Hi all,
here are the very first results !








The matt look will be come later. Some details still need to be done.
Comments welcome.

Olivier

Nice work Olivier ! I like the added detail on the MG mount.

Thanks Chris, but unfortunately this is pure artistic license as the command version should not have the MG fitted as someone reminded me of in another forum
Anyway, I think I'll let it there as I'm quite happy with the job done here

Olivier

Nice work Olivier. Looks like a solid start...that green looks a little too "green" though...is it really that green, or just a picture issue?

The build looks solid AND correct. Matching it to photos I have on hand, it does not look too long in the end nor out of proportion to the rest of it. It certainly looks better than the MESS I am working with...HA! (Of course I brought it on myself...)

As for the AAMG, I am not so sure that these T-80's were without them Command variant or not. It has been convincingly argued that this is actually what has been labled a T-80A, a intermediate between the -B and the -U. First, all true -U's have the post mounted AAMG's. Second, all true -U's have the Auxilary Power Unit on the rear, left. The Kharkov style Remote AAMG and K-1/3 ERA is a dead giveaway that this fits those criteria, and Sergej's reference picture onthe box top is one that is used to ID the small-production-run variant. Or so it is all rumored...

The AAMG details look very nice.

I fear it is too green. I will try to lighten it with a yellow filter



OK for the MG mount Concerning an APU, Sergej issues one large on the rear right. I set it in place but can't confirm he's right. The only ones of that kind I saw on T-something were on Ukrainian T-84s. So I begin wondering whetehr Sergej is correct or not. Anyway, I can't remove it now except with doing some major damages to the plastic part underneath.

Olivier

Yes, Sergej's APU is correct for a Russian T-80U. It will be a few days, but I should be able to confirm it. No worries there.

As your kit is shown in the pictures, I am totally out to lunch...I am doing my responses too late at night. You have a T-80UDK, early. As with all T-80UD's, they have the Kharkov Remote AAMG. What little I have on sources for this VERY rare version state that even the command variant had them as there were only about 5 of the command version made with the E-1/3 ERA before they went to fully integrated K-5 ERA and in all the hustle/bustle they had not yet decided on the AAMG being relevant or not.

ALL T-80UD's have the APU. I have a question running on when the Russians got rid of all their T-80UD's, or if they still have them in service. Will get back to you when I know.

Sorry for all the confusion...I gotta rest!

Here is the next series of pics. I tried to lighten the dark green and began the weathering. I still have to do the glass surfaces, the formation lights and add the MG at the very end.

























All comments welcome.
TIA
Olivier

Keep at it Olivier, I want to see this thing weathered. And the detail of the AAMG is superb. Thanks for that close up photo.