It's a Small World After All
Miniature models are small designs loaded with detail and are one of the most popular categories for 3D printing. Tanks are great to reproduce as miniatures because of the immense detail of the real-life objects. Also, they make for excellent figurines to display or game with!
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 12 favorite designs and collections that you can 3D print at home. For each selection, you can find a description, some printing advice, and a link to the design page to get the model.
Printing miniatures can be a challenge, but look at it as a fun experiment to see how much detail your printer can get. If, however, you can’t quite get the detail you’re looking for, check out Craftcloud. With a huge range of suppliers printing in the filament of your choice, you’ll be ready for battle in no time!
Now, let’s get into the tiny tanks!
Bergman Collection
Before we even get into categories, we feel it’s necessary to shout out to Marco Bergman, a designer and engineer out of New Zealand. Across his multiple collections on Thingiverse, he provides hundreds of early war as well as modern tanks and vehicles. And according to him, they’re all his own work.
Originally, there was one primary collection, but as its number of detailed models grew, Thingiverse was unable to handle the sheer amount of data. As a result, there are now five main collections, two for 1:100 scale models and three for 1:200 scale models. The former set represents his main work, whereas the latter grew in response to those interested in using the models for wargaming.
Who made it? m_bergman
Who printed it? Combining all five collections, there have been hundreds of shared makes, but the comments hint at many more satisfied makers.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
World War II
The following designs were inspired by tanks known for being in service during World War II. In some cases, early models were developed or deployed during the interwar period, but overall, their strongest presence was between the years 1939 and 1945.
Cruisers, Light Tanks, Matilda (Britain)
Designer Zachary Kavulich has several packs of early tanks, with this one featuring a collection from Britain. Represented at the 1:100 scale, this collection has very good detail and is printable on a typical FDM printer. The creator suggests 10% infill, with supports, and a layer height of 0.1 mm. Just make sure to orient the hulls and turrets horizontally.
Who created it? TigerAce1945
Who printed it? With over 21 Makes on Thingiverse, this one is a hit!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mini T-34 (Soviet Union)
The T-34 tank, originally built in 1940 and appearing in World War II, is a Soviet medium tank. Famously deployed in Operation Barbarossa, the T-34 was an instant sensation, with even enemy officials noting its superiority over German tanks.
This miniature model shrinks almost all the detail of the real thing down to a tiny model. This makes it perfect for a mini printer stress test! The designer recommends printing the model in PETG with a standard 0.4-mm nozzle and using a layer height of 0.1 mm for maximum detail. He also recommends printing with a print speed of 60 mm/s, but you could consider going slower because of how small the piece is.
Who made it? Tonton_Macoute
Who printed it? This mini T-34 model has 1 Remix along with over 1,700 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Tiger I (Germany)
These miniature tanks were modeled after the German Tiger I. Despite being labeled “over-engineered” by some, the Tiger I played a significant role before being phased out in favor of the Tiger II in 1944.
Model 1
The first model we’ve featured here, originally designed for a CAD competition, was made to be a 28 mm-scale miniature. The design is optimized for small output 3D printers, so no matter the size of your printer, you’ll probably be able to print it.
Who made it? Nick Veitch
Who printed it? This Tiger tank model has more than 50 likes and almost 700 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Model 2
The second design takes a different “squashed” approach. Nevertheless, the designer recommends printing with a 0.15-mm layer height for enhanced detail as well as a high infill percentage.
Who made it? bs3
Who printed it? This heavy tank design has over 3,000 views and over 300 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
M4A3 Sherman (USA)
The M4 Sherman was the American tank during the Second World War. Unlike the Tiger I, it’s success cam partially due to the fact that it was reliable and easy to produce.
The many variants of the M4 Sherman primarily indicated differences in manufacturing (e.g. engines and hull types), as production took place in several locations. That said, there were in some cases notable differences in offensive and defensive capability.
Model 1 (M4A3)
Before we even say anything about the design, just look at the size of this detailed model compared to the 5-cent Euro coin! The M4A3 was an all-terrain tank with a sturdy base and a large movable cannon. The design is another 1:100 scale model.
Who made it? bobbyone
Who printed it? This Sherman tank design has nearly 5,000 views with over 600 downloads!
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Model 2 (M4A3E2 “Jumbo”)
Nicknamed the “Jumbo” Sherman, the M4A3E2 was designed to assault fortifications and therefore came with a reinforced hull and a better-protected turret. Only 254 were produced.
