1:35 T-80B Russian main battle tank

T-80B 1:35: Zvezda

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet T-80B main battle tank from Zvezda in 1:35 scale. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted; it is a plastic kit meant to be glued and sprayed. For the exact package contents, the number of parts, the decals and the type of tracks, go by the enclosed instructions and the markings on the box.

The real subject

The T-80B is the production version of the Soviet T-80 tank, powered by a gas turbine that gave it high mobility. Compared with the basic T-80 it was given a new turret, a more capable fire control system and an autoloader, which allowed anti-tank guided missiles to be launched straight through the barrel of its 125 mm gun. The combination of turbine, heavy armament and improved armor made it one of the most capable tanks of its day in the 1980s. This form does not have applique reactive armor: the smooth surfaces of the turret and the hull are its recognition feature compared with the later version with ERA.

Building and painting tips

With armored equipment, first finish the running gear and any interior before you close the hull. Spray the base over primer; for the Soviet green, gentle lightening of the upper surfaces and the tanks suits well. Build the weathering up with a wash into the corners and with pigments for dust and mud on the running gear, and dry-brushing will bring out the edges, the tools and the auxiliary tanks.

Who the model is for

• For anyone interested in Soviet armored equipment of the Cold War
• For collectors of tanks in 1:35 scale
• For modelers who want to practice weathering and dust effects

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