Heya, Folks,

I was lucky enough to win a Tamiya T-72 at a recent club meeting and wondered what it would take to make it into an Iraqi vehicle that would have been present early on in OIF... I'm pretty short on time these days (family first), so I am looking to avoid elaborate conversions or aftermarket adventures...

Just curious about any simple changes or mods that would do the trick.

As always, many thanks!

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

IIRC the Tamiya kit was made after a german vehicke, so already is an export version. The only thing that would really need replacing is the turret, as it's shape is off. JS models from Finland makes a very good one, see:

http://www.track-link.net/reviews/D_L/JS-Models

This shop sells them:

http://www.kolumbus.fi/martti.kuivalainen/engindex.html

Go with it even if the turret is slitghly off. The more demanding job will be the removal of the extra-armor on the glacis that is not suitable for export variants.

Olivier

You beat me ! I think I smelt too much of the thinner I used to paint my T-80
This plate is definitely correct for an export version. I should have turned my tongue seven times in my mouth before ...

Olivier

As noted, the only thing fallable on this kit for a outstanding OOB is the turret shape. But if that is not going to bother you, it is a really well engineered kit and you should be able to build it up in a weekend, no sweat.

Next, time permitting, you can look up some reference pictures on the web if you want to tinker with adding some small scratchbuilt details for fun. No, really!

If you decide you have a bit more time, or want a bit more of a challenge, then you could get the replacement turret, the Eduard Photo-etch set, and the Eduard aluminum barrel to build a -M1. That will keep you busy for a while.

Beyond that, there are some really extensive conversions you can do with this kit that are seriously cool but a bit involved and potentially expensive...

You are going to have to do some work on the search light mount, its way off. Get some PE and Friule track and you will be very happy. Check out Tanxheaven for reference photos.

I wouldnt say its totally off when it come to the turret...

Here are some shots I took:

Hey Scott,

The problem with the turret is more with the overhead profile than the side views...it is hard to spot until you see it, but it is noticeable. I do not have time right now to do the comparison...(Gary?) but will in a few days if still needed. It is not a BIG deal, but like I said, it is noticable if you know what to look for...then you are cursed and it bugs you!