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Hobby Boss: PLA ZTZ-99A Main Battle Tank
tatbaqui
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Posted: Friday, April 07, 2017 - 06:11 PM UTC


Hobby Boss shares further details and photos of the kit sprues.

Read the Full News Story

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
hugohuertas
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Posted: Friday, April 07, 2017 - 11:13 PM UTC
What is the difference between this model and the one represented in their #82439 kit?
eoin666
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 03:56 AM UTC
It's the new updated version of the ZTZ99A, sometimes called ZTZ99A2, basically it has newer thicker ERA panels over the turret and hull front

http://tanknutdave.com/type-99a2-main-battle-tank/
tatbaqui
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 05:15 AM UTC
For one, 82439's turret looks different:



Parts-wise 82439 has lesser parts at around 450.

JSSVIII
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 07:14 AM UTC
Very interesting, may have to pick one up when it comes out.
MassimoTessitori
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 02:46 PM UTC
I think that it's not only matter of ERA, this tank seems to have an higher shape of the turret and engine deck if compared to earlier versions, including those that were unproperly called ZTZ-99 A, B, G before.
There is already a recent kit of Panda of this subject, I don't know which one is better.
GTDeath13
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 04:53 PM UTC
I as also confused with all the ZTZ 99 kits out there... I think the evolution of the ZTZ99 is somewhat like the following:

First is the Hobbyboss ZTZ99 kit, which has no era and bustle rack.



Next is the Hobbyboss ZTZ99A and the Bronco ZTZ99/99G, which has ERA, no bustle rack and some additions to the turret (optical sights and antennas)





Then we have the HobbyBoss ZTZ99B and Bronco ZTZ99A1 kits. They have a bustle rack and difference shape of ERA at the front of the turret. There is also an additional device on the turret, some kind of ECM or active protection system.





Finally we have the Panda ZTZ99A and the new HobbyBoss ZTZ99A kits, which have the new shaped ERA on the turret front and a whole new engine deck and fender configuration. Also the sideskirts are longer than the previous versions.





Hobbyboss do not provide fuel drum sin their kits, Bronco do.

ninjrk
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 04:53 PM UTC
Assuming that Hobby Boss doesn't up their game dramatically from its previous ZTZ 99 kits it'll probably be a good kit. I would imagine it will be noticeably less detailed than the Panda kit and have several simplified areas, most likely around the ERA turret basket. It will probably also be an slightly easier build with fewer parts. In other words, the HB kitt will be a quicker build with simplified detail, the Panda one will be a longer build but have extremely fine detail. And those [expletive deleted] PE headlight mounts. . . .
GTDeath13
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 05:08 PM UTC
By looking at the sprues, they have added more details to the track pieces and are now providing fuel drums. I prefer the Hobbyboss kit over the Panda one, having had all kinds of trouble with Panda offerings in the past...
Removed by original poster on 04/09/17 - 15:38:55 (GMT).
hugohuertas
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Posted: Saturday, April 08, 2017 - 08:43 PM UTC
Thanks for the replies guys
I completely miss-matched the title of this post -and didn't give a right look to the pictures either-.
I don't know why I read "ZTZ-96" instead of "99"...

Now, just for Mr. Kurt Laughlin's joy, I'll ask why they didn't release the ZTZ-96B as seen in 2016 Russian Tank Biathlon, instead of this kit.
Just kidding
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 01:31 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Assuming that Hobby Boss doesn't up their game dramatically from its previous ZTZ 99 kits it'll probably be a good kit. I would imagine it will be noticeably less detailed than the Panda kit and have several simplified areas, most likely around the ERA turret basket. It will probably also be an slightly easier build with fewer parts. In other words, the HB kitt will be a quicker build with simplified detail, the Panda one will be a longer build but have extremely fine detail. And those [expletive deleted] PE headlight mounts. . . .


however bronco have some fatal errors such as scale problem and wrong turret position, high detail sometimes doesn't mean you have the better accuracy of the kit. It seems have some fancy detail but it has some fatal errors you don't see. Just like what happened on tiger model T-90MS and BMPT72.
Bronco 99 series is smaller than 35th and the turret is too forward that even the main gun Manlet cover up the driver hatch. This problem also lead to other bugs of kit.
ninjrk
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 04:54 AM UTC
I would say that I've heard of the problems with panda kits in the past but I've never built one before the Panda ZTZ-99A. The Panda kit is really quite good, the tracks are really simple to put together, and the detail is very good. My only real beef with the kit was the PE for the headlight guard mounts is flimsy and not well detailed in the instructions. Overall though, I'd day it goes together better than the average current Dragon )non-Black Label) kit.
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 07:16 AM UTC

Quoted Text

What is the difference between this model and the one represented in their #82439 kit?


