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T-62 mod 1975 (mod.1962+KTD2) - 1:35 Trumpeter


Julien

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T-62 mod 1975 (mod.1962+KTD2)
1:35 Trumpeter


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The T-62 was produced between 1961 and 1975. It became a standard tank in the Soviet arsenal, partly replacing the T-55, although that tank continued to be manufactured in the Soviet Union and elsewhere after T-62 production was halted. Its 115 mm gun was the first smoothbore tank gun in use. It could fire kinetic penetrator rounds, a new larger turret and ring, which in itself required a re-designed larger hull. Additional armour was incorporated in the re-design, but this was concentrated in the upper hull at the expense of the lower hull and roof area. Once in service the tank underwent a seemingly endless upgrade process, of which the Mod.1975 was a T-62 Obr.1972 equipped with a KTD-1 or KTD-2 laser rangefinder in an armoured box over the main armament. It also has concealed bolts around the commander's cupola. The kit represents a MOD 1975 fitted with a KTD-2 laser rangefinder.

The Kit
Yet another T-62 release from Trumpeter, they really are getting their moneys worth from the moulds. The boxart shows a vehicle in what is assumed to be Afghanistan with Mujahideen? figures (back when they were the good guys). Inside for the main tank there are eight sprues of light grey styrene, separate lower hull, seven of brown styrene (track links), four of black styrene, one of clear, two sheets of etched brass, a turned aluminium barrel, plus a length of copper wire. For the figures there is one main sheet of grey plastic, and three sheets of a softer black plastic for the figures weapons. All the parts are beautifully moulded with great detail and surface texture. There is no sign of flash or other imperfections, but there are a lot of moulding pips that need to be removed and will add to the cleaning up required.

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Construction start with the wheels. 5 pairs of road wheels are made up for each side. The rubber parts of the wheels being supplied in black plastic. The individual wheels are made up then paired with a hub going on the outer one. Two drive sprockets and two idler wheels are also made up.

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The modeller then moves to the lower hull, four plates each side are added then the rear of the hull is added. The suspension components are added along with the pate at the front of the tank. Once the suspension parts are in the wheels can be added.

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The tracks are up next and these are individual links which are cut from the sprues and clicked together. Unfortunately the instructions dont tell you how many are needed per side, so itll be a matter of trial and error.

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With the tracks fitted the upper hull requires some holes to be drilled out before being fitted out with periscopes, towing hitches, turret ring rails, headlight and other small fittings. The engine deck hatches are now assembled, consisting of a mixture of styrene with etched grilles. The upper hull deck and engine deck sections are then glued into position. The two track guards are then fitted out with the various storage boxes and spare fuel tanks, as well as the front and rear mudguards, the completed items are then fitted to the hull. The two rear mounted fuel drums, each made from six parts and are fitted to the rear bulkhead.

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The searchlight and hatches are now assembled; the hatches have detail on both the internal and external faces. The upper turret section needs some hole being opened up before going any further. Once theyre done the vision blocks are fitted from the inside, whilst on the outside the hatch rings and side mounted hand rails are fitted, along with the aerial base. The hatch assemblies are then glued into position, followed by the commanders sight, searchlight, periscopes and numerous other fittings. The upper and lower turret sections are then joined and the snorkel assembly attached to the rear. Two more searchlights are then attached to the turret roof, followed by the ten part thermal sight.

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The barrel is then assembled, provided in three sections, with each section moulded in two halves. If you dont want to use this method, Trumpeter have kindly provided a metal barrel which just need the muzzle gluing on to the end. Whichever you use the barrel is then slid through the mantlet cover and onto the turret. The heavy AA machine gun is made up from nine parts and when complete can be fitted to the commanders hatch ring. The completed turret is then fitted to the hull completing the model. There is only one decal option, that of Tank 720 in overall Russian Tank Green or similar.

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Figures
Four figures are provided in typical Afghan dress. There is one sprue of AK-47s with and with out stocks, one sprue with two Lee Enfield rifles, and lastly a small sprue with a soviet PPSh-41. The figures are well sculpted and the weapons excellent.

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Markings
A small sheet of decals is provided, however placement is not referenced on the instructions!

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Conclusion
Yes, Trumpeter have released another T-62 variant. At least you cant say you havent got a choice if Russian tanks are your thing. My review colleague has built a few of these and tells me he havent ever had a problem with the build. If you like tanks then you need at least one of these in your collection, highly recommended.


Review sample courtesy of
logo.gifUK Distributors for logo.jpg

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