1:72 Reactive Armor - Kontakt-1

Kontakt-1 - reactive armor blocks 1:72

An accessory set of parts in 1:72 scale for completing a model of an armored vehicle. It is not a vehicle model but a set of reactive armor blocks that are fitted to a hull and turret already built. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package.

The real subject

Kontakt-1 is the designation of the Soviet explosive reactive armor system of the 1980s. The principle is simple: a reactive layer is mounted on the armor in blocks and is meant to disrupt the penetration of a shaped charge before it reaches the base armor. On vehicles the blocks are laid out in regular arrays across the front and side surfaces, and their arrangement differs by vehicle type and by particular version, so check the layout against the documentation for your subject.

Building tips

• Wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water before gluing and let them dry; this removes any residue of mold release agent.
• Cut off the casting residue with a sharp knife or a fine saw and level the area with abrasive paper; protect your airways while sanding.
• Bond with super glue: it holds on resin as well as on plastic, unlike ordinary cement for plastic.
• Lay the blocks out dry before gluing and mark their positions; in this scale correction after the glue has set is difficult.
• Prime resin and printed parts before painting, or the paint will not hold well.

Who the set is for

For modelers of military equipment in 1:72 scale who want to add explosive reactive armor with a sharper shape than the base kit offers. Working with small parts calls for patience and tweezers.

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.