I’ve done a few models, but I wouldn’t call myself an expert in any way; I’m handy with a paintbrush, and I can put together basic kits for wargaming (a lot of 1/72 armor), but I’d like to try something a bit bigger, for display.
I have a crazy idea here that I’m going to do a series of modern Soviet MBTs, from the t-54 thru the t-90 - initial production model of each. I guess I’m wondering if anyone would be willing to reccomend some good kits for someone with only limited modelling skill in this area?
I’m not interested in a kit that will require me to do a lot of drilling,f illing, sanding, and re-inventing the wheel (not yet, anyway, I need to get myself back into the hobby slowly).
Is there a kit that fits my needs? Was hoping to start with the T-54, but I can move in any direction if it’s a matter of kit “ease of construction” and availability.
Secondly… I’m a little concerned about painting. For other projects, I generally prime the subject with hobby primer before painting, but this doesn’t seem to be done as much in scale modelling.For a very basic Soviet Green paint job, can anyone reccomend some basic painting techniques?
Revell’s 1/72 T-80 is a very nice little kit. Here’s mine, modified to the BV variant. The BV is also marketed by Revell now… The T-80 is also marketed under the Matchbox label.
Tamiya makes the two best modern sovier armor kits on the market, they are the T-55 and the T-72. I have both of these kits and they practically built themselves. Depending on where you buy these kits cost can be an issue, but I’ve bought both of them for around $35.00. As for building a T-54, Panzershop has recently announced several resin sets are now for sale to turn the Tamiya T-55 into a T-54. However, this might be more work than you indicate you are willing to try at this time.
For 1/35 scale modern Soviet main battle tanks, here is a list of kits/manufacturers that should start you in the right direction:
T-54: Trumpeter is the only one who makes one OOB
T-55: As previously stated, Tamiya’s latest tank is great; however, Trumpeter makes a decent one for less than ½ the price. Esci/AMT/Ertl makes decent ones as well. Avoid the Lindberg one.
T-62: Tamiya’s T-62 is the only one on the market. It requires a bit of work to bring up to today’s standards.
T-64: Skif makes two different ones, T-64A and T-64B take your pick. Decent kits.
T-72: Tamiya’s is the best, but DML has an OK ones out. You can find the DML kits in Italeri, Zvezda, Shanghai Dragon and maybe even a Revell of Germany box. Kirin also boxed the DML kit as the Iraqi Lion of Babylon, a collector’s item now as well as the Yugoslav variant M-84. Avoid the Esci/AMT T-72 or T-74. Run from the Trumpeter (Wasan) T-72.
T-80: Skif’s T-80UD is the one to get. DML boxes several T-80 variants. Avoid the Lindberg T-80.
T-90: Kirin made a T-90 conversion for the DML kits. Another hard-to-find item.
I might be willing to tackle them after I’ve got my feet wet again.
The T-54 is very similar to the T-55, but I feel like any series of Soviet Cold War era MBTs should, by necessity, includei t.
Thanks for the praise, T77. One of the good thing with this kit is that it comes with hard plastic tracks with sections of various length and a few individul links that make it easy to get very convincing tracks. A good way to get a bit of experience for 1/35 kits that comes with individual track links…
I think Soviet APC are prety cool too. I’m building a BTR-70. The Russian build some pretty cool looking stuff and most of it has seen some action. The BMP’s and BRDM’s are interesting looking vehicles. Not only that so many different countries use their stuff you don’t have to only build it as Russian.
Does anyone know if there are any kits for a Ukrainian T-84?
