Takom PL-01 Prototype Polish Light Tank - 1:35 Takom via Pocketbond

[Julien]

PL-01 Prototype Polish Light Tank

1:35 Takom via Pocketbond

 

 

The PL-01 is a prototype light Tank developed by Polish Defence firm OBRUM with support from BAe Systems. The base is the Swedish CV90 light tank.  The driver gunner and commander of the vehicle are all based in the hull giving a lower turret silhouette. In addition a rear compartment can also house 4 Soldiers.  Main armour is a modular ceramic-aramid shell and protection is also provided against mines and IEDs.  The turret can mount either a 105, or 120mm cannon firing standard NATO ammunition. 45 rounds can be carried with 16 ready in turret with the rest in the hull. A 7.62mm machine gun is also carried in a roof mounted installation.  The vehicle is intended to be equipped with the latest active protection systems, along with integrated battlefield management technology. Thermal masking and air-conditioning will also be standard,  There are plans to configure the same chassis a s Command Vehicle, ARV and Mine Clearance Vehicle. 

 

 

The Kit

This is a bit of a left field release from Takom, though it is welcome. Given the stealth nature of the vehicle there is not that many parts. In addition to the main hull parts and the turret there are the two side sponsons and 5 sprues.  Two of these are for the link and length tracks, and two for the wheels. There is small clear sprue, a small PE fret and a small decal sheet. 

 

 

Construction begins with the lower hull as the arms for the wheels are added. Alignment can be checked with the guide later being used to build the tracks. A pair of wheels is then fitted to each arm. Driver sprockets and idler wheels are also added. The track is o the link and length variety which seems to be favoured by Takom; these are built up using the supplied jigs. There are no return rollers at the top of the track.  Once the tracks are on the front fenders are added along with the rear part of the hull. A font part is also added and then the main top hull can go on and the drivers hatch attached. The large side sponsons can then go on. We then move to the turret. The roof mounted machine gun is made up. The main gun is made up and added into the turret, this is then closed up and the roof mounted gun added. The turret is then mounted to the main chassis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markings

There are minimal markings for the vehicle exhibited at the 2013 International Défense Industry Exhibition and 3 other what iff schemes, 

 

 

 

 

The decal sheet is printed anonymously, but is of high quality

 

 

Conclusion

An unusual vehicle and maybe the future of armoured warfare? Highly recommended if you want something different. 

 

Review sample courtesy of

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