As already posted in an other thread:

Unfortunatly Zvezda's model doesn't match the low profile of the real tank. The hull is too high. The next problem are the oversized sideskirts. I think they are connected with the hull issue, because accurate sized skirts would look too small on Zvezda's hull.

The rubber portions of the Zveada T-90 side skirts are 14mm, which is about 2mm bigger then drawings I have and also the Tamiya T-72 rubber skirts.

What about the turret?

So, as I said before, I think that It couldn't be necessary to modify the hull, it would be enough to shorten the rubber skirt and change the suspension arm positions. However I wish that those kind of jobs didn't create some problems to the track links

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So, as I said before, I think that It couldn't be necessary to modify the hull, it would be enough to shorten the rubber skirt and change the suspension arm positions. However I wish that those kind of jobs didn't create some problems to the track links

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Thats what I was thinking...I need to attach the suspension units on both kits and take a measurement and compare them to the drawings also. See if its that or something else making the kit look "fat"

I think its also a bit problematic comparing the Zvezda and Tamiya hulls, because both companies tackled the lower hull in different ways.

I think there will be problems if one simply shortens the side skits, and doesn't adjust the suspension arms. Shortening the side skirts will leave too much of a gap between the wheel spokes and bottom of the skirts. If you look at the photo posted by 'Campeador' the bottom of the side skirt is almost level with the metal rim of the wheel (a little bit above the spoke). However on the Zvezda kit the bottom of the skirt is in line more of less with the top of the rubber wheel.

I think some of the problems are also the fact that Zvezdas suspension arms are very flimsy and don't stay in place very well when gluing.

The difference between the height of both kits (assembled) is around 1-2mm...hardly a big deal. The both measure at 26mm or so at the point where the side skirts match up however.

Another problem is comparing the built up model to that photo is that the hull is slightly askew throwing the angles off. However it does look to me that the angle of the track is slightly more "steeper" then the kit..which indicates that the roadwheel arms are at the wrong angle.

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The difference between the height of both kits (assembled) is around 1-2mm...hardly a big deal. The both measure at 26mm or so at the point where the side skirts match up however.

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Well, 2-3 mm is enough to make it noticeable, at least for me and many other russian armor fans. Our russian colleagues started a discussion at the panzer35.ru forum about solutions for fixing those issues. My photoshopped pic (http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7025/87053109.jpg) also have drawn attention to them.

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Another problem is comparing the built up model to that photo is that the hull is slightly askew throwing the angles off. However it does look to me that the angle of the track is slightly more "steeper" then the kit..which indicates that the roadwheel arms are at the wrong angle.

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This is not the best comparison, I agree, but even with a better angle it would be more or less the same result: hull profile and side skirts are not correct on Zvezda's model.

Im thinking there is several small errors that are having a compounding effect.

Andy

As already posted in an other thread:

Unfortunatly Zvezda's model doesn't match the low profile of the real tank. The hull is too high. The next problem are the oversized sideskirts. I think they are connected with the hull issue, because accurate sized skirts would look too small on Zvezda's hull.

Here is a comparison (I hope you don't mind Karl )



It would be necessary to build the skirts from scratch and possibly modify the suspension arms to fix the problems. This is not "just" a wrong or missing detail, I think it is very noticeable.

I'm sure some of you guys already know of Alexy Khlopotov's website, but for those who don't, here's the link:

http://www.gurkhan.blogspot.com/

Alexey's site is great for info on the T-90 and its variants, and also a pretty good reference site for Soviet/Russian AFV's in general.

Alexey reviewed the Zvezda kit ages ago on his site and he was quite critical- I remember reading it at the time but I forgot to bookmark it, its on there somewhere. In any case I thought I'd post a link to his site as it has some interesting info on it.

The only difference (in hull profile) is that the Tamiya kit is 1mm...which is measured via the zip boxes or whatever you want to call them on the hull...the T-90 has slightly different ones then the T-72. As you can see from my photo both hulls are just about identical to one another without the side skirts or running gear installed.

The side skirts are an issue, but an easier one to correct. I don't think just fixing the side skirts will take care of the thickness issue...its also a suspension issue also.

I'm going to do more measuring to see if thats the problem or not.

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The only difference (in hull profile) is that the Tamiya kit is 1mm...which is measured via the zip boxes or whatever you want to call them on the hull...the T-90 has slightly different ones then the T-72. As you can see from my photo both hulls are just about identical to one another without the side skirts or running gear installed.

The side skirts are an issue, but an easier one to correct. I don't think just fixing the side skirts will take care of the thickness issue...its also a suspension issue also.

I'm going to do more measuring to see if thats the problem or not.

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I was talking about the profile of the tank as a whole. I know that there is no big difference between Tamiya's and Zvezda's upper hull dimensions. BUT, when you compare both models built up not just the raw hull, you will notice that there is a notable differance in the hull profile. That's the point. So yes, the problem must be related with the suspension arms (I have mentioned it before)

Zvezda might have designed a tank light on the suspension. Anyway I've seen the extra parts that Miniarm has made for the Zvezda kit. They are, of course, stunning, but for the upper hull they make just some extra parts, they don't provide a whole upper hull and they don't make new rubber skirts. It does mean that Zvezda kit is not so bad after all

WHAT? An entire hull by Miniarm?, wouldn't that cost $200+ ...

Well, they don't provide many things yet...like a correct barrel, fuel tanks and so on. Zvzeda's kit is not bad at all, esp. for that price, but there is always room for improvements .