Looking for miniature armor

[Olympian]

Like Matchbox size: diecast metal or plastic, WW2 and contempo. Fully painted models with moving parts (especially turrets) a definite plus.

There's the odd Hot Weels tank or truck, but I'm looking for more complete sets for all countries in WW2 and modern periods. Soviet equipment seems especially lacking-anyone ever seen a miniature BMP or T series tank?

Are there any companies that have a robust line of models and toys that I might find?

[Hell_Hound]

The main contender that I'm aware of is the Micro Armor line by GHQ.

They're in 1/287 scale, which makes most tanks about an inch long. The other scale is 1/87 (which I think is HO scale like they make train sets to) in which the tanks are 3-4 inches long.

You can get started at http://www.brookhursthobbies.com.

[Hell_Hound]

Urg! I just tried "reading the question before answering it", and I notice you wanted painted stuff. Micro Armor comes as shiny, blank pewter and requires cleaning, assembly, priming and painting.

Sorry. :(

[hussar11]

Try the ROCO Minitanks here.http://www.roco.com/minitanks.html
They should have what you are looking for. :P ] [/b]

[Scorpius]

I like the Roco Mini tanks, they are a bit pricey, but have quite a bit of detail for their scale....

[Olympian]

Ok thank alls.

Scorpius, you mentioned price-would you consider buying 6 or so minitanks at once a tall order? In other words, what's the average going price (US $) of each model, typically?

Finally, are there some vehicles that are out of production and have become collector's items (I'm not interested in re-selling them for a profit per se, but I am trying to gauge the ease and cost of completing a good size collection)?

[Scorpius]

I've seen Roco minitanks priced anywhere between 7-25 dollars, depending on the vehicle.....
A tall order? I dunno, it depends on you want to spend for a particular project...

I'm not sure about oop vehicles....might be worth investigating...try ebay. I've spent tons of money through ebay. :D

hope that helps