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REVIEW
Zvezda Russian T-90 MBT
c5flies
Joined: October 21, 2007
KitMaker: 3,684 posts
Armorama: 2,938 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 03:02 PM UTC
Karl Hoy provides a very detailed review of Zvezda's new Russian T-90 Main Battle Tank.
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If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Link to Item
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
supersxvmoto
Joined: November 05, 2011
KitMaker: 160 posts
Armorama: 153 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 11:19 PM UTC
Great review, especially the part where you talk about T-90 history. I hope for AM tracks.
afv_rob
Joined: October 09, 2005
KitMaker: 2,556 posts
Armorama: 2,199 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 11:23 PM UTC
A good little review Karl, thanks!
I should just mention though that in your review intro you mention the T-72BM, the tank you refer to is actually designated a T-72B Model1989. The T-72BM is the newer T-72B 'Rogatka' which features the relikt armour. Also the T-90 was not used at all in the Georgia conflict. Some were however stationed close to the border(I think around North Ossetia)but saw no combat duty.
I should just mention though that in your review intro you mention the T-72BM, the tank you refer to is actually designated a T-72B Model1989. The T-72BM is the newer T-72B 'Rogatka' which features the relikt armour. Also the T-90 was not used at all in the Georgia conflict. Some were however stationed close to the border(I think around North Ossetia)but saw no combat duty.
Tojo72
Joined: June 06, 2006
KitMaker: 4,691 posts
Armorama: 3,509 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 11:49 PM UTC
Good review,thanks
Warsawpact
Joined: September 25, 2006
KitMaker: 321 posts
Armorama: 273 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 12:33 AM UTC
A superb review, especially including the history of the T-90 tank!
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 04:35 AM UTC
Nice work Karl I enjoyed reading the review.
Karl187
#284
Joined: October 04, 2006
KitMaker: 3,094 posts
Armorama: 2,942 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 04:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
A good little review Karl, thanks!
I should just mention though that in your review intro you mention the T-72BM, the tank you refer to is actually designated a T-72B Model1989. The T-72BM is the newer T-72B 'Rogatka' which features the relikt armour. Also the T-90 was not used at all in the Georgia conflict. Some were however stationed close to the border(I think around North Ossetia)but saw no combat duty.
Thanks for clearing that T-72 info up Rob. As for the Georgia info, I have read the same thing but on a couple of Russian sources I read it mentioned they were actually in Georgia, but there was no picture confirmation or anything and I'm inclined to believe they were, as you say, simply stationed on or close to the border.
Thanks for the comments guys, I'm glad you liked the review and the history and if anyone is interested I'm preparing a Fact File article on the T-90 to appear in a future issue of Military Modelcraft International alongside pictures by Vitaly Kuzmin and Alexey Khlopotov.
I have the turret of the kit completed and I will post a few pictures at some point along with a few 'trouble' areas, although I suggest taking a look at Christian's thread for a more thorough build commentary.
markchis
Joined: February 09, 2009
KitMaker: 467 posts
Armorama: 392 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 04:51 AM UTC
Excellent review Karl - I really enjoyed the read. some excellent background on this kit and the subject.
cheers
Mark
cheers
Mark
todorovicandreas
Joined: May 01, 2007
KitMaker: 608 posts
Armorama: 593 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 04:59 AM UTC
Quoted Text
A good little review Karl, thanks!
I should just mention though that in your review intro you mention the T-72BM, the tank you refer to is actually designated a T-72B Model1989. The T-72BM is the newer T-72B 'Rogatka' which features the relikt armour. Also the T-90 was not used at all in the Georgia conflict. Some were however stationed close to the border(I think around North Ossetia)but saw no combat duty.
karl, thanks alot for the review. As far as I know, T-90 was not in Georgia 2008 but there are a lot now stationed in Abkhazia for sure. (7th Military Base)
Again, awsome review, thanks a lot.
