@AJB - Thanks and I guess I got a little carried away but my subject vehicle was from the Chechen conflict and from pictures I saw there were lots of ruins. I still don't think that I am up to a dio but I do have a partial ruined building lying around. You never can tell.

Now for the latest pictures and a build that is pretty close to 99% complete (just a tad more nit picking to do). The periscopes and sight glass is painted (where applicable) and I finished the brackets/clamps for the unditching log.









And of course with these last pictures the remote flash batteries decided to run out of juice.

Was going through all my pictures of this build and boy, there are a number of them. If it wasn't for the fact that Monogram was out of business I'd consider doing a feature or build review of this build.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

You should do a feature or a build review, for three reasons:

1. Even though this was marketed as a "Monogram" kit, it really is a Revell kit that is still somewhat available (as is the Monogram, too).

2. Even though your build is not strickly OOB, it is close and does show what can be accomplished with the kit.

3. Your T-80 is turning out very nice, and is of a relatively recent subject that you can also reference.

... and if you're like me, it never hurts to practice writing either.

Jan,

First, off I'm in agreement with Jeff on that you should think about doing a build review.

Second, I didn't know that Monogram was out of business? I see so many of there car kits at my LHS.

Third, my Kodak digital camera is almost 10 years old now and I rarely if ever use the flash feature for shooting my models indoors. With a few desk top laps loaded with 40W = 100W florescent bulbs I am able to take some nice quality photos both close up and at a little distance away from my subjects. I try not to mix the florescent with the incandescent lighting as this tends to produce a somewhat yellowish picture. Sometimes I do mix the lighting to tone down the highlights that are produced from to much lighting on the surface of the subject. Also the flash tends to change the true appearance of colors. From my limited experience with cameras I just think that Digital cameras really like florescent lighting?

Now about your model . . . you've completely stepped away from an OOTB build to how you are more comfortable building a kit! Look back on your first posts here and you'll see that you've taken your modeling skills further along as you go. This time around you've (with a little help from the wife) have come up with a workable solution for a multi-color camouflage without using an airbrush! And yes! Your basic modeling hand tools are very important. They not only aid you in putting together a kit but also cut your time in doing so.

By the way, I was thinking today on how I was going to handle the texture on a scratch built jack rest block for my Panzer IV build and your realistic wood technique flashed into my mind, I'm going to do it that way! Anyhow, your tank is looking really killer, especially parked on your makeshift dio.

-Eddy

Jeff, as always, one can never get too many observations and comments about a build. There are often things that through no fault of our own that we might miss.

As for your point #1, It is quite valid and with #2 you made a compelling argument to have this become more than a build thread. I have seen Features focus on building, enhancing and correcting kits and have also seen Build Reviews where corrections or additions are also present. Which would be the avenue to go is still somewhat up for debate.




What!!! ONLY NICE!!!!! LOL While a few companies are turning out modern subjects in Braille scale, they are still dwarfed by the continuing onrush of World War II subjects. Has anyone ever thought to count the number of Sherman and Tiger kits out there! IIRC, at last count I believe Dragon alone had almost twenty Sherman variants.

These T80 kits are unique and not all modellers have the talent of an Alex Clark to rectify any deficiencies. That doesn't mean that the rest of us can't try to build something just because all bolts and rivets are not accounted for.

Thanks again for your comments and observations.

Cheers,
Jan

Eddy, your vote is noted and appreciated.




As Jeff mentioned there are still Mongram and Matchbox versions of these kits floating around. I also surmise that one might not be sure that even getting a Revell version will guarantee that it has the additional sprue of the newer T80B.

As for Monogram, after a bit of 'Net research it "appears" that it still exists, albeit in a much "diluted" form. (numerous mergers and acquisitions)




First, let me say that your pictures and their quality have always impressed and fascinated me. Even my SWMBO has seen some and commented that you achieve quite good results. As photography is my partners' second greatest passion and she continues to take advanced courses on the subject, I cannot help but utilize the things that she has learned. At times this may result in not the best results but as with all experimentation, one is seeking the ultimate goal.

The hobby room and photo area are solely illuminated by multiple compact fluorescent lights. As often as not I take pictures in 100% manual mode with the camera on a tripod. I have achieved some impressive results, keep fairly meticulous notes but continue to "push the envelope" when new techniques/settings are presented. However, with our advanced DSLRs there has been an equally advanced learning curve with their myriad of options and settings. I should perhaps keep remembering and at times practice the KISS principle. (Keep It Simple St....)




Again, thank you Eddy for pointing out what may appear to some to be obvious. I did one better and went back and reviewed pictures and posts from earlier builds and can see a slow progression of solving what at times I perceived as near insurmountable problems.




One great thing about this site and others like it is the plethora of diverse information on tips and techniques that people share. Your technique of using gap filling CA glue proved invaluable when filling certain gaps, especially between the end halves of the fuel drums. That has now been added to the bag of tricks. I have concentrated so much on building skills that I have had little opportunity to delve into dioramas or vignettes. As with my Tarawa Sherman build I will attempt to create a "set" for the final pictures of the T80.

Your rather extensive comment has been most helpful and thought provoking. I thank you for having taken the time to share your observations.

Cheers,
Jan

Hi Jan,

I have just caught up with this build, excellent work and worth all the effort to make a 'silk purse out of a sow's ear', no mean feat. I have enjoyed the journey with you to the point of completion immensely and look forward to your next OOB ( I am sure it will be OOB, honest ).

All the best,

Paul

Paul,

While definitely not an OOTB build I must say that for me, this has been a fast build. At my normal pace it can take me literally several months at times to get this far in a kit. I appreciate your and all the others comments and support.

