MODERN RUSSIAN ARMOUR - T-72BA [B 1990 model] in UKRAINE

[Brokeneagle]

While i procrastinate on finishing my figures to finalise my T-72B3M, and before finishing my T-80U, I thought I could fit in another version of the T-72 currently used by the Russians and Seperatists in the Ukraine confict.

This particular version is basically an early T-72B3. It doesn't have the Sosnar-U thermal sight on the turret roof , so it still has the L-2AG Lunar-2 IR spot light on the right side of the turret front next to the barrel. It also lacks the 'stand-off' grates and Kontakt -5 side plates seen on the B3M. I will also be adding the external fuel drums on the back for this one.
This will be the tank i will use as a ref for the look(though not using the damaged roof grate armour) while adding the fuel drums on the rear. Of particular interest are the added Kontakt-1 bricks attached to the front of the Kontakt-5 angular bricks on the turret front. Also the damaged rubber side panels and stowage, plus dead leaves.

I will use the decals from this Star decals sheet for the BA version.

While on holidays i managed to do the wheels, chassis and start on the turret.
The rubber on the wheels has some mild damage. I am currently getting 'bogged down' on the 94 small circular PE details that have to go all over the anti- radiation layer on the roof top.

 

[jknaus]

Oooohhh another must watch build
James

 

[Brokeneagle]

A touch more progress................ Working on the turret stuff and Aber barrel details.
-replaced kit parts with fired Voyager smoke dischargers
- finished detaching and glueing the 94xPE head details for the securing of the anti-radiation layer on the turret top.
- replaced kit parts with an Aber brass ariel base.
- replaced the complicated, multi-part gunner hatch from Trumpeter with the 1 piece and more finely moulded hatch (lighter colored)
- rear deck assemblies attached.

Wheels, rear external petrol tanks and rear plate done. I am going to try cutting a real piece of wood (small stick) from the forest here to replace the crappy vinyl offering from Trumpeter. The angle of the smoke dischargers is slightly incorrect as Trumpeter don't give you a very clear mounting point, just a slight mark on the plastic surface. As a result I didn't attach it at a steep enough angle and the lower inner 2 tubes , if launched, would exploded into the Relickt armour brick in front of it. So advice for the smoke rack when constructing this kit is attach the dischager tubes first then mount the assembly as a whole so you can clearly see the angle needed(which is what they advise in the instructions after rechecking just then ).

 

[moon puppy]

Love it, so much stuff hanging off this thing.