Best regards,
Andreas
Karl187
#284
Joined: October 04, 2006
KitMaker: 3,094 posts
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Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 06:02 AM UTC
Some pictures of the completed turret:
There were very few fit problems during the building process. The most fiddly areas are the two Shtora devices and their mounting frames, so just take it slow here. As you can see some of the glazing is yet to go on and the antenna is missing- it is quite a long, flimsy part and I don't want to add it until later, in case I snap it off during painting!
The worst part of the turret is the barrel- Christian in his thread has explained about this already. What it boils down to is mis-matched attachment points- the bit inside the mantlet does not match with the piece on the end of the barrel, so it doesn't even go in properly.
My solution, after looking at both contact points for a bit, was to cut the part of the barrel attachment that extends beyond the other part ( part B2 extends beyond the end of part B3 at the connecting end of the barrel). Once done and sanded it looked like this:
This then slots into the mantlet no problem, but be careful as the fit is very tight!
The 12.7mm MG:
I drilled the barrel out of this, makes it look that bit better.
Finally, my most recent progress has been on the underside of the upper hull. This calls for using the mesh in the kit to cut parts to fit in the engine grilles. I used Fields of Glory Models aluminium mesh instead:
The pattern is probably not quite right and it is likely over-scale but I still prefer using it than the kit supplied mesh, I really hate that stuff!
Anyway, thanks for checking out the review and good luck to anyone currently building their own T-90!
There were very few fit problems during the building process. The most fiddly areas are the two Shtora devices and their mounting frames, so just take it slow here. As you can see some of the glazing is yet to go on and the antenna is missing- it is quite a long, flimsy part and I don't want to add it until later, in case I snap it off during painting!
The worst part of the turret is the barrel- Christian in his thread has explained about this already. What it boils down to is mis-matched attachment points- the bit inside the mantlet does not match with the piece on the end of the barrel, so it doesn't even go in properly.
My solution, after looking at both contact points for a bit, was to cut the part of the barrel attachment that extends beyond the other part ( part B2 extends beyond the end of part B3 at the connecting end of the barrel). Once done and sanded it looked like this:
This then slots into the mantlet no problem, but be careful as the fit is very tight!
The 12.7mm MG:
I drilled the barrel out of this, makes it look that bit better.
Finally, my most recent progress has been on the underside of the upper hull. This calls for using the mesh in the kit to cut parts to fit in the engine grilles. I used Fields of Glory Models aluminium mesh instead:
The pattern is probably not quite right and it is likely over-scale but I still prefer using it than the kit supplied mesh, I really hate that stuff!
Anyway, thanks for checking out the review and good luck to anyone currently building their own T-90!
todorovicandreas
Joined: May 01, 2007
KitMaker: 608 posts
Armorama: 593 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 06:30 AM UTC
Really nice progress so far, Karl! Thanks for sharing. It´s quite interesting to see the fit problem of the guna s my fits in properly without any mod. 
Anyway, looks sweet Karl.
Andreas
Anyway, looks sweet Karl.Andreas
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 08:37 AM UTC
That's a great review, thanks a million Karl to have included historical information!
I think that the worse flaw of this kind of kits is that they can easily "spoil you"
The best Trumpeter kit compared to this one seems to be no more than a decent model
Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
I think that the worse flaw of this kind of kits is that they can easily "spoil you"
The best Trumpeter kit compared to this one seems to be no more than a decent model Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
todorovicandreas
Joined: May 01, 2007
KitMaker: 608 posts
Armorama: 593 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 09:29 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
Amen to that, bro!
