Hi all,
Has anyone come across a build review of this kit? (number 3591) Or has anyone heard of any glaring errors, major flaws?
TIA
Tom

The Zvezda kits are just DML re-pops. They have all the associated problems as the old DML kits have.

Dragon's T-80 dates from the days before too much was known about Soviet tanks. So really it's an approximation rather than a replica. IIRC all Dragon's 125mm guns were noticeably oversize.

Fit wasn't wonderful, but when you get it together it looks like a Soviet tank from a few feet away and the chances of seeing a new one in plastic are small. So there isn't much to choose from.

This month's FSM has a review of one of Zvezda's T-80s, can't remember which one, but it's worth taking a look.

Many thanks both. I'm now waiting for an e:mail from FSM's website.
Tom

I think the best of the three T-80s available was the Skif kit. Not well detailed, but more accurate than Dragon/Zvezda or the fictional Lindberg kit.

Skif did two versions, the T-80UD and the UDK.

Here is a build article on the Dragon model: Superdetailing the DML T80 with ERA

Rob's right, the best kit to start with is the SKIF T-80UD. It is a diesel, rather than turbine, but it is a good place to start.

If you are going to work with the DML/Zvezda kit, probably the worst part of it is the turret in general. The main gun is overscale, the turret shape is incomplete and incorrect, and many details on it are wrong, misplaced, or simplified.

If you are game, probably the best place to start is with the SKIF T-80UD or UDK and then get the Eduard PE set and some SP Designs or Real Models detail sets.

I would recommend the Skif T-80UD. But you must get new road wheels(SP Designs). Also the Skif turret is a little off. I am currently building with SP Designs road wheels and improved turret and the Eduard PE. Squadron has the PE on sale for $9.95 right now. You will also need to replace the MG as the Skif one is just a blob. I am using the Tank replacement.

Hey Michael, let us see how the build is going. I would like to see what you think of the SP Designs and Eduard stuff .

Oh, if you are up to it, I can recomend the Model Point MG barrels for the T-80...they really are nice pieces of brass.