From the Mark IVs of Cambrai to the Abrams in service today: more than a century of the tank, in two limited-edition kits.
We're building two tanks from opposite ends of the story. The First World War Mark IV returns in spring 2027, our first run since 2015. In summer 2027 it is joined by the American M1A2 Abrams, the world's first production 1:6 scale metal M1A2 kit. Between them, they span more than a century of armoured warfare.
Both kits are limited editions.
Mark IV pre-orders open on 19th October 2026, and
M1A2 pre-orders open on 2nd November 2026.
The Mark IV: the tank that proved the idea
Work on the Mark IV began in the autumn of 1916, building on the lessons of the Mark I's first actions on the Somme that September. It first saw action at Messines Ridge on 7 June 1917 and became the first British tank to be produced and used en masse. Around 1,220 were built by six manufacturers, making it the most numerous British tank of the First World War.
Its defining day came at Cambrai on 20 November 1917, when 476 tanks, 378 of them fighting Mark IVs, went into action. Five months later, on 24 April 1918 near Villers-Bretonneux, two Mark IV Females and a Male met the German A7V 'Nixe' in the first tank-versus-tank action in history. The Females, armed only with machine guns, were holed and had to withdraw. The Male's 6-pounders hit Nixe three times and put it out of the fight.
Male and Female in one kit
The Mark IV was built in two fighting versions. The Male carried a 6-pounder gun in each side sponson, along with Lewis machine guns. The Female carried five Lewis guns and no 6-pounders, and was intended to deal with infantry. Of the 1,220 or so built, 420 were Males, 595 were Females and 205 were supply tanks.
The kit includes both versions, so you can choose which to build.
New for 2027
Our Mark IV was last produced in 2015. For this run we have updated the drive, moving from brushed to brushless motors.
• Limited edition
• Male and Female versions in one kit: build either
• Updated drive with brushless motors
• Around 80–90 kg before electronics
• Early-bird price £4,395 + VAT and plus shipping
• Available spring 2027
• Pre-orders open 19th October 2026
The M1A2 Abrams, in 1:6 scale metal
At the other end of the story is the M1A2 Abrams. Named after General Creighton Abrams, the M1 entered US Army service in 1980. The M1A2 followed in late 1992, and its latest production version, the SEPv3 (M1A2C), reached its first US Army unit in July 2020.
The M1A2 is one of the most capable main battle tanks in service today, and ours is the world's first production 1:6 scale metal M1A2 kit.
Two ways to build the turret
The kit comes with a base turret, ready for modellers who like to add their own detail. For those who want today's configuration, an optional SEPv3 upgrade kit adds the extra turret armour.
Tracks built link by link
Each individual track link is a 16-piece assembly of aluminium, steel and rubber.
• The world's first production 1:6 scale metal M1A2 kit
• Base turret, ready for your own detailing
• Optional SEPv3 turret upgrade kit
• 16-piece aluminium, steel and rubber track links
• Limited edition
• Pricing to follow
• Available summer 2027
• Pre-orders open 2nd November 2026
Pre-orders and pricing for our new releases
Mark IV pre-orders open on 19th October 2026. The early-bird price is £4,395 plus VAT and shipping. Outside the UK, local taxes may apply on import.
M1A2 pre-orders open on 2nd November 2026, when we will confirm its price.
Both kits are limited editions, and orders are taken by email once each order book opens. To be among the first to hear, join our newsletter at Armortek Newsletter subscription page, or contact us at sales@armortek.co.uk.
About Armortek
Armortek is a UK manufacturer of precision 1:6 scale metal tank and military vehicle kits, designed and machined at our factory in Hampshire. For more than 20 years we have supplied modellers in over 45 countries.
