Hi
Here is a copy of my old review:
Sorry for the multiple posts, too early in the AM I guess ..
By: Tom Rea
Cost:US 22.00
I obtained this conv directly from Poland and was combined with another order so I am not sure if my packaging is indicative of every order.
Poland decided to upgrade its older T-72M1 and rather than obtain newer examples from Russia, it developed an improved version based on their needs. At least 14 significant improvements were made. They range from the addition of ERAWA add-on armour to the installation of improved internal communications.
Poland unsuccessfully tried to market an upgraded PT-91 to Malaysia a few years and has recently proposed a third version using French components and a 120mm main gun.
With the recent agreement to lease 124 ex Bundeswehr Leopard 2A4, the T-72 days in Polish service appear numbered but it is expected that Poland will keep its PT-91 and retire the basic T-72.
The Modelkrak conv is molded in tan coloured resin and comes with a small section of brass rod and a small strip of thin styrene and one of thick styrene. The instructions consist of one two-sided page and one page of hand coloured camoflauge drawings. Humbrol numbers are mentioned but no actual colour is mentioned. Not that it would matter as the instructions are completely in Polish.
The turret is solidly molded with many of the resin add-ons broken off. This may be as a result of being sent in a plastic bag with no padding but I could not find the pieces in the bag.
WEAK AREAS:
I should mention that the ERA is molded in place on the turret. While a quick glance at a photograph would indicate that the ERA is flush against the turret, it actually stands proud of the surface. As well, the ERA on the turret frontal arc is moulded with two pieces attached vertically and one horizontally. This is totally inaccurate. It should have all three pieces standing vertically. It appears that the master mould maker cut out pieces of styrene and glued them in place. The pattern is totally inaccurate and bears little resemblence to the real thing. This is the real shame of the kit as one would have to get out a dremel tool and grind down all the ERA.
The laser warning posts are too short and have barely enough detail.
I still have no idea what the thick styrene is for and think that the brass rod is to be used as a support for the whichever gun you choose to mount.
The skirts too suffer from poor workmanship. Like the turret, the armour should stand free of the skirts but again, the master maker made little attempt to provide accurate detail.
The glassis plate add-on armour suffers the same half hearted attempt at detail as the rest of the kit.
GOOD AREAS:
The camo colours at least make up for the poor quality of the kit. They are: olive drab; rust; and black.
The nose "skirt" is well done.
The multitude of smoke launchers appear adequate for the job so that is one thing you do not have to worry about.
Short of a complete rebuild, you are stuck with a kit that should have been so much better. I can only recommend this kit to those wanting something resembling a TWARDY.
This rates but a one out of 10.
Tom
