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

Could this be the new best 1/35 scale armor kit on the market?? In this video, we'll take an in-depth look at Tamiya's brand new 2022 M18 Hellcat tank destroyer from start to finish. We'll also check out some of the best aftermarket accessories currently available to spice up your Hellcat even more.

00:00 Intro
00:53 Lower Hull
01:56 Suspension & Running Gear
05:55 Tracks
08:40 Upper Hull
11:33 Turret
19:17 Stowage, Tarps & Antenna
20:57 Finished Build

[jaxsonevans]

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!!! 🎉🎉

[Davshady]

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!

[PilotPhotog]

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!

[teddonely]

Hi, this is the first of your videos that I viewed, It's perfect! You narratied the whole build the way they should be. I hate the ones that only play music. You've convinced me to try building the link tracks! Great job!!

[sixfivearms]

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!

[hammyhamster]

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.

[frankrhemrev]

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!

[Nowayjose-zr]

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

[BurningAnimations]

I'm extremely new to model kits. Just bought the m18 hellcat, you make the instructions very clear and fun with the jazz in the background 🐝

[longlance]

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!

[fotomakr]

Looks awesome. Like the clear explanation on building the tracks.

[jamesbednar]

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.

[stewarts]

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

[scottybee]

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.

[davidcole]

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!

[hankowans]

I am currently building this and it is one of the easier kits I have built. Thank you for the tutorial and the aftermarket upgrades are spot on, I can't seem to find the barrel though currently sold out, I did purchase the stowage from Value Gear. Oh, and by the way, you have an awesome name.

[scalemodelpursuit]

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

[raymondrosario]

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

[brianfoley]

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.

[Anthony_e_photography]

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