Unbox the vintage ARII RC tank kits, including Leopard 2, Tiger-1 and US Big Pattons:
The vintage ARII 1/50 scale remote-controlled tank model kits, including the Leopard 2, the Tiger I, and the M48 Big Patton, represent a remarkable and highly sought-after chapter in the history of Japanese hobby manufacturing, capturing a time in the 1990s when the lines between detailed static display models and functional radio-controlled toys were being creatively and innovatively blurred. These kits were produced by ARII, a company with a long and respected history in the Japanese modeling industry, and they formed part of the company’s ambitious “Remocon” or “Remote Control” series, which aimed to bring the thrill of radio-controlled vehicles to a scale that was both manageable for indoor use and detailed enough to satisfy even the most discerning model builders, and the 1/50 scale was a particularly popular choice for military vehicle models, striking a perfect balance between impressive detail and compact size that made them ideal for both display and operation.
The ARII Leopard 2 kits were released in 1994 and were produced in 1/48 scale, a slight deviation from the 1/50 scale of the other tanks in this series, and they were offered in several variations that catered to different levels of collectors and hobbyists. The Leopard 2 TVMII Remote Control Tank, with the catalog number 44015-1000, was a complete kit featuring a rigid top-opening box that measured 275 by 185 by 55 millimeters and weighed 330 grams, while a more advanced version, the Leopard 2 TVMII Remote Control Tank (Twin Motor) with catalog number 44005-1500, was a larger kit with dimensions of 315 by 195 by 65 millimeters and a weight of 400 grams, suggesting it featured a more powerful twin-motor setup for enhanced driving performance. Another variation, the German Leopard 2 Remote Control Tank with catalog number 44025-800, was also part of this 1994 release, and these kits were packaged in a rigid, top-opening box that included plastic runners, water-slide decals, and the necessary electronics to bring the model to life. The Leopard 2 is a fitting subject for this treatment, as it is one of the most advanced and recognizable main battle tanks in the world, serving as the backbone of the German and many other European armored forces, and its sleek, modern silhouette translates exceptionally well into a model kit form that captures its formidable presence.
The vintage ARII Tiger I kit is a true classic that captures the essence of one of the most feared and iconic tanks of World War II, and it was released in 1990 under the Medium Tank Series banner as a 1/50 scale kit with catalog number AR892-600, a complete Remocon radio-controlled model that allowed builders to recreate the legendary German heavy tank. The kit was packaged in a rigid top-opening box and came with all the necessary plastic parts, electronics, and decals, and a slightly later version, the German Tank Tiger-I Remo-Con Tank No.2 with catalog number AR892-800, was released in the 1990s. The Tiger I is one of the most famous tanks in military history, renowned for its thick armor and powerful 88mm gun, and it has been a perennial favorite subject for modelers and collectors around the world, with the ARII kit offering a unique opportunity to not only build a detailed model of this legendary vehicle but also to drive it across the floor, a combination that was highly appealing to hobbyists of the era who wanted to experience the thrill of commanding a piece of military history. Today, these Tiger I kits are highly prized by collectors, especially the earlier AR892-600 version from 1990, which is particularly rare and sought after due to its early production date and the enduring popularity of the Tiger I subject matter.
The vintage ARII US Big Patton tank kit represents the American perspective in this remarkable series of military models, focusing on the M48 Patton, one of the most widely used and recognizable American tanks of the Cold War era, and it was released in the 1990s as part of the 1/50 Scale Remote Control series. This kit was available in several catalog numbers, including AR896-800 and AR896-600, and it allowed builders to recreate this iconic American main battle tank which served with the US Army and numerous allied nations for decades, seeing extensive action in the Vietnam War, and its distinctive rounded turret and robust design made it an instantly recognizable symbol of American armored power. The ARII kit was a complete package, containing plastic runners, electronics, and water-slide decals, and it was housed in a rigid, top-opening box, with another variation called the US Supur Patton and catalog number AR891-800 also being part of this series. The US Big Patton kit is particularly notable for its historical significance, as it allows collectors to own a piece of Cold War military history in a functional, remote-controlled form, and the combination of the M48’s iconic design with ARII’s reputation for quality and detail makes this kit a prized possession for any collector of military models or vintage RC vehicles.
Today, these vintage ARII tank kits, including the Leopard 2, Tiger I, and US Big Pattons, have become highly sought-after collector’s items, prized for their nostalgic value and their representation of a unique moment in modeling history when the boundaries between static display models and functional radio-controlled toys were being creatively blurred. They are frequently found on secondary markets and hobbyist forums where enthusiasts share information, trade parts, and seek out these rare pieces, and the kits are often listed with their original JAN barcodes, such as 4968279441053 for the Leopard 2 TVMII, 4968279240861 for the U.S. Big Patton Tank, and various codes for the Tiger I variations, which helps collectors identify specific releases and track their provenance. Despite their age, these kits continue to captivate modelers and collectors alike, offering a tangible connection to the rich history of military vehicles and the evolution of the remote-controlled model kit hobby, and they stand as a testament to ARII’s contribution to the world of plastic modeling and the enduring appeal of these legendary tanks in miniature form.
