1:48 T-60 Russian Light Tank

The real subject

The T-60 was a Soviet light tank of the early Second World War. It came about as a simple and cheap machine that could be built even in automobile plants: the powerplant and a number of other parts were derived from trucks, so production did not burden the tank factories. The crew was made up of two men, the driver in the hull and the commander, who in the turret also worked the armament. The main weapon was a 20 mm automatic cannon with a coaxial machine gun, and the armor protected mainly against splinters and small-arms fire.

Service

Machines of this type went into action in the winter of 1941 and during 1942. Against the enemy's tanks the T-60 was weak, but it served well for reconnaissance, for escorting infantry and as a tractor for light weapons. Its low silhouette and small dimensions make it a rewarding subject: on a diorama it looks good beside infantry and beside larger tanks, to which it only then gives a sense of scale.

What the build involves

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Before you start gluing, put the parts together dry and check how they seat. Cut the excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest back, and wash and degrease the surfaces before painting. The 1:48 scale is smaller than that of usual models of ground vehicles, but on a small tank the model stays easy to read and takes up little room in a display case. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended sequence and the color schemes.

Who it is for

For modelers interested in Soviet equipment of the Second World War and for builders of dioramas who can use a smaller vehicle as an addition to a scene. Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.