Introducing Riich Models to American Modelers

For decades, American hobbyists have relied on trusted names such as Tamiya, Dragon, Academy, AFV Club, and Takom to fill their display shelves. Yet one manufacturer continues to fly slightly under the radar despite producing some of the most interesting military subjects available today: Riich Models.

If you've never built a Riich kit before, you're missing one of the hobby industry's most rewarding modeling experiences.

Riich Models occupies a unique niche in the market. The company specializes in highly detailed military kits that often focus on subjects ignored by larger manufacturers. Rather than releasing yet another Tiger I or Sherman variant, Riich frequently chooses specialized artillery pieces, British Commonwealth vehicles, support equipment, utility wagons, submarines, and other historically important subjects that add variety to any collection.

For modelers who enjoy historical research, advanced assembly, and building something different from what everyone else has on their shelf, Riich Models deserves serious attention.

The Story Behind Riich Models

Riich Models officially launched under its own brand in 2011, but the company wasn't new to the hobby industry. According to Riich, its design and manufacturing teams had already spent years producing scale model products for other companies before introducing products under the Riich name. This background allowed the company to enter the market with mature tooling capabilities and a strong understanding of what serious modelers expected from a premium kit.

From the beginning, Riich focused on delivering:

• Historically accurate subjects
• Detailed interiors
• Fine molding quality
• Photo-etched detail parts
• Advanced engineering solutions
• Rare and unusual military vehicles

This philosophy helped Riich quickly gain recognition among dedicated armor and military enthusiasts around the world.

What Makes Riich Models Different?

Exceptional Detail Levels

One of the first things modelers notice after opening a Riich box is the sheer amount of detail packed into the kit.

Riich kits often include:

• Multi-part assemblies
• Extensive interior details
• Fine rivet and bolt patterns
• Delicate tool clamps
• Optional photo-etched components
• Detailed crew equipment

Many builders compare the engineering approach to some of the best releases from Dragon's golden years, but with a stronger emphasis on historically accurate fittings and accessories.

Unique Subject Selection

Riich consistently avoids producing only mainstream subjects.

Instead, their catalog includes:

• Universal Carrier variants
• Anti-tank guns
• Ammunition carriers
• Horse-drawn military transport
• Mortar teams
• Livestock sets
• Specialized weapon systems
• Modern submarines
• Support vehicles

For diorama builders, this creates enormous possibilities that cannot easily be achieved using standard armor kits alone.

The Legendary Universal Carrier Series

If there is one product line that defines Riich Models, it is undoubtedly the British Universal Carrier family.

The Universal Carrier was among the most widely produced armored vehicles of World War II and served throughout the British Commonwealth. Riich has invested heavily in offering numerous versions with impressive levels of detail.

Notable kits include:

Universal Carrier Mk.I

One of Riich's most recognized releases, featuring:

• Highly detailed fighting compartment
• Accurate suspension
• Intricate stowage
• Detailed crew positions

Universal Carrier Mk.II

The Mk.II became one of the company's flagship products and received praise from model reviewers for its comprehensive detail and engineering.

Features include:

• Full interior detailing
• Refined exterior features
• Detailed tracks
• Accurate towing arrangements
• Multiple equipment options

Wasp Mk.II Flamethrower Carrier

Available through AFV Hobby Hub, the Wasp variant introduces one of the most unique Universal Carrier configurations fielded during the war.

Builders receive:

• Specialized flamethrower equipment
• Crew figures
• Detailed fuel system components
• Multiple display possibilities

Outstanding Artillery Subjects

American military history enthusiasts will appreciate Riich's extensive artillery lineup.

U.S. M1 57mm Anti-Tank Gun

This subject remains one of Riich's most respected offerings.

The kit features:

• Detailed carriage components
• Finely rendered gun shield
• Photo-etched enhancements
• Historically accurate wheel and trail configurations

Several variants are available, allowing builders to represent both American and Commonwealth service.

British QF 6-Pounder

Riich's British anti-tank guns remain favorites among Commonwealth modelers because of their detail level and historical fidelity. The company has released several configurations, including crewed versions that make ideal centerpiece diorama subjects.

3.7 cm Pak 36

The famous early-war German anti-tank gun is another example of Riich's commitment to subjects that work exceptionally well within larger battlefield scenes.

Vehicles Beyond Mainstream Armor

While many manufacturers concentrate on tanks, Riich shines with support and utility vehicles.

Examples include:

M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Series

Riich produces several 1/72 scale M109 family kits, including:

• M109A2
• M109A6 Paladin
• M992A1 Ammunition Support Vehicle

These subjects are especially attractive to modern U.S. military enthusiasts seeking accurate artillery vehicles rarely seen elsewhere in injection-molded form.

Type 4 Ka-Tsu Amphibious Tank

Japanese armor collections benefit from Riich's release of this unusual amphibious vehicle, a fascinating late-war subject seldom offered by major manufacturers.

Horse-Drawn Military Transport

Riich has earned praise for producing military wagons, field kitchens, and transport equipment that help create historically realistic dioramas rather than focusing exclusively on combat vehicles.

Diorama Builders Should Pay Attention

Many manufacturers treat accessories as an afterthought.

Riich does not.

Their catalog includes numerous add-on products such as:

• Livestock sets
• Commonwealth weapon sets
• Ammunition sets
• Antenna systems
• Crew figures
• Mortar teams
• Mounted troops
• Field kitchen scenes

These accessories allow modelers to create displays with significantly greater realism and storytelling potential.

Particularly popular are the livestock sets featuring farm animals, horses, cattle, dogs, cats, pigs, and other elements that bring wartime environments to life.

Naval Subjects You Might Not Expect

Many hobbyists are surprised to discover Riich also produces naval kits.

Their catalog includes:

• USS Gato-class submarines
• Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines
• Ohio-class submarines
• Borei-class submarines
• DSRV rescue vehicles
• Aircraft launch accessories

These kits offer highly detailed alternatives for builders interested in modern naval subjects outside the traditional destroyer and battleship categories.

Who Are Riich Kits Best Suited For?

Riich kits are generally not beginner-level projects.

They are best suited for:

Intermediate Builders Modelers ready to move beyond simple assembly kits and explore more detailed construction.

Advanced Builders Those who enjoy photo-etched parts, intricate assemblies, and extensive detailing.

Diorama Enthusiasts Builders seeking historically accurate accessories and support equipment.

Military Historians Collectors interested in rare and specialized wartime subjects.

Why AFV Hobby Hub Is Excited About Riich Models

At AFV Hobby Hub, we constantly seek manufacturers that provide something truly distinctive for our customers. Riich Models stands out because they combine historical research, detailed engineering, and uncommon subject matter into one product line.

Whether you're building a British Universal Carrier, an American anti-tank gun, a modern artillery system, a submarine, or a complete wartime diorama filled with authentic accessories, Riich offers modeling opportunities unavailable from most mainstream manufacturers.

For hobbyists looking to expand beyond the familiar and challenge themselves with rewarding, highly detailed projects, Riich Models represents one of the best-kept secrets in military scale modeling.

Explore the growing collection of Riich Models kits at AFVHobbyHub.com and discover why experienced builders around the world continue to praise this innovative manufacturer.