Building the Tamiya M18 Hellcat | Full Step-by-Step Guide (with aftermarket upgrades)! 

I’m halfway in on the build. I got the kit based on your great videos. It’s going really well and really fun! Thanks!

My great grandfather was assigned to Company C, 3rd Platoon, 638th TD battalion during WW2 and spent a year overseas with the unit. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhine, Central Europe, and assisted in the liberation of a concentration camp. TD battalions usually had M18s, so this will be my next kit. Thanks for the video!! Super pumped!!! 🎉🎉

Other companies come out with a new tooled amazing kit... then old Tamyia comes back with, "Hold my Beer"

Great video!!! Am currently just started building this kit and think it is light-years ahead of that Academy version that came out years ago. Have seen a few videos about building this kit and must say that you were the FIRST to point out those little notches in the road wheels in order for the tracks to fit properly (even I did not notice that while studying the direction - will have to remember that when I get to that point). Also have built the Academy version and let's just say that after all these years it is 95% complete and will remain that way. Will have to look for those resin pieces - they sure do make the vehicle look better.

Haven’t restarted this hobby myself as I currently lack room to do it, but hopefully our new house comes with a spare room (man cave ;) where I can pick this up again! These videos are stimulating and motivating for sure, thanks!

Finished this one today, beautiful kit. Thank you for the recommendation

Thanks for that, it was very enjoyable to watch and I'll be sure to refer back to this frequently if I ever build the kit. Finished build looks great, love all the stowage. Looking forward to the paint!

Looks like I need one! Fantastic build of one of my favorite TDs Thanks for the review and build!

Very nice, easy to follow. I'm a sailing vessel guy myself but this has motivated me to buy an armor kit and give it a shot...you made it look fun and easy...Thanks.

I wasn't looking for a tank kit - but after watching this video I'll have to pick up an M18. I really enjoy the Tamiya kits, another great video and thanks for posting!

Really clean build, nice job! Looking forward to seeing it painted

Great video. Will buy one !

Hank, you did a really nice job on this kit. I just finished the kit also. I painted up the included figure, first time to try figure painting. That's more challenging than building the rest of the tank!

Awesome video mate! The m18 kit is a thing of beauty. I have one my stash and watching you build your little gem really makes me want to start mine too. Though I'm holding out to try get my hands on Def Models marking set as they have a Bastonge machine I want to recreate. Awesome work Hank!

I like how you explained arcane tank details like the use of the torsion bar "bump stops." Tank trivia as you go makes it fun!

Hey Hank, this is actually my second comment... But I just went to my local hobby store looking for a Sherman to take to my grandparents' house to build this summer when I came across a few Tamiya M-18s!!! I was definitely not expecting the store to have them, but they did, and I got one, I had to after watching this video!!! I also got the Sherman, but the M-18 got me excited and I can't wait to start it after I finish a 109 I've been working on. Awesome job Hank and thanks for the ideas.

I haven’t built a kit in 10 years, so this was fun to watch. With the easy explanations of the “pro” techniques I’m looking at getting back into it.

Awesome job on build and really like your using resin aftermarket add on to give realistic look. Look forward to final presentation version.

Another great video! Can’t wait to get started on mine - I have a half-built Academy M18 I might finish first to try out some weathering techniques- the only thing that kind of underwhelmed me with this new Tamiya kit is the marking choices - when I think of Hellcats I think of France/Germany - really wish there were some aftermarket 704th TD for Arracourt - might use the Academy decals or get some aftermarket 705th, etc - can’t wait to see the painting video!

Already in my stash and ready to build.Nice review.

Great build and those extra bags add great personality to the build

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

Excellent build video mate! Guitar string makes a realistic antenna for sure. Although I like making my own stowage, when I have had enough Value Gear is the go-to! Bravo!

I snagged two of these kits once they were off loaded. Got markings, the barrel, and awaiting the stowage gear. Looking forward to the paint video

Very nice, love the aftermarkes add on's, just subscribed also.

Finally, a new beautiful piece

U r doing a great job hosting that channel👍

Great video. Can't find this in Canada right now. I should have bought it while it was in stock. Thanks for your great instruction. Cheers 🍻

Congrats, super video

Wow... It's fantastic... Great job and beautiful model... On First it's complicated but instructions helping... Well, bro... What say except... Cheers... 🍻🍻🍻 ... 🔥🔥🔥 ... 🤘🤘🤘 ... 🖤🐺🖤

This was supposed to be my Christmas present but didn't show up my local (Seattle, WA) hobby shop until last month! Started work on it immediately. A little complex because of open turret but typical near perfect Tamiya fit. By the way, those storage bins on the front of the turret are for the driver and assistant driver windshields.