This miniature design consists of six different parts and should be printed with a 0.1-mm layer height. The maker also suggests printing with a 15% infill and that most of the parts don’t require supports.
Who made it? manifold_destiny
Who printed it? This Sherman tank model has 29 recorded Makes, 1 Remix, and over 30,000 downloads!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Post-War
The following two tanks were developed and deployed after the World Wars.
Stridsvagn 103 (Sweden, 1950)
This design models the Swedish S-tank Stridsvagn 103. Perhaps less well known, this tank narrowly avoids being classified a tank destroyer because of the strategic role its meant to fulfill.
The model is actually a 1:100 scale design, so you know you’re printing accuracy! The designer recommends printing with a 0.16-mm layer height. This is instead of a more standard 0.15-mm layer height because some stepper motors have full steps of 0.02 mm. The maker also mentions that supports are necessary for printing, but a raft is optional.
Who made it? ThatEmuGuy
Who printed it? This Swedish S-tank has 3 recorded Makes, 2 Remixes, as well as over 8,000 downloads!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Merkava Tank (Israel, 1970)
The Merkava tank was developed in the early 1970s and is mainly used by the Israeli Defense Forces. This beast of a tank entered service in 1979 and was first seen by foes in the 1982 Lebanon War.
This 1:100 scale model embodies all of the Merkava tank’s astounding detail and consists of five different parts. The creator advises printing with a 0.1-mm layer height for maximum detail. They also recommend printing with a 50% infill at 50 mm/s, but if you run into problems, lower the print speed in increments of 5 mm/s.
Who made it? FORMBYTE
Who printed it? This Merkava tank has nearly 7,000 views and over 800 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Category: Fantasy & Fiction
Tanks are objects of fascination, whether you’re a history buff, a curious engineer, or a creative spirit. Having now covered some real-world marvels, let’s shift gears and look at a few products of the imagination.
Malcador (Warhammer)
To start off, this Malcador heavy tank is an epic miniature model. The tank, from the popular game Warhammer, has a lifted tread path and a large cannon on top. Although fictional, it’s an interesting design and as detailed as it is deadly.
This miniature model consists of four different 3D printable parts. The designer recommends scaling the files up to 200% to make the detail more visible. They also recommend printing with a 0.2-mm layer height to show detail at its best. The model is listed as an easy print, so you should have no trouble.
Who made it? Mkhand
Who printed it? This Malcador heavy tank model has more than 500 downloads and 5,000 views, though no one else has shared their print.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Sicaran Battle Tank (Warhammer)
Though also inspired by Warhammer, this tank features an entirely different design. Aiding its twin-linked Accelerator Autocannons are the hull-mounted Heavy Bolters.
This model is a Remix of Thingiverse user’s Ologhzul original. The creator claims this was to make the design more suitable for 15 mm printing.
Who made it? printalotapotamus
Who printed it? There are currently 6 Makes, some with fantastic paint jobs!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
OddBall's Sherman (Kelly's Heroes)
Here’s another Sherman but this time designed after OddBall’s tank in the 1970 movie Kelly’s Heroes. Just by looking at the model, you can tell it’s heavily armed with five different weapons all around. There’s also a surprising amount of detail, even on the tank treads!
The design is split up into two different parts, and while the designer didn’t list any printing tips, you should consider activating supports due to the overhangs on the print. Make sure to print with a small layer height, as with all miniatures, and there’s no need for a high infill percentage.
Who made it? BigMrTong
Who printed it? This tank model, remixed from one of Marco Berman’s 1:100 offerings, has over 350 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Mammoth (Command & Conquer)
Designed based on the powerful X-66 Mammoth Tank in the retro strategy video game Tiberian Dawn, this model consists of two separate components that snap together to attach.
Even though the game dates back to 1995, this model looks like it’s from the future with its dual cannons. As pictured above, you can paint the model to really finish it off.
The maker suggests printing with a 0.1-mm layer height for as much detail as possible, and supports are recommended. The creator used a 30 mm/s print speed and suggests you do the same for a lower risk of print failures.
Who made it? StooPidIcus
Who printed it? This Mammoth tank has 1 recorded Make, 1 Remix, and over 1,400 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Lead image source: Tonton_Macoute via Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Printed Tank Miniatures: 12+ Amazing Models" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.