1:35 T72-M1

T-72M1 (1:35, Amusing Hobby)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the T-72M1 main battle tank in 1:35 scale from Amusing Hobby. It is the interior version, with a detailed inside of the hull, the turret and the engine compartment and with the gun's autoloader suggested. The kit has working torsion bar suspension and assembled, workable track links; the package usually contains photo-etched and clear parts and decals for several operator countries. The exact contents are not stated here.

The real subject

The T-72 was a Soviet main battle tank that became one of the most widespread tanks in the world. The export T-72M1 variant was exported and built under license in a number of Warsaw Pact countries and beyond; it was marked by add-on armor on the front of the hull and the turret. It carried a 125 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, thanks to which it made do with a crew of three. The tank served and still serves in many armies around the world.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic with thin modeling cement. On the interior version, paint and assemble the inside of the hull, the turret and the engine before you close the parts up — some of it can be left open. Assemble the workable tracks and the torsion bar suspension patiently and let them dry through. After the base coat, applied over a primer with an airbrush, bring the tank to life with a wash in the recesses, with wear on the edges and with dust or mud pigments on the running gear.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of modern armored vehicles of eastern design
• Modelers who want to display a tank with the interior exposed
• Anyone interested in the widespread export versions of the T-72
• Advanced builders with experience of rich interiors and workable tracks

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