I asked my wife to visit a model shop in the Philippines and she took photos of the display and, alas, I saw box of this and quickly asked her to buy one for me. Can't wait to get it (am working in the Gulf!)

Gr8 looking build👏👏💯%, i wanted one at xmas but couldnt get them into the uk, so i opted for the airfix version going ok so far but i know it wont be anywhere as good as a tamiya 😊

I just got one of these. Tamiya really outdid themselves with this kit !

Checking in to say love the video, liked, great video Hank.

I was depressed and then I watched some SpresNBrews to bring me back to life. Thank you, Hank.

cool build!)

Outstanding work. Keep 'em coming. Really that storage sets. Also would like to get the Eduard detail set. Can't wait for the painting video. Mine is still wip. LOL.

Hello Hank, very glad to have discovered your very helpful channel since it coincides with my return to the hobby of plastic kit building. It’s been a very long time since I’ve delved into the satisfaction of completing a build and I’m looking forward to getting back into it again. I’ve been pleasantly impressed by the advancement of quality and detail on current kits which leads me to a suggestion, if I may, for a future video you might consider if you think it would be worthwhile. I will label myself as a “newbie” now when considering the vast quantities of kits and manufacturers to choose from : Trumpeter, Hobby Boss, Eduard, Meng, Tacoma, Ryefield, Academy, Das Werk, etc. how do I figure out how to choose? I agree with you about Tamiya so no problem with them, but how do the others stack up? Are they more detailed, more difficult to build, instructions up to par, better molding of parts, inquiring minds want to know! Maybe a similar breakdown or comparison video for all the different lines of paint for military kits ( I’m finding I like Ammo by Mig so far-Sprue Bros. for ordering and direct from Ammo too). Also, thank you for placing links in description for after market accessories, very useful.

Nice job on the build it looks great. I wish my weathering expertise was at your level. There are two "newer" paint products from Tamiya that I don't know if you have seen, but they would have been good to use on this model. They are XF-84 Dark Iron and XF-85 Rubber Black. They were called out on the suggested colors on the instructions for a Tamiya PKW IV Aust. G and turned out very realistic compared with the previous use of flat black. They have a more grayish tone and look more like the color of real tracks and idler wheels. Painting the tracks in the Dark Iron and then dry brushing silver over the dry paint makes a great effect. You usually use Ammo MIG, but I see you use Tamiya also. Check them out.

Nice build, I might have to track that kit down.

It's a decent kit finshed it up yesterday, good for beginners, I prefer Takom or Zvezda for armor.

Hi Hank.. definitely will have a look see at our local hobby store if in stock.. remodeled entire store since damage from hurricane Ian, closed until Interior was redone, new roof.. thanks for tutorial

Well done job on the build of the M-18! Just one note: the engine exhausts are located where you mounted the stowage and tarp on the rear hull. On the real vehicle, things might have gotten real hot!

Greetings Hank, that was a excellent build and paint job, my only issue I think is, it would have been nice to see (even) a partial drivers area, thanks for this great video, best regards from Australia.

Arrgghhh- my ultra top secret guitar string antennae trick has been revealed! How dare you! Great video- keep it up.

thx for the awesome build up and review! I have a shelf of Tamiya armor kits, im taking a break and transitioning to WW2 aircraft for a bit of a rest. I'll def keep this kit in mind as everyone is raving about it! Where may I ask did you get the Tamiya cement bottle holder! so clever!!

I can easily believe that Tamiya kits are fantastic.

It's a typical, nice Tamiya kit. And I bought one. But the kit of the year is Great Wall's Hawk 81 "Flying Tiger" P-40.

Can't wait to start building this. As a side note, do you know if Hobby Pad is still in business. I like using the product, but can't find it on the internet. Hope there still around.

I’ve built the 1/48th M1A1 Abrams, and I hated gluing the racks in place. I feel like after market tracks would work better. But I haven’t tried that out yet, so it’s just an assumption. Either way, this is a spectacular video!!