Time for some quick FAQ for ztz-99 family this time?
Ok no more BLah blah.
In actual PLA service there is no such a name as ztz-99A or ztz-99B, neither ata-99A1/A2 or ztz-99 B. They are all Internet given name by public or some network press. The HOBBYBOSS previous ztz-99A/B kit in fact are all called ztz-99 main battle tank. If you feel confused here is the technical name for those old Ztz-99 series:
HOBBYBOSS ztz-99A are called ztz-99 phase1, it is the first phase of upgraded for those initial production ztz-99 main battle tanks, which added frontal hull and turret composite era blocks. The shape of turret is still as it were which with a egg shell structure from ztz-99. Those are all upgraded from ztz-99
While the ztz-99B is ztz-99 phase 2. You can call it ztz-99 standard production. The turret shape got changed which there is no longer eggshell on the top of turret, which with a smoother turret top shape.Era configuration shape also got redesigned like side and rear protection for the turret.
In army they are all called ztz-99 as they belong to initial production ztz-99 and standard production ztz-99. The big engine unit(1200HP) makes ztz-99 has longer hull.
Some features you see may made it looks like a T-72, but they are two totally different tanks.
As for the HB83892 99A? Good question
This ztz-99-A can be regard as some final version or what ztz-99 should be like at the beginning. the new engine unit is significantly smaller than ztz-99 which proved 1500HP. Turret shape also got redesign to fit new FCS and laser weapon system. In short, new turret and new hull(smaller/shorter), and new FCS makes it can be regarded as a brand new tank. As for who is better? Panda or HOBbpByBoss? It's uptoyou guys. panda kit is very well detailed and I believe HOBBYBOSS one will also be nice and easy for assembling
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 07:18 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I would say that I've heard of the problems with panda kits in the past but I've never built one before the Panda ZTZ-99A. The Panda kit is really quite good, the tracks are really simple to put together, and the detail is very good. My only real beef with the kit was the PE for the headlight guard mounts is flimsy and not well detailed in the instructions. Overall though, I'd day it goes together better than the average current Dragon )non-Black Label) kit.


I agree with your comment on panda kit. however, I still hold my comments about the HobbyBoss old ztz-99 is generally better than bronco ztz-99
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 07:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I think that it's not only matter of ERA, this tank seems to have an higher shape of the turret and engine deck if compared to earlier versions, including those that were unproperly called ZTZ-99 A, B, G before.
There is already a recent kit of Panda of this subject, I don't know which one is better.



side view: the top one is ztz-99 phase2, the one at below is ztz-99A
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 07:27 AM UTC

Quoted Text

It's the new updated version of the ZTZ99A, sometimes called ZTZ99A2, basically it has newer thicker ERA panels over the turret and hull front

http://tanknutdave.com/type-99a2-main-battle-tank/



top view compare between ztz-99 phase1, ztz-99phase2 and ztz-96A

and frontal view:
hugohuertas
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Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 02:53 AM UTC
Very helpful explanation Alex!
And those pictures clearly show the differences between models.
Thanks a lot!
MassimoTessitori
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Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 11:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text

top view compare between ztz-99 phase1, ztz-99 phase2 and ztz-96A


I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos.
My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection.
I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000.
The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.
aleluya
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Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 02:54 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

top view compare between ztz-99 phase1, ztz-99 phase2 and ztz-96A


I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos.
My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection.
I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000.
The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.


hi there, the drawing has some flaws but my intention is to say the difference between phase1 and phase2 as the drawing can give you more identical visual understanding of the structure between ztz-99phase1 and phase2 such as:
the change of ERA configuration on the front.
the absence of egg shell structure of turret top on Phase 2.
aleluya
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Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 02:59 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

top view compare between ztz-99 phase1, ztz-99 phase2 and ztz-96A


I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos.
My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection.
I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000.
The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.


phase1


phase2


GTDeath13
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Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 07:28 PM UTC
Is there any difference between the hulls of phase 1 and phase 2 tanks or are the differencies located only at the turrets?
aleluya
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Posted: Sunday, April 16, 2017 - 11:55 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Is there any difference between the hulls of phase 1 and phase 2 tanks or are the differencies located only at the turrets?


hull has no visual changes except the frontal era plate has one blast shield which could be the same function on those T-72/80/90.
ChrisK89
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Posted: Sunday, April 30, 2017 - 07:51 PM UTC
Just by judging from the sprue shots and preview pics of the HB offering.. which kit (Panda or HB) would you prefer? Accuracy and/or detail wise.

cheers Chris
ninjrk
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Posted: Sunday, April 30, 2017 - 09:53 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

What is the difference between this model and the one represented in their #82439 kit?


Time for some quick FAQ for ztz-99 family this time?
Ok no more BLah blah.
In actual PLA service there is no such a name as ztz-99A or ztz-99B, neither ata-99A1/A2 or ztz-99 B. They are all Internet given name by public or some network press. The HOBBYBOSS previous ztz-99A/B kit in fact are all called ztz-99 main battle tank. If you feel confused here is the technical name for those old Ztz-99 series:
HOBBYBOSS ztz-99A are called ztz-99 phase1, it is the first phase of upgraded for those initial production ztz-99 main battle tanks, which added frontal hull and turret composite era blocks. The shape of turret is still as it were which with a egg shell structure from ztz-99. Those are all upgraded from ztz-99
While the ztz-99B is ztz-99 phase 2. You can call it ztz-99 standard production. The turret shape got changed which there is no longer eggshell on the top of turret, which with a smoother turret top shape.Era configuration shape also got redesigned like side and rear protection for the turret.
In army they are all called ztz-99 as they belong to initial production ztz-99 and standard production ztz-99. The big engine unit(1200HP) makes ztz-99 has longer hull.
Some features you see may made it looks like a T-72, but they are two totally different tanks.
As for the HB83892 99A? Good question
This ztz-99-A can be regard as some final version or what ztz-99 should be like at the beginning. the new engine unit is significantly smaller than ztz-99 which proved 1500HP. Turret shape also got redesign to fit new FCS and laser weapon system. In short, new turret and new hull(smaller/shorter), and new FCS makes it can be regarded as a brand new tank. As for who is better? Panda or HOBbpByBoss? It's uptoyou guys. panda kit is very well detailed and I believe HOBBYBOSS one will also be nice and easy for assembling



Have you ever been able to lock down when the various sub-types were accepted officially into service? I want to model a PLA tank in late 2003/early 2004 but have not been able to confirm whether the ZTZ 99 phase 1 was in production or if was still the base ZTZ 99 without ERA.

Thanks,
Matt
 _GOTOTOP