I would like to model an early t-72 from the 1980-1988 war, mostly seen with gill armor. What is the correct version to model this?

Hi David;

As of this time, there is not A kit of this version. The T-72A would have too be Converted from one of the other makers, such as either Tamiya or Trumpeter. And there are sources that you could use too convert A T-72 that you are looking at. IMHO your Best Bet would be SBS Turret and front Hull plate and find A Tamiya T-72 as A Doner kit. As for the Gill Armor you could find A Skiff T-64 or Scratch Build it yourself.

GOOD LUCK; MIKE.

Hi David,

The Iraqis mainly used T-72M's during the Iran-Iraq war.

Mike is correct, there is no easy way to make a T-72M. The problem with all the current kits out there is they are all T-72A or later hulls.

There are some options as mentioned:

1. Wait for a T-72/T-72M to be made. Probably coming down the line.

2. Use the Tamiya hull without the side skirts, use a SBS T-72M turret, and just grin and bear it.

3. Backdate the hull to a proper T-72M with aftermarket parts and/or scratchbuilding. You need a new turret of course.

Sorry their is not a simpler way.

If you're willing to spend a good amount ,you can get the Tamiya kit and the SBS T-72M full conversion that comes with the hull conversion ,turret and a metal barrel. You can either scratch build the gill armour or get it from the Skif set as Jacques said.