Howdy, I'm currently building trumpeter's T-72B3M, #09510. It seems to be a good kit, so far. I was wondering if anybody has top of the turret photos. There's a lot going on and I want to get it close to being right as I can. The online photos I've found I can't tell if the loader's hatch has a handle on it or not. The kit doesn't have one. If it doesn't have one how does he open the hatch?
Thanks in advance !
Tom

No, no external handle. Instead there's a slot to accept a key for opening the hatch from the outside.

Sean

This should help :

https://www.vitalykuzmin.net/Military/T-72B3-walkaround/

https://www.vitalykuzmin.net/Military/T-72B3-walkaround/i-ShxNhMn

YJ

Merci Yann ! That is just what the DR ordered ! You can see the key hole on the loaders hatch as Sean mentioned. I still can't figure out how that works. Do you use the key to unlock the hatch, once unlocked is it spring loaded and it pops up a few CMs/inches and the tanker grabs and lifts the hatch or what ?
Anyway, thanks Sean & Yann for your replies !
Tom

Exactly, torsion springs in the hatch hinge allow it to pop up a few inches when the handle is unlatched as well as making the hatch easier to open and shut by counteracting its weight. You'll find this in some form or another on pretty much all armored vehicle doors or hatches.

Sean

Thanks Sean for clarifying that for me. I'll have to look closer at my modern armor collection.

Hi,


more T-72B3 walkarounds
https://www.dishmodels.ru/wshow.htm?p=3468
https://www.dishmodels.ru/wshow.htm?p=3406
https://www.dishmodels.ru/wshow.htm?p=3100
https://www.dishmodels.ru/wshow.htm?p=2865

and one of T-72B3 mod. 2016
https://www.dishmodels.ru/wshow.htm?p=3598

WOW ! Spasibo Dmitry ! Some excellent images especially of the turret MG, another confusing bit on the instructions.
Another question and I may be a bit greedy with this one. Would you have a video of how the unditching log works? It's on most Soviet/ Russian tanks but I've never seen it in action.
Thank you again for all the images!!!
Tom

http://ftr.wot-news.com/2014/02/05/ever-wondered-what-the-wooden-log-is-for-on-the-soviet-tanks/

I remember seeing this at some point, surprised I was able to find it.

Sean

OUTSTANDING Sean ! Another question answered. A big thanks to you and your memory banks !