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Friday, April 07, 2017 - 06:11 PM UTC
Hobby Boss shares further details and photos of the kit sprues.
The ZTZ-99, also known as Type 99, is a third generation Chinese main battle tank (MBT) that entered service with the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) in 2001. The ZTZ-99A is an updated variant that is believed to be armed with a tougher new-generation explosive reactive armor (ERA), as well as a new-type of compound armor. This variant was publicly unveiled during the 2015 Victory Day Parade although it was previously deployed during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) military exercises of 2014.

Hobby Boss’ PLA ZTZ-99A MBT (83892) is 1/35 plastic kit that features refined details such as a multi-slide moulded turret and lower hull, and individual track links. The kit contains more than 600 parts of plastic, clear, and photo-etched material. A decal sheet is included as well. As built, the model stands at 328.7mm in length and 102mm in width.

Background information on vehicle sourced from Defense-Aerospace.com and Wikipedia.
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Comments

Very helpful explanation Alex! And those pictures clearly show the differences between models. Thanks a lot!
APR 10, 2017 - 02:53 AM
I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos. My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection. I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000. The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.
APR 10, 2017 - 11:45 AM
I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos. My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection. I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000. The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.[/quote] hi there, the drawing has some flaws but my intention is to say the difference between phase1 and phase2 as the drawing can give you more identical visual understanding of the structure between ztz-99phase1 and phase2 such as: the change of ERA configuration on the front. the absence of egg shell structure of turret top on Phase 2.
APR 10, 2017 - 02:54 PM
I would check the top drawing of ZTZ-99 phase 2. I had already seen that drawing when building my so called ZTZ-99B of Hobby Boss, but they don't seem confirmed by photos. My main reference was the photos of the pixeled tanks on parade, that show the kit reasonably right. The side cannisters are parallel, only more protruding outside because of their ERA protection. I suspect that the drawings are based on misidentified photos of ZTZ-96A or Type-2000. The photos from the front are taken from different positions with different focal length, the first one from close and the second one from far. I can't deny that there could be some difference in the width of the front armour, but not so strong as shown in the drawings.[/quote] phase1 phase2
APR 10, 2017 - 02:59 PM
Is there any difference between the hulls of phase 1 and phase 2 tanks or are the differencies located only at the turrets?
APR 10, 2017 - 07:28 PM
hull has no visual changes except the frontal era plate has one blast shield which could be the same function on those T-72/80/90.
APR 16, 2017 - 11:55 PM
Just by judging from the sprue shots and preview pics of the HB offering.. which kit (Panda or HB) would you prefer? Accuracy and/or detail wise. cheers Chris
APR 30, 2017 - 07:51 PM
Time for some quick FAQ for ztz-99 family this time? Ok no more BLah blah. In actual PLA service there is no such a name as ztz-99A or ztz-99B, neither ata-99A1/A2 or ztz-99 B. They are all Internet given name by public or some network press. The HOBBYBOSS previous ztz-99A/B kit in fact are all called ztz-99 main battle tank. If you feel confused here is the technical name for those old Ztz-99 series: HOBBYBOSS ztz-99A are called ztz-99 phase1, it is the first phase of upgraded for those initial production ztz-99 main battle tanks, which added frontal hull and turret composite era blocks. The shape of turret is still as it were which with a egg shell structure from ztz-99. Those are all upgraded from ztz-99 While the ztz-99B is ztz-99 phase 2. You can call it ztz-99 standard production. The turret shape got changed which there is no longer eggshell on the top of turret, which with a smoother turret top shape.Era configuration shape also got redesigned like side and rear protection for the turret. In army they are all called ztz-99 as they belong to initial production ztz-99 and standard production ztz-99. The big engine unit(1200HP) makes ztz-99 has longer hull. Some features you see may made it looks like a T-72, but they are two totally different tanks. As for the HB83892 99A? Good question This ztz-99-A can be regard as some final version or what ztz-99 should be like at the beginning. the new engine unit is significantly smaller than ztz-99 which proved 1500HP. Turret shape also got redesign to fit new FCS and laser weapon system. In short, new turret and new hull(smaller/shorter), and new FCS makes it can be regarded as a brand new tank. As for who is better? Panda or HOBbpByBoss? It's uptoyou guys. panda kit is very well detailed and I believe HOBBYBOSS one will also be nice and easy for assembling[/quote] Have you ever been able to lock down when the various sub-types were accepted officially into service? I want to model a PLA tank in late 2003/early 2004 but have not been able to confirm whether the ZTZ 99 phase 1 was in production or if was still the base ZTZ 99 without ERA. Thanks, Matt
APR 30, 2017 - 09:53 PM
In this kit you are offered 2 different type commanders panoramic sights can anyone tell me which is the latest type currently used? Thank you in advance!!!!
AUG 14, 2017 - 07:22 PM
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