1:100 T-80 Soviet light tank

T-80, Soviet light tank, 1:100 scale from Zebranomodel

The kit captures the Soviet T-80 light tank of the Second World War period. Do not confuse it with the postwar main battle tank of the same designation; it is an entirely different vehicle. The model in 1:100 is small, with a modest number of parts and with the emphasis on the silhouette of the real subject. The particular contents of the package and the number of parts are given on the packaging.

The real subject

The T-80 light tank came about as the development successor to the T-70 type, and its main novelty was a two-man turret, which eased the commander's work. The concept of a light tank with a twin automotive power unit and a 45 mm gun was retained. The turret mounting allowed greater elevation, which widened the possibilities of firing at higher-placed targets. The type reached production only as the center of gravity of Soviet manufacture was shifting toward self-propelled guns, so it was built in a small run only and its combat use was limited.

Building and painting tips

Cut the small parts off with a sharp scalpel and clean them up with a fine sanding sponge. Glue with thin cement for plastic applied on the tip of a brush, so that the engraving is not flooded. Apply a thin primer and spray the paint with an airbrush in light coats; a single-color Soviet finish takes fine shading of the surfaces well to break up the monotony. Keep the weathering restrained; in a small scale dust on the running gear and discreet edge highlighting with a dry brush is enough.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet light armored vehicles
• Modelers building collections in one small scale
• Players of tabletop wargames in the scale matching 15 mm figures
• Anyone interested in less usual types built in small numbers

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.