1:35 TBMP T-15 "ARMATA"

TBMP T-15 Armata — a 1:35 plastic kit (Zvezda)

This injection-molded plastic kit in 1:35 scale from Zvezda captures the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle, derived from the universal Armata tracked platform. For armored vehicles 1:35 is the most widely used scale, so the model fits well into an existing collection and into dioramas. The kit is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

The T-15 is one of the modern heavy infantry fighting vehicles. It differs from older designs above all in its layout: the power unit is moved to the front and in the rear part of the hull there is room for the dismount section with its own rear doors. The vehicle carries an unmanned weapon station and is designed for joint use with the tank on the same platform. The overall design puts the emphasis on crew protection and on modular armor that can be adjusted to the task.

Building and painting tips

With armored vehicles it pays to work from the bottom up: first finish the running gear and the tracks, and only then close the hull, because the wheel mountings are hard to reach later. Glue the parts with liquid cement for plastic, which is drawn into the joint. Spray a primer before painting — it reveals imperfect joints and unifies the base. Multicolor camouflage can be done with an airbrush at low pressure, or with masking putty. Build the weathering in layers: a flowing wash in the recesses, a dry brush on the edges and finally dust pigments on the lower areas and the tracks. Leave the instrument glass and the optics until the very end so that they do not get dusty.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of modern tracked vehicles in 1:35 scale.
• Modelers who want a contemporary subject in the display case beside historical vehicles.
• Builders of dioramas with a contemporary theme.
• Modelers with basic experience of building armor.

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