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 10:03 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
Amen to that, bro!
a new t-55 a new t-62 (more correct) BMP 1-2-3 a new t- 72 ( A and B ), t-64, A NEW T-80, brdm....it would be great a competion with Trumpeter and Bronco
afv_rob
Joined: October 09, 2005
KitMaker: 2,556 posts
Armorama: 2,199 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 11:16 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I think that the worse flaw of this kind of kits is that they can easily "spoil you"
Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
Hmm, sorry but I dont think this kit is so perfect. Theres quite a few errors here and there. I love it dont get me wrong, but already i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....
meaty_hellhound
Joined: July 23, 2010
KitMaker: 786 posts
Armorama: 753 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 12:07 PM UTC
well written review Karl, much appreciated.
every kit has an issue or an area that can be improved so i look at this kit as being a huge step forward for Zvezda and one that looks to set a high bar for crispness and detail for them.
cheers, bd.
every kit has an issue or an area that can be improved so i look at this kit as being a huge step forward for Zvezda and one that looks to set a high bar for crispness and detail for them.
cheers, bd.
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 08:02 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
I think that the worse flaw of this kind of kits is that they can easily "spoil you"
Now I hope Zvezda will continue to spoil us with a new Russian tank series
cheers
Hmm, sorry but I dont think this kit is so perfect. Theres quite a few errors here and there. I love it dont get me wrong, but already i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....
As you know either Tamiya hull has some flaws Rob, but that's a matter of taste, I'm sure you'll do a great job with it. Anyway I didn't mean that it was perfect, I meant that it was far better than lots of latest products such for exemple Trumpeter ones. I think that perfect kit haven't already done and probably never will make. Every models could be improved or have issues, but having such a nice kit as a base can make the job far easier.
I may exaggerate but in my humble opinon this new kit represents a new standard which other companies should take as a reference for their new releases. At least I really hope so
Just my two cents anyway
Cheers
arpikaszabo
Joined: February 13, 2006
KitMaker: 674 posts
Armorama: 637 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 10:44 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hmm, sorry but I dont think this kit is so perfect. Theres quite a few errors here and there. I love it dont get me wrong, but already i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....
Rob, could You list them specifically? I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 10:56 PM UTC
Quoted Text
...i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....
Quoted Text
...I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
todorovicandreas
Joined: May 01, 2007
KitMaker: 608 posts
Armorama: 593 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 11:21 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text...i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....Quoted Text...I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
Haha, I had to laught too.
Andreas
Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 11:52 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted Text...i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....Quoted Text...I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
Haha, I had to laught too.
Andreas
I suppose you're contemplating to put Zvezda turret on Zvezda hull Andreas...well either will I
( I hope anyone will be offended, I'm just joking
)Cheers
afv_rob
Joined: October 09, 2005
KitMaker: 2,556 posts
Armorama: 2,199 posts
Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 - 12:00 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text...i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....Quoted Text...I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
Haha oh god what have we become!
Well in my opinion the Zvezda turret is a work of art. The anti-radiation cladding could do with a little texturing; it think it sits too low, theres a few welds missing here and there and some soft details, but on the whole its magnificent.
The lower hull sadly just doesn't look as good to me. For an idea of the issues check out this thread on Panzer35.ru:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/45-8059-1
Stick google translate on and you get a pretty good idea what they are discussing.
While the Tamiya hull has a couple of little problems I just think the detail is finer and much nicer. To me the Zveda turret looks like it came from a totally different kit to the hull. As I will state all along though, I really don't want to decry Zvezda for doing this kit, I'm absolutely chuffed to bits with it, and at least now most modellers can build a decent looking Russian MBT without having to resort to expensive conversions.
arpikaszabo
Joined: February 13, 2006
KitMaker: 674 posts
Armorama: 637 posts
Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 - 12:14 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Haha oh god what have we become!
I agree, just dont feel like trashing an assembled kit, the economy
nevermind. THX for the link, Rob Spiderfrommars
Joined: July 13, 2010
KitMaker: 3,845 posts
Armorama: 3,543 posts
Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 - 12:18 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted Text...i'm contemplating sticking the turret on a Tamiya hull.....Quoted Text...I am contemplating about putting my leftover Miniarm turret on this hull...
Haha oh god what have we become!
