I’m trying to decide if building a tank with a full interior is worth the effort. Most reviewers say that little of the interior is visible after assembly and parts counts tend to be high. Just curious what others have to say.
I have at least one of each of my collection with an interior, except a Sherman and M48/M60 series. M1, Bradley, M113, M88, a few soft skins, Stryker. It’s time consuming depending how crazy you go with it, but like I tell people, “I” know it’s in there.
Just remembered, I have the Academy Lee with an interior that I cut open so you can see inside, and a 1/25 scale Tamiya Centurion that I built decades ago that’s going to get cut open soon
2 Likes
I have avoided them for five years since returning to building. Now with my level increasing I have 5 kits with interior’s to build. I plan on giving them a much higher level of attention than my other builds. my other builds I sell off. The interior ones will be kept for sure.
2 Likes
Interiors are totally worth it if you love the vehicle and want to put the work in. It’s one of those “bucket list” things. Even if not everybody can see it, you did the work and you know it’s there.
6 Likes
Sometimes. If hatches are big (like in Shermans) or the vehicle can be opened up, then yes. And if only some of the hatches are to be left open then I’ll only detail the areas that can be seen. Occasionally I’ll do a cut-away that needs an interior. And of course if I want to open the engine decks…
But if the tank is to be sealed up, or the hatches filled with crew, then no.
3 Likes
I vote yes, I love them. I try to get a kit w/interior, or an AM interior for most of my tank, and especially APC, kits. I am a glutton for punishment, I like adding all the little details. You are right, most won’t be seen, but I know it is all there. Also, what can be seen really adds to the kit, in my opinion.
I build most so most of the details can be seen; hatches open, panels open, etc. If It will totally not be visible (closed up inside the hull or with crew in the hatches), I will not really build that part.
2 Likes
Dont let the fact that you might not be able to see the interior be a factor. There are so many examples of exploded views, cutaway views, or even clear parts. I used to think no because of not being able to be seen. But I can post so really cool options on way to exploit them.
2 Likes
That’s a no for me. I have too many kits build and too few years to build them to worry about it. If it can’t be seen through a hatch or something then it doesn’t get built.
3 Likes
I like building interiors on vehicles where it is possible to see it. Otherwise I don´t, but I have great respect for people who build their tanks with full interior, even though it will all be hidden.
3 Likes
I stalled on my full interior T-34/85 build. I totally wanted to do the interior and am glad I have done what I’ve done. (I really ought to finish it - I don’t really have that much to do). But I stalled on how to display it. I came to the conclusion that I’m not going to assembly all of it entirely. I will certainly leave it so that I can take the turret off and look inside, and may leave the turret roof off also. Knowing that’s what I’m going to do hasn’t moved me back to completing the build but getting to a point where conceptually it doesn’t have to be like the other fully assembled models was a big help conceptually - to me at least…
I have a full interior T-72 kit which I want to build just because I’m intrigued by how it operates and putting the interior together will somehow let me experience that in some little way, but I doubt I will leave it open in the same way I plan to for the T-34.
1 Like
To me a 1/16 model with full interieur is the greatest. I think, if you have finished one of them you know all the work you have put into the build, that’s the most importent. There are some reports of the build- and the paintwork of the trumpeter models and so you can show it to others if you want to and who follows the build also knows all the input you give, even if you can’t see much anymore
3 Likes
If I need it for a knocked-out, abandoned or heavy repair scene I’ll do it. Otherwise I just put figures in the hatch openings and call it good.
Regards,Bob
2 Likes
If you will enjoy building and painting the interior… that’s the best reason to do it.
5 Likes
Totally worth it. Worth every minute of frustration!! I love the challenge and the knowledge that it’s there. Ther’s always the challenge of figuring out a way to display the interior. So far with all my tanks with interiors I’ve been able to figure away out to be able to remove the turret.
1 Like
I would also say it depends on the subject. All of the ones I have picked allow easy availability to interior. But many dont.
2 Likes
It would seem that most people are for interiors so far…lots of great info
1 Like
Hatches closed guy here.
Takom has kits of Panther A’s with interior and then Das Werk released those kits without the sprues for the interiors for a lower price.
I was happy and the wallet was happy.
4 Likes
Just to add another thought.
I recently had a visitor who knew nothing of models. I showed him a Panzer iv J with interior that I had built. I carefully lifted off the turret to show him the interior. Then CAREFULLY put it back in. He, in his wisdom, wanted another look and grabbed the turret and yanked it out. No real damage done. But a note of caution if delicate models need to opened for access to the interior.
3 Likes
Though I appreciate the hard work of other modelers, I’m generally opposed to doing interiors for me. … D’Oh! How did I get inside this model?! 
Hey Uncle-Heavy, could you leave that hatch open before you leave? 
—mike
7 Likes
