1:35 T-72M

The real subject

The T-72 is a Soviet main battle tank that spread to dozens of armies from the 1970s on. The M designation belongs to the export form, whose license production also ran outside the Soviet Union, among other places in Czechoslovakia. For a modeler it is a rewarding subject: a low silhouette, a smooth cast turret and plenty of small equipment on the hull, where the difference between a plastic part and thin metal shows at first glance.

What the set contains

An etched metal fret in 1:35 scale meant for building the T-72M. Photo-etch suits everywhere the material should be thin to scale and plastic cannot manage it: brackets, sheet-metal covers, grilles and similar small items. The list of parts, their placement and the recommended order of work are in the manufacturer's instructions. The set is an accessory to a kit, not a model in its own right.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts from the fret with a sharp blade on a hard surface, a little clear of the shape, and level the remains of the tab with a file. Make the bends over a straight edge or in a bending tool, always in one movement: repeated straightening cracks the metal. Cut away the original plastic components that the photo-etch replaces first and sand the area flat. They are bonded with super glue a drop at a time. Before painting, degrease the fret and use a primer made for metal, otherwise the paint rubs off during handling.

Who it is for

For a modeler building the T-72M in 1:35 scale who wants the small equipment in a realistic thickness. Working with photo-etch calls for tweezers, a sharp blade and calm. The package contains an etched fret as listed by the manufacturer; paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.