Did u buy the metal barrel from the def.models website

Im afraid to say that this was so good I've just subbed I may even buy one of these kits,and I only paint 28mm Napoleonic stuff, keep up the great work.justin

My next model :D

Looks great! I usually stick to German armor, but I might have to take a step into American armor with this kit.

8:17 We're going to repeat that process for the other side of the tank as well - excuse me, tank destroyer - excuse me, gun motor carriage.

Dang, what a nice kit. I would get one but I already have enough kits in my stash... When I do I will definitely watch this with it. Those aftermarket parts look really nice, I built up an M10 with some Tamiya Stowage and I loved how it came out. I will definitely be getting more for other builds!! Once again great work Hank!! ;) Also, how do you paint the tracks in the end, I always assemble them and then take them off and paint them.

that is a very nice looking kit, I'm interested to see what you do with the painting! quick question though, don't tamiya usually provide poly caps for the road wheels so you can build up the running gear separately and just pop it on and off that model to paint separately? if they're not included here, that feels like a step down from their older offerings. Also, if you're after quality armour kits, miniart are probably the best for detail, more complicated than tamiya, but the details are amazing, especially on their full interior kits, I have a full interior M3 Grant in the stash that I want to build as Montgomery's command tank from the North African campaign but it's a little daunting at the minute! 😅

Hi Hank i purchased this kit and have started the build, in your video when installing the track the wheels move slightly, were they not supposed to be glued to each spindle, i did and i hope it doesn't affect my assembly please advise. otherwise your video is great and the painting and weathering looks fabulous. regards.

Brilliant build, do you know of any good figures to go with this kit to give it extra character?

Covering the engine cooling vents with gear is not something tank crews would do because the engine would overheat without good airflow

Thanks for this video. I might do the same for the antennas- somebody gave me a set of D'Addario Phospor bronze strings- will that do?

I am working on the U.S. Medium Tank M4A1 Sherman mid production kit from Asuka and I am missing the quality of engineering of the Tamiya kits. Watching your build makes me want to stop working on the Asuka kit and start the Hellcat kit.

Looks really nice! Would you suggest this one or the tamiya challenger 1 as first build?

Awesome job !!! What kind of Glue are you using ?

hi hank, what is the purchasing address for Def Models [ metal gun] thanks Malcolm.

Fire 🔥great work ! Does anyone know of any company that makes 1/18 scale scifi tanks/armor ?

Martin Marauder is my favorite plane, no good kits out there featuring it. That said where did you get the portrait behind you?

Sorry for the n00b question, but what's the advantage of the metal barrel?

Hi. Where did you get the figure from please?

Awesome video and kit! Unrelated question that hopefully you know....what company or kit in your opinion is the best for an old school pickup truck? I'm looking in doing one with a diorama of it in a garage with all of the tools and what not. thanks!

suggestion: make a video about 'next step' kits. meaning: similarly well engineered but perhaps more challenging in terms of complexity. once a beginner has built a few tamiya kits and starts to wonder what else is out there, what brands should he look at first?

back in the Day, I would melt sprue and stretch them to make Antenna. a bit cheaper :P

How did you make the straps for the stowed gear?

I'll take the Academy kit , here in Canada the Academy kit is 36.00 and is a good kit , not great but a damn good. The Tamiya kit cost 75.00 and still has issues with accuracy (so I've read) so why would I pay 75 when 36 will me a good kit.

So let me get this straight. it's the best kit on the market, yet, it still needed aftermarket add-ons, for the perpetually unsatisfied. I just bought a Tamiya Stug IV kit. Nope, not new. It's been around for years. Old style tracks. Yep the ones that will go brittle in 20 years. Not that it will matter much to me, I'll be 80 then. Only cost me 30 bucks. I've built it several times. Always fun too. Oh yeah, the Hellcat. I'm sure it's a great kit. I'll likely buy one if I get a chance. If it makes it to my backwater town. Unless there all bought up by fanatics needing to purchase 10 for their stash of potential someday kits.

Bro you should have a Discord server for real , many would join right away 😊

Big claim! I loved AFV club's all that it needed was metal track because hellcats tracks are the coolest ever in metal links! I don't as well as a few from our club don't like the rear engine grill the way it's done on the Tamiya kit could have been PE

Why the hell didn't I think to make tie down straps with masking tape? That's a brilliant idea that I'm 100% gonna use. I was fiddling around with wires trying to make them which would have looked okay but was a lot more work trying to bend them into shape and having to glue them on. Not only does that seems far easier but probably looks a lot more realistic in most cases.

