Russian T-90 in 1:35 by Zvezda, mini update...

So while waiting for the MENG to arrive I decided to brush off the now matured Zvezda.

Since I have seen this kit built with great results without modification I have been hesitating (for a year  already).

As already mentioned the height of the chassis seems to attract most attention and I will try to correct  that by changing the angle of the swing arms.

The fix was suggested by disur on panzer35.ru, panzer35.ru/.../45-8703-1

This picture shows the original angle of the swing arm:

First idea was to correct this with brass tubing cut to length and fitted accordingly (tested center bellow) but it turned out that the plastic is so soft that it is possible to re-position the swing arm with some gentle force.

This takes out approximately 2 mm of the overall height

Next task is the side skirt that will need to be lowered accordingly.

I started by shaving of the hinges:

And continued with cutting down the height of the side skirt 2mm.

The upper skirt is modified in hight.

I am not sure yet that the end result is going to be what I am aiming for, but I feel that I am on the way with this one now.  

One problem is that the shavings are so thin they will melt when I glue them in place again.

Maybe I will use some white glue or paint.

Very Best Regards
Johan

Edited 2013-07-19; picture 2 and 3 shows test fitting of brass tubing, this approach was abandoned.  

Hi again,

tread,

thanks for the kind words,
that is the scheme I am going for :) 

Short update - no real progress...
The main issue with this release seems to be the hight of the body.
With the main tube beeing slightly oversized the T-90 seems to sit a bit high ( like a SUV someone said...).
With the overall hight being wrong the side skirts are oversized and it looks - wrong...

This picture published on Armorama by Compeador on March 11 examplifies.

You could obvioesly choose to ignore this - my personal view is that the "Star" offering still looks very convincing - but with the debate going on it seems difficult to ignore.

So here is my list of alterations;
Visually lower the overall hight by reducing the hight of the suspension with 2 mm and take out a 2mm slice in the side skirt.

Create a chin on the turrets lower front.

Change the hight and the angle of the radiator stack.

Fix the turret to body arrangement; brush guards and overall hight.

Replacements;
Road wheels

Possible replacement;
Gun tube ( I will do what I ca to salvage the 2 piece OOB )

So on with the build :)
Here is the road wheel and swing arm. As you can see the swing arm joint to the main tube is VERY fragile.

Repositioning this 2 mm without breaking seems difficult - I am concidering a replacment with brass tube;
  

The turret, my only + 4 part assembly so far

Your comments, suggestions and chritizism are wllcome as always.

Very Best Regards

Johan

Thanks Johan for making those links available....very interesting reading, especially the Russian site.

I also had never seen the bue,green and black camo scheme in Military Modeller...

Your T-62 is also very nice piece of work.

tread

Sprue-ce Goose,
Thanks for stopping by and taking interest :)
Surprisingly there are very few complete build reviews on the T-90.
Here is one more that I have enjoyed reading, the author is Mac McConnell;
http://www.militarymodelling.com/forums/postings.asp?th=63907 

tread,
Hope your recovery is going well!
Please join me on this build :)

Tony,
The west coast is the ... coast :)
No matter what weather.
I am heading your ways shortly, should I drop the spike tires or not?

Thank you!
Very Best Regards
Johan 

Hi Johan!

I'm jelaous about the weather! Makes me wanna move south!

The T-90 sound interesting. Gonna keep my eyes open on this one. By the way, how's it going with the T-72? Haven't seen any update for a while.

/Tony (up in the north)

Hi Johan : )

here is another fine review http://scaleplasticandrail.com/kaboom/index.php/all-things-military-vehicle/135-scale/kit-reviews/1260-135-t-90-russian-main-battle-tank-by-zvezda  

I have also purchased this beautiful kit, but my recent hand surgery has prevented me from starting it yet.

I look forward to your updates and as soon as I can handle a pair of tweezers I shall join you !

My first piece of 'modern' Russian armor !

It is a well engineered model , in concept and execution.

talk to you soon,

tread

JohanT

Thank you for posting the interesting review hot links.

I will look forward to your build progress pictures.