Academy 15404 - K1A2 Main Battle Tank (4D Kit)

Self-assembly model of the K1A2 main battle tank — Academy 15404, 4D Kit series

Academy 15404 reproduces the K1A2, the latest upgrade of the Korean K1 main battle tank, also known as the "Type 88". The kit was released in 2025 in the 4D Kit series (sold in Korea as the 4D Color Kit), designed as a fast route from box to finished model.

It consists of 29 pre-coloured parts that snap together, so neither glue nor paint is needed to build it. The difficulty level is very low and the recommended age is 8 and up. Once assembled, the tank is ready for display.

What's in the box:

• Pre-coloured plastic parts
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: not specified by the manufacturer
• Catalogue number: 15404
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Series: 4D Kit
• Number of parts: 29
• Year of release: 2025
• Recommended age: 8 and up
• Difficulty level: beginner

Note: This model is intended for self-assembly. The kit does not include paints or modelling tools.

Assembly:

The parts snap together and are coloured at the factory, so glue and paint are not required. They simply need to be separated and assembled following the illustrated instructions; cleaning up the gate marks helps achieve tight, even joints.

Modellers who want a more realistic result can paint the model, or use a wash to bring out the running gear, the gaps between armour plates and the turret details. This is a suggestion, not a requirement — the kit looks good with no extra work.

Tools you may need:

• Sprue cutters — if the parts are attached to runners
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• File and sanding paper to smooth the gate marks
• Optional: modelling paints and brushes if you wish to paint the model
• Optional: a wash to accentuate the details

About the vehicle – K1A2:

The K1 is a Korean main battle tank developed by Hyundai and known in service under the designation "Type 88". The vehicle combines a 105 mm smoothbore gun with hydropneumatic suspension, which allows the hull attitude to be matched to the terrain.

The A2 version is the most recent stage in the modernisation of the K1 family, carried out from around 2014. It introduces a C4I command system, a reversing camera and a GPS receiver, improving crew situational awareness and the tank's integration with the battlefield command network.

Original specifications (K1A2):

• Weight: approx. 51.1 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 105 mm smoothbore gun
• Powerplant: engine of approx. 1200 hp
• Suspension: hydropneumatic
• A2 equipment: C4I command system, reversing camera, GPS receiver

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy Plastic Model is a Korean model company that has been in business since 1969 and is one of the most recognisable brands in that part of the world. Its catalogue covers aircraft, armour, ships and cars in the popular scales, alongside educational and construction sets. The brand is valued for its broad choice of subjects and for kits that are approachable for beginners. Korean military hardware holds a special place in the range — domestically built aircraft, tanks and artillery that are rarely offered by other manufacturers. The 4D Kit series extends this direction towards fast builds that snap together from pre-coloured parts. Academy exports to dozens of countries and has been a fixture of the European model market for years.