Well in my opinion the Zvezda turret is a work of art. The anti-radiation cladding could do with a little texturing; it think it sits too low, theres a few welds missing here and there and some soft details, but on the whole its magnificent.
The lower hull sadly just doesn't look as good to me. For an idea of the issues check out this thread on Panzer35.ru:
http://panzer35.ru/forum/45-8059-1
Stick google translate on and you get a pretty good idea what they are discussing.
While the Tamiya hull has a couple of little problems I just think the detail is finer and much nicer. To me the Zveda turret looks like it came from a totally different kit to the hull. As I will state all along though, I really don't want to decry Zvezda for doing this kit, I'm absolutely chuffed to bits with it, and at least now most modellers can build a decent looking Russian MBT without having to resort to expensive conversions.
Thanks a lot for the link Rob. It could be useful because I don't know yet if I do the kit OOB or I'll make some improvments on the hull
i'd like to compare with Tamiya hull but unfortunately, I don't know why, that kit is incredibly hard to find
Would it be possible in your opinion that Zvezda could use the hull as base for other Russian MBT? (...perhaps a new T-72...)
afv_rob
Joined: October 09, 2005
KitMaker: 2,556 posts
Armorama: 2,199 posts
Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 - 01:08 AM UTC
[/quote]
Thanks a lot for the link Rob. It could be useful because I don't know yet if I do the kit OOB or I'll make some improvments on the hull
i'd like to compare with Tamiya hull but unfortunately, I don't know why, that kit is incredibly hard to find
Would it be possible in your opinion that Zvezda could use the hull as base for other Russian MBT? (...perhaps a new T-72...) [/quote]
To address your last point, yes it seems to be that Zvezda could use the hull to make T-72 variants. The only thing they would need to change would be the exhaust area, as they got part of it wrong anyway it would just be a case of replacing the fuel tank typical of the T-90 with one like the T-72.
I compared Zvezda's hull to Tamiya and dimensionally they are exactly the same. Ive never heard anyone say the dimensions of the Tamiya hull are off so thats pleasing. However, although Tamiya simplify some things like the fender zip box and fuel cell retaining straps, the engine deck detailing on the Tamiya kit is absolutely superb (although they messed up the intake alignment). The Zvezda engine deck area just looks soft and heavy, it really lefts the kit down in my opinion.
But yes the panzer35 link is very useful, I have some other Russian links if I can find them. From what I can understand from translating the pages, a lot of the guys there are pretty unhappy with this kit. I also believe Miniarm are working on a new turret and some other details specific for this Zvezda kit. But like I said before, the turret isn't the weak point on this kit.
Thanks a lot for the link Rob. It could be useful because I don't know yet if I do the kit OOB or I'll make some improvments on the hull
i'd like to compare with Tamiya hull but unfortunately, I don't know why, that kit is incredibly hard to find
Would it be possible in your opinion that Zvezda could use the hull as base for other Russian MBT? (...perhaps a new T-72...) [/quote]
To address your last point, yes it seems to be that Zvezda could use the hull to make T-72 variants. The only thing they would need to change would be the exhaust area, as they got part of it wrong anyway it would just be a case of replacing the fuel tank typical of the T-90 with one like the T-72.
I compared Zvezda's hull to Tamiya and dimensionally they are exactly the same. Ive never heard anyone say the dimensions of the Tamiya hull are off so thats pleasing. However, although Tamiya simplify some things like the fender zip box and fuel cell retaining straps, the engine deck detailing on the Tamiya kit is absolutely superb (although they messed up the intake alignment). The Zvezda engine deck area just looks soft and heavy, it really lefts the kit down in my opinion.
But yes the panzer35 link is very useful, I have some other Russian links if I can find them. From what I can understand from translating the pages, a lot of the guys there are pretty unhappy with this kit. I also believe Miniarm are working on a new turret and some other details specific for this Zvezda kit. But like I said before, the turret isn't the weak point on this kit.
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