I am currently working on a new kit for an In-Box review that has taken a slight twist in that I am actually building it as I write. It is by Revell (I won't disclose it here) but I truly and firmly believe that it WILL end up being OOTB. It's a newer kit and is by leaps and bounds far superior to the T80.

On a different note, some in this thread have commented on whether or not there will/should be a setting of the T80 on a base. Through a fluke of happenstance I have come into some knowledge that a local manufacturer of resin bases may have exactly what would work. Again, to keep the suspense alive, I won't say anything further.

Cheers,
Jan

Too cruel, Sir, too cruel!

Jeff, you'll just have to be patient. These developments just don't happen over night.

Okay, this is by no means final ( I wouldn't doubt that some might want it to be) but it's taken a bit of time to experiment and see what options might present themselves. This is merely a proof of concept.





I've had two other projects in the works; one build review, one news type. Both are nearing completion. The mystery continues.

Cheers,
Jan

Hello Jan.

Nice step-by-step presentation. Good work.

About the detailing part. It's second nature for an experienced modeler.

Alex

Alex, the inspiration for doing the step by step build came from a new member that had considerable trouble doing a different version of a Revell T-80. I was both curious to see how it would build and perhaps create something to help the novice builders.

I still consider myself somewhat new in returning to the hobby so your comment about being experienced made me blush. Your comments are most appreciated.

Cheers,
Jan

With many projects completed recently I decided to take a "break" and revisit this old thread. In truth, I've done a lot of experimenting these last couple of years and decided to use this beast as a guinea pig for practising some of the techniques I've been trying.

As this is meant to be another in an endless series of experiments I wasn't concerned with stripping it totally down. I went over the model with a combination of isopropyl alcohol and Windex (glass cleaner) and was surprised to see that the bulk of the weathering was removed. I tided up a few small missed seams and used a Flex-File Scribe-N-Cut tool to deepen some panel lines and details. This time I started out with pin-washes and where the last weathering was done with Tamiya acrylics, for this one I used the craft acrylics.

These first two pictures are of the hull mostly done but the suspension and tracks in progress.





Work on the turret is started but only about half way along.







Comments or questions always welcome.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

I have to say that this refinishing has taken what I originally thought was a quite good build to a totally different level. I can really see how the finishing technique being used is now a version similar to your recent builds. Looks to be coming along superbly.

Regards,
AJ

Thanks AJ,

Nice to have someone offer a comment about this redo! The repainting and finishing is a variation of what I used on the recent NbFz build. It's also mildly toned down from some recent projects (part of the perpetual experimentation process).

Cheers,
Jan

Jan, I like the way you've completed this kit. Multiple years later, just like me!

@Sabot,

Completed....what do you mean completed! I've just been working on "completing" the turret repainting this afternoon so what you see above is the "still-in-progress" turret. Seriously though, you and your ESCI/Italeri M1 Feature were a great inspiration to have me try this beast. If you've scanned back over this build you'll see that there were a lot of problems including an entire sprue that came with a future release but was not included with this kit (ie-lots of scratch building). As for the time it's taken, Great Minds think alike? Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.

Cheers,
Jan

Jan,

Somehow I missed your recent posting to this thread.

Your refinishing of your T-80 is much better than the original. Shows that finishing is just as important as building the kit.

Well done, sir.

Great work Jan.

Best regards.

Hi Jan,
You're lots of fun very nice model and congratulations.
I also finished T-90. I share with you ..

@majjanelson - Jeff,

Thanks for dropping in and leaving your comment about the revamp. Building even a kit such as this, with all the missing pieces, takes a lot of work but I agree that the finishing can make or break the end result. To top it all off, what we think was pretty good will change as our skills evolve. That's why other peoples' feedback can be important.

@PedroA - Pedro,

Thanks for taking the time to have a look. I always appreciate what you might have to say.

@erhntly - Erhan,

Great minds think alike! These newer Russian tanks are quite different compared to western ones. They are a nice change but where I am are difficult to come across.

Cheers,
Jan

Nice work on the Revell/Monogram T-80! It's a basic kit with a lot of potential and you did a cracking job on it!
Especially with the scratch built items and the unditching log, GREAT!!! Love it Man!

@Panther64 - Kerry,

Thanks very much for the kudos and I'm glad that you think it's okay. The unditching log creation was a simple fluke and I made about a dozen of the things because I thought they were so simple and cool. The frame that holds it was actually quite a job to make and get right. During this revamp, the only thing that I did with it was to put a burnt umber wash/filter over it and a touch of dry brushing. The previous version looked okay but a bit too new while I hope this new version looks a bit more worn/weathered.

I've checked at Henk's site and it seems this kit had three incarnations with Revell, Monogram and Matchbox. From what I see, it appears that the Monogram one is the only one with the missing sprue. To top it all off, I still have one more in the stash!

Cheers,
Jan

Nice work Jan, great to see that you could "redo" this T80 so well.

Michael,

Thanks for having a look and very nice to see you dropping back in on this forum. The "redo" is turning into a longer version of what I originally envisioned. I keep on saying that 'I'm almost there' or 'just one more thing' and I'm sure you must know what I mean. To be honest, I'm not working on this project continuously but in between a couple of other ones. Famous last words, I hope to have the turret completed today!

Cheers,
Jan

Greetings to all viewers of this thread! It's taken a while but I'm finally calling this one done, finished, I've had it! I managed to get it ready for its first show but didn't expect it to get anything. Despite some good competition I was shocked when it placed in the top three of it's category.

Here are the final images on its base after the show:













I've one more of these in the stash but I don't know if I'm up to scatching up all the same stuff again. When I get around to the next T-80 I might try to turn it into a different version. Thanks for looking!

Cheers,
Jan