MOC Armored Vehicle Plans Review: Scout Car vs 1:35 MBT
Short answer first: brickplan carries more than 20 brick-built armored vehicle plans, and two of them stand out — the wheeled armored scout car and the 1:35 main battle tank. The scout car runs about 1,500 parts and a six-hour build; the tank runs about 3,200 parts and roughly 14 hours. Both end up far more poseable and drivable than retail sets at the same price.
Exterior Accuracy
Military MOCs live or die on accuracy, and these two hold up. The scout car uses eight-wheel independent suspension, with the sloped hull armor built up from stacked wedge pieces rather than flat plates. Its turret rotates a full 360 degrees. The main battle tank runs working tracks, with correctly proportioned idler wheels and road wheels, plus headlights, antennae and tool boxes. A armor enthusiast can identify the vehicle type at a glance.
Structural Rigidity and Play Features
Both chassis use Technic cross axles as the load-bearing frame, so they hold together during rough off-road handling. On the wheeled vehicle the steering linkage moves smoothly and the gun barrel elevates and depresses. On the tank the track drive runs cleanly — push it along and the turret rotates in linked motion. The gear-ratio notes included in the brickplan instructions are what make that drivetrain work; the dynamic result is genuinely surprising for a brick model.
Cost Comparison
Download the plans from brickplan, buy from the parts list, and the scout car comes to roughly CNY 250, the tank to about CNY 500. Finished sets of comparable size generally sell for CNY 800 and up. The plans also include step-by-step instructions and part numbers, so sourcing is straightforward, and if you misplace a piece mid-build you can trace it back against the numbered steps.
Who Each Plan Suits
New builders should start with the 1,500-part scout car. Experienced builders can go straight at the 3,200-part main battle tank. Both plans offer two color schemes — desert yellow and jungle green — and once the model is finished you can repaint or rework the camouflage to your own taste.
FAQ
Q: Where do I find MOC armored vehicle plans? A: Search "armored vehicle" or "tank" on brickplan. Each entry comes with a parts list and step-by-step instructions, and you can preview the plans online — check them over, then download the full version once you're satisfied. The page walks you through it.
Q: Can I build a tracked armored vehicle that actually moves? A: Yes. Most of brickplan's armored vehicle MOCs use Technic tracks and gear drives, so the finished model rolls forward when you push it and the turret rotates in linked motion. The play value is well beyond a static display model.
Q: Are MOC armored vehicles worth buying? A: Worth it, especially for military-history builders. At the same budget, an MOC delivers noticeably more detail and more movement than an official set, and the plan itself is cheap. You can also change the color scheme after the build, which adds a lot of value for the money.
Q: What does it cost to build one? A: A small armored vehicle at 1,500 parts runs about CNY 250; a 3,200-part main battle tank about CNY 500. The exact figure depends on the parts brand and color scheme you choose. Using domestically produced compatible parts can cut the cost by roughly another 20%, so the total outlay stays reasonable.