I've always thought 1 87 scale military vehicles were the absolute sweet spot for collectors because they pack an incredible amount of detail into a footprint that doesn't require you to build a new wing on your house just to display them. If you've ever walked past a massive model railroad layout and noticed a tiny convoy of olive-drab trucks parked near a station, you've seen this scale in action. It's often referred to as HO scale in the model train world, and that crossover is exactly what makes it so accessible and, frankly, addictive.
There's something uniquely satisfying about holding a Tiger tank or an M1 Abrams that's barely three inches long but has every rivet and hatch clearly defined. Whether you're a history buff, a wargamer, or just someone who likes cool miniatures, this scale offers a world of possibilities that larger scales just can't match when it comes to volume and scene-building.
Why the 1:87 Scale Works So Well
One of the biggest hurdles with model collecting is space. We'd all love a fleet of 1:16 scale radio-controlled tanks, but unless you live in a warehouse, you're going to run out of room fast. That's where 1 87 scale military vehicles really shine. You can fit an entire armored division on a single bookshelf.
But it's not just about saving space. Because this scale is the industry standard for model railroading, the amount of "world-building" material available is staggering. If you want to put your tanks in a bombed-out European village, you can find hundreds of pre-made houses, cobblestone streets, and even tiny streetlamps that actually light up. You aren't just collecting vehicles; you're creating a tiny slice of history.
The Big Players in the Market
If you're just starting out, you'll quickly realize that some names keep popping up. For a long time, the name Roco Minitanks was practically synonymous with this hobby. They were the ones who really put 1 87 scale military vehicles on the map back in the 60s and 70s. Their models were mostly plastic, fairly affordable, and covered everything from World War II to the Cold War.
Today, companies like Herpa and Artitec have taken things to a whole new level. Herpa tends to focus on modern European and American equipment, often releasing "ready-made" models that look great right out of the box. Artitec, on the other hand, is a dream for those who love high-end resin kits. Their stuff is incredibly detailed, though it usually requires a bit more care (and sometimes a steady hand with a paintbrush).
Don't overlook the newer kits coming out of Eastern Europe and China, either. Brands like Hauler or even some of the 3D-printed stuff appearing on Etsy are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in such a small size.
Ready-Made vs. Kits
You've got a choice to make when you dive into this: do you want to build it yourself, or do you want to just start displaying?
- Pre-built models: These are great if you don't have the time or the steady hands for assembly. Brands like Schuco or Herpa offer die-cast or high-quality plastic models that are already painted and decaled.
- Plastic/Resin Kits: This is where the real "hobby" aspect kicks in. Building a kit allows you to customize the vehicle. You can leave a hatch open, add extra stowage like sandbags or fuel cans, and paint it to match a specific historical unit.
Personally, I think a mix of both is the way to go. Sometimes you just want a cool truck for your desk, and other times you want a weekend project.
The Joy of Dioramas
Building a diorama is where 1 87 scale military vehicles truly come to life. Because they are the same scale as HO trains, you can use all the scenery techniques from that hobby. You can use static grass for meadows, "wet" resin for river crossings, and fine powders to simulate desert sand.
Imagine a scene set in the 1980s during a REFORGER exercise in West Germany. You've got a column of Leopard tanks rolling down a paved road, passing a local bakery. The contrast between the camouflaged war machines and the peaceful civilian backdrop is what makes 1:87 so compelling. You're telling a story, not just displaying a piece of plastic.
Getting Into the Details: Weathering
A common mistake new collectors make is leaving their vehicles looking brand new. Real military vehicles are dirty, greasy, and beat up. Even if you aren't an expert painter, a little bit of "weathering" can make a massive difference.
For 1 87 scale military vehicles, a simple "wash"—which is basically just very watered-down dark paint—can settle into the cracks and make the details pop. A little bit of dry-brushing with a lighter color can simulate worn edges on the metal. If you're feeling brave, you can even add "mud" made from fine dirt and glue. Just remember, at this scale, less is usually more. You don't want your tank to look like it was dipped in chocolate.
Customizing Your Collection
One of the coolest things I've seen people do is "kitbashing." This is when you take parts from two different kits to create something unique. Maybe you want a specific variant of a truck that no manufacturer actually makes. With a sharp hobby knife and some plastic glue, you can modify your 1 87 scale military vehicles to be one-of-a-kind.
There's also a huge market for aftermarket decals. If you want your tank to represent a specific vehicle from the 1st Infantry Division that fought in a specific battle, you can usually find the tiny markings to make it happen. It's that level of historical accuracy that keeps people hooked for decades.
Where to Find Them
You won't always find a huge selection of 1 87 scale military vehicles at your local big-box toy store. This is a bit more of a "niche" hobby, so you have to know where to look.
- Model Train Shops: These are gold mines. Since HO is the king of train scales, these shops almost always have a section for vehicles and scenery.
- Online Forums and Groups: There are some fantastic communities on Facebook and specialized forums where collectors trade and sell.
- Hobby Shows: If you ever get the chance to go to a model railroad or plastic model show, do it. You'll often find "junk bins" full of old Roco Minitanks for a couple of bucks each—perfect for practicing your painting skills.
A Hobby That Grows With You
The best part about collecting 1 87 scale military vehicles is that it doesn't have to be expensive or overwhelming. You can start with a single jeep and slowly build up to a massive motor pool. It's a hobby that rewards patience and a bit of a keen eye for detail.
Whether you're lining them up on a shelf or integrating them into a complex landscape, these little machines offer a tangible link to history. They're a reminder of the engineering and the stories behind the world's most iconic military hardware, all fitting right in the palm of your hand. So, if you've been on the fence about starting a collection, I'd say go for it. Just be warned: once you start, it's hard to stop at just one.