I would avoid the RPG kit. I've encountered several fit issues and sink marks. The tracks comprise a build of their own. I am hoping that the final result will be impressive, so I continue on.[/quote] I appreciate the heads up. That's a shame, it looks really nice on the sprue.

Love the separate tow hooks for the T-34.

These are great news! I have been waiting for the T-80UK conversion for years! As of the T-80U being an awful kit, I don't share that opinion. It is certainly not a bake-and-shake kit. The level of detail is amazing and would certainly build into a beautiful replica. I would greatly recommend reading the following build-review for people putting together the kit (use google translator) T-80U RPG Moxifans Build

I don't debate the level of detail present. I simply refer to the actual construction, from my own experience.

I don't debate the level of detail present. I simply refer to the actual construction, from my own experience.[/quote] I appreciate your input, especially as I have the XACT T-80U kit already. Could you explain where the fit issues were in the RPG kit? I'm tempted to do a comparison build between the two but I've already got so much on my workbench!

I don't debate the level of detail present. I simply refer to the actual construction, from my own experience.[/quote] I appreciate your input, especially as I have the XACT T-80U kit already. Could you explain where the fit issues were in the RPG kit? I'm tempted to do a comparison build between the two but I've already got so much on my workbench![/quote] I have only made it to the attachment of the fenders. I had to trim and sand almost every part, up until then. There were a few sink marks. Attaching the fenders was difficult, on the left side. The braces should be installed, after you attach the fender to the hull. The fuel tanks fit fine. Either there was a problem transferring the cad images to the actual kit or I got a one-off. Since I ordered mine, as soon as it was available a one-off is a distinct possibility. I'm currently awaiting one of the fender braces, as it came damaged.

You should also be aware that the plastic is very hard(brittle).

Matt, let me add. Regarding accuracy, there is a reason why Miniarm decided to make a conversion around the RPG kit and not the Trumpeter kit. I value more the opinion of people that have access to first-hand information. I have the Xact kit, RPG kit, and several Trumpeter T-80 kits. It is apparent that the level of detail is higher in the RPG kit. Regarding the Xact kit and the RPG kit, RPG seems to have addressed a lot/some (depending who you ask) of the issues that have been pointed, especially those of Gur Khan (referring to comments in his CD). The RPG kit is not a kit for the novice. They have tried to make a very complete kit including a movable suspension, workable track (they are never fully workable unless they are made from metal), photoetch and rubber skirts (which can be difficult to deal with). Is it a perfect kit? No. Will it build into a beautiful replica with lots of work? Definitively, yes.

I agree, as far as the detail is concerned. The tracks are a real beauty and are fully workable. I'll upload a gif to my review. I'm no master builder. But, I do have some 13 years at the bench. As I said, I may have received a one-off.