Hello. I have Dragon "T-72M w/ERA" kit in 1/35 scale with Eduard's photo-etch set. I was wondering which modifications I need to coarry out to build a Polish army tank in more or less recent service; i.e. late Cold War to recent service. I'm not overly concerned about proportions, as I am sure the Dragon kit has issues. I'm more concerned about placement of prominent features, such as smoke dischargers, placement and style of ERA, major differences to the skirts, use of the external fuel drums, and markings. I've seen a few photos of Polish tanks with unit markings applies to the IR light cover and national markings on the turret, and am hoping to depict a tank which includes these markings. I'd be grateful to anyone helping me out.

Hello! To build a proper model of Polish T-72M recommendation is to buy T-72 Tamiya. As for the markings on the tanks is a Polish company Toro Models. I have not seen Dragon kit so I do not know how it differs from Tamiya kit. Polish T-72 did not have the ERA. If you wish to view a sample model of Polish T-72 I recommend you visit these links:

http://www.modelwork.pl/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=38632

http://www.modelwork.pl/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=38807

This is a Polish forum, but I hope, you will find something for you. Feel free to ask in english language, you will get the answer:)

And here are the links where you can check the markings of Polish tanks:

http://www.toro-model.com.pl/pliki/35d13e.htm

http://www.toro-model.com.pl/pliki/35d13e.htm

I hope that the links will work and that you have helped a little. Greetings. Gregory-former commander of the Polish T-72M1