Taigen’s 1:24 Tiger 1 has an infrared battle system: fire at a rival tank and a hit makes it shake and move as if struck. It also has engine start-up and running sounds and effects for the machine gun and main gun. Buy two and you have a battle.

Best for: two players, indoors or on a patio. Watch out for: buying just one. The battle system needs a second infrared tank to fight.

A detailed 1:18 replica of the Tiger I, the German heavy tank introduced in 1942. Brother Tank models are ready to run and bigger than the 1:24 battlers, so the detail reads well on the shelf as well as on the patio.

Best for: history fans who want a tank to drive and display. Watch out for: rough ground. Tracks prefer flat, firm surfaces.

The Sherman was one of the most widely used tanks of the Second World War, and this 1:18 Brother Tank version captures it in detail. It pairs naturally with the Tiger above for anyone setting up a little battlefield.

Best for: Allied-side collectors and a match for the Tiger. Watch out for: the scale. It is 1:18, so it will not battle the 1:24 infrared tanks.

For a modern tank, the Leopard 2 is one of the best-known main battle tanks in service, and Brother Tank’s 1:18 model comes in a camouflage finish, ready to run.

Best for: fans of modern armour. Watch out for: expecting Tamiya-level detail. It is a ready-to-run model at a fraction of the price.

Tamiya’s 1:16 tanks are the benchmark, and this M4 Sherman with the 105mm howitzer is the most affordable way in. It is a kit: you build the chassis, fit the electronics and paint the body, and Tamiya supplies a Type 540 motor. Finished, it is 376mm long.

Best for: model builders who want the satisfaction of a big Tamiya build. Watch out for: what else you need. Check the listing for the radio, battery and charger it takes.

The King Tiger was the most powerful tank of the war, and Tamiya’s 1:16 kit is huge: 640mm long finished. The option kit adds features on top of the standard model. It is a long build and a real centrepiece.

Best for: experienced builders and serious collectors. Watch out for: space. It is big, heavy and needs room to run and to display.

The Leopard 2 A6 kit comes with Tamiya’s DMD T-07 unit, which drives the realistic movement, lighting and sound, plus a Type 540 motor. At 688mm long finished, it is the most complete modern tank Tamiya makes in this range.

Best for: builders who want every feature out of the box. Watch out for: the build time. Allow several evenings and read the manual first.