1:35 T-80

The real subject

The T-80 belongs to the last generation of Soviet main battle tanks. The version designated UD differs from its relatives in its powerplant: instead of a gas turbine it was given a diesel engine, which uses less fuel and is easier to maintain. The armament is a 125 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, thanks to which a crew of three is enough. The front of the hull and the turret are protected, alongside their own armor, by blocks of explosive reactive armor. The type entered service in the second half of the 1980s.

What the set contains

A kit in 1:35 scale to glue and paint. The parts are on injection-molded sprues and are glued with cement for polystyrene. Follow the instructions; with a tank it pays to finish the hull with the running gear first and only then fit the turret, so that the small parts on the sides do not snap off during handling.

Building and painting tips

• Glue the blocks of reactive armor only once the basic joints have dried, so that they sit in even rows.
• The base is usually a dark green finish; bring it to life with a difference between the upper surfaces and the shaded places.
• Lay the dust on from the bottom upwards, most heavily on the running gear and the fenders.
• Glue the thin grab handles and brackets on the turret with cyanoacrylate glue at the end of the build.

Who it is for

The set is intended for modelers who already have a first tank kit behind them and want a striking machine of the contemporary generation in their collection. Paints, glue and figures are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.