1:35 125mm 2A46M-5/6 Barrel for Russian Tank T-72B3; T-90S/MS

Turned 125 mm 2A46M-5/6 gun barrel for the T-72B3 and T-90S/MS, 1:35 (Aber)

A turned metal accessory in 1:35 scale from the Polish maker Aber. It replaces the plastic barrel of the 125 mm 2A46M-5 and 2A46M-6 tank gun on models of the T-72B3 and T-90S/MS tanks. It is a standalone part for the modeler, not a vehicle kit: the base model is bought separately. The exact number of components in the package and the list of compatible kits are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

What the accessory is for

A plastic barrel always has a lengthwise mold seam that has to be filled and sanded, and in the process the circular cross-section is easily spoiled. Turned metal is one piece, perfectly straight and has the muzzle drilled out, so both drilling and filling fall away. On a smooth large-caliber barrel, which dominates the whole model, the difference in accuracy is clearly visible.

Usage tips

Degrease the metal with alcohol before painting and apply a primer intended for metal surfaces, otherwise the paint will not hold on the smooth surface and rubs off during handling. Fit the barrel only after the turret is assembled and painted, so that it is not in the way while you work. If the fit in the trunnion is loose, pack the joint with a thin strip of plastic; it is glued with cyanoacrylate glue. Deal with the thermal sleeve around the barrel according to the kit you are using, and when painting expect it to be a different shade from the rest of the barrel. Apply dust pigments to the barrel only lightly, so they do not obscure the clean line of the part.

Who the accessory is for

• Modelers building contemporary armor in 1:35 scale
• Builders who want to get rid of the mold seam on a plastic barrel
• Collectors of finely finished models for a display case
• Anyone interested in models of the T-72B3 and T-90S/MS

This is a detail accessory for building a model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.