I was wondering, why the model kit manufacturer do not build the 1/32 scale. Its bigger and better to hold to

Whats the best online store to buy model kits that ship to every country

Your "You can pick up your own M18 Hellcat kit here..." Link goes to a 'War Thunder' advertisement page, not a vendor for the kit. :(

Seems like the rubber band tracks were better. No?

Why does Tamiya do that with the tracks? Rubberized is so much better, and easier to install.

Kitty of the year

Tamiya better than dragon, or ryefield, or takom? Doubt. But now I'll watch and see why you think so.

As you rotated the hull assembly more than one place light shine through the joining lines. For example every single one of the torsion bar fittings have this in your video. Just like between the tow pintle and the rear plate of the hull (this one looks excessive). Really clever engineering for those drive sprocets? You mean what every single one of the manufacturers do for 5-6 decades now? Using positioning tabs are so basic thing in (armor) model kits, nobody even mention it ever. (Italeri Sherman from 1977 has this too. Maybe it is new to Tamiya, but not to anybody else.) By the way: if the kit is so perfect, why you nned to use a 3rd party gun barrel? (I know, Tamiya still haven't figured out how to mould an at least proper (not even decent) gun barrel. Most of the time their kit barrels have size and shape problems. (For example the 2 pdr barrel of their Valentine is utterly trash. And that is a small single piece, absolutely simple barrel. And Tamiya was still able to fuck it up. Not a single dimension of that barrel is near to the correct value. And that is a kit from 2017...) The whole turned metal barrel business born to give modelers usable barrels instead of the crap Tamiya models include. The interior looks very rudimentary. Even the Academy M36 has much more detailed fighting compartment. I don't see any "crazy level of detail" anywhere on this kit. Just the typical Tamiya mediocrity. (Other manufacturers can make single piece lower hulls more detailed, than Tamiya the multipiece hulls. The multipiece approach from Tamiya is serves only one purpose: cost saving.) It can't be the best if you need to use 3rd patry pieces. And as I know Tamiya, the 3rd party turned barrel is a must have.

Best 35th kit on market today, no way. Might be great to build but suspension is simplified fair bit of detail lacking and tracks also lacking in detail. Quality of mouldingtop notch and manual and paint guide top notch also, a great beginners kit, no kit of the year full stop

Salut my friend super Tank super video subscribe subscribe ...

Paint Guide beautifully printed...Olive Drag or Olive Drab...How much extra for that cost???? Like all Tamiya over priced and too easy....But you can double the price with all the aftermarket crap

It's missing the muzzle break.

😎🍻🇺🇸

It is a nice kit, but not the best (IMHO). I just finished mine. My biggest complaint was the lack of tool tie down straps. All of the tools were held in their brackets by straps. These were not included in the design. (Without them, all of the tool would have fallen off the vehicle. Shame on Tamiya for that omission. I laboriously added them...

Just a comment for the algorithm

Dude put the pipe down. You are high AF! Best 35th kit, ha

I've bought and made Tamiya M18. While it has some nice points, especially around the turret, the hull fit is poor for Tamiya and the strange shaped wheel match between the drive sprockets and idler wheels is the worst thing I've ever seen Tamiya do in 1/35 (expect maintain their very old T-34 hull in use when it should have been pensioned off and still charge Tamiya pricing).

Next video?

The Tank don't have a sign what it is so what is the Tank oh wait a minute is that a 50cal Browning on top

The best armour kit??? Gimme a break. I'm just finishing this kit, but is far from "best". 1. The barrel cannot be elevated, there is only the horizontal position because of the canvas cover of the gun shield. Tamiya could have given us at least another one in another position - that would have taken three more parts. 2. The .50 cal can be positioned only in one way, looking forward. (Everyone else can provide rotatable MGs, and they could since the 1970s, dear Tamiya.) 3. The driver and the assistant driver's place is missing, there is nothing in there, no seats, no sticks, nothing. And this area is visible if you leave the hatches open here. 4. No stowage apart from a few MG ammo boxes. C'mon! Hellcats were typically used with lots of gear fixed outside. Other Tamiya kits featured such items (e.g. the early Sherman M4). 5. Only two sets of decals, both from Italy, Spring 1945, very similar. Apart from these, it is a very nice kit, indeed, but I expect much more from Tamiya in 2022. Don't you???

No workable tracks or pe so nah