¹⁄35

T72A

The kit used for this project was the 1/35 Tamiya T-72M Russian MBT. The kit provides an excellent base for a variety of subjects based on T-72 chassis as well as a generic Eastern block T-72 for those looking for hustle free, quick build. Main accessories used were Miniarm's excellent T-72A resin turet set, unexpected, for me at least, release of this set was actually an inspiration to start this project, Tank NSVT heavy machine gun and base, SP designs T-72A/B front hull, and Masterclub RMSH workable tracks set. Various left over pieces of aftermarket and kit parts were added as well.

Construction

Assembly of the running gear and top hull proved no problem as expected from Tamiya's contemporary kits. Mating tamiya's top hull with SP designs piece was a momentary task, however large gap remained between the cast and plastic front bottom hull which had to be filled using sheet styrene. Also, about 2mm of resin had to be cut off the casting's turret ring segment to ensure proper turret fit. Few exterior detail were added in the process.

These are:

• metal straps in between fuel cells and stowage bins
• fuel and oil plumbing running from right side fuel cells to the main internal tank
• armored cable piping and small wiring to the smoke discharge mortars and various turret mounted lights.
• driver's periscope
• ring shaped dents to the fuel drums (default ones represent drums used by Eastern European operated T-72's, not Soviet/Russian ones)
• tow cables and hooks
• Mine plough/roller attachment points on the bottom front hull
• PKT coaxial machine gun barrel made from Lionroar brass pipe.

Working with Miniarm turret turned out to be a little challenge in few places like rear stowage bin and Infra Red projectors due to resin's tendency to crack and crumble. Worth noting are exceptionally well done antenna mount and 2A46 main gun barrel, which, I suppose, actually are made by RB models, with photo-etched thermal shroud straps and fume extractor detail.

The greatest challenge to overcome proved to be the tracks assembly. Some 220 links had to be drilled and locked via two tiny pins each. When assembled, workable type of tracks gave little to no advantage over clickable set from same manufacturer, though they required nearly four times the time needed to assemble each length. By the time I was done with both bands, I had to let the whole project to collect dust for next month and a half to regain my interest in it.

Painting and Markings

Prior to painting, whole model, minus the tracks, was primed using Mr Surfacer 500. I used Tamiya's XF-67 Nato Green as a base coat followed by extremely thinned down Buff coat in places of high wear such as rear top turret, engine deck and top surfaces of hull mounted stowage bins. Once base coat dried, Gunze Mr Super Gloss was sprayed over all visible surfaces to allow proper oil wash and weathering. Weathering and touch-ups were done using various shades and mixes of Tamiya green, khaki and dark earth. Oil stains applied around the engine deck and fuel bearing vessels were done used black oil paint. MIG European Earth and Light dust were used to simulate dust and dried up dirt. Markings are very generic and fictitious. Finally, whole model was spread with number of thin mixes of Future floor wax and flat base to seal off acrylic paints and pigments from the elements.