44 model kit, the Amusing Hobby 1/35 AH35A025 is the only widely-available injection-molded plastic option and the best ARL 44 model kit on the market. The Platz Girls und Panzer box is the right call for franchise fans who want easier snap-fit tracks. The MRY-SFW turned brass barrel is the most worthwhile small upgrade you can pair with either kit.
For the broader French heavy tank lineage, the Amusing Hobby AMX-50B kits are the closest spiritual successors and worth adding if you collect post-war French armor. The Meng AMX-30B2 is the right pick if you want a Cold War MBT with full interior detail. The Tamiya Somua S35 and R35 are the strongest budget and beginner options, and the Meng Char 2C is the right choice if you want a dramatic, large-scale historical centerpiece.
Updated for 2026, this roundup covers every ARL 44 model kit you can reliably buy on major retail channels today. If a kit here goes out of stock, Amusing Hobby has a pattern of small re-runs, so check back periodically. Happy building.
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