This kit is my first foray beyond WW2 & Cold War, so definitely new subject matter. I picked the T-80UK because it’s a new Ryefield Model’s release. My last T-80 builds were Dragon/DML kits from the early 1990’s. They were trashed due to being poorly built and badly painted
How badly painted? The oil washes were made with REAL Turpentine.
My first impression, this kit looks overwhelming, what the hell did I buy?
Each track link is a four part assembly but it snaps together and results in a working track?! There’s the basic link, snap in hollow guide tooth and a pair of rubber end link connectors.
Decided to start with the tracks. First removed the plastic parts and cleaned the attachment points, four for the link, two for the guide tooth and remove mold seam from the top of the open guide tooth. The exposed mold seams on the bottom of the guide tooth, will removed with Tamiya Extra Thin and a paint brush after the track is assembled or that’s my plan.
I believe another forum member completed the tracks pretty painlessly in about 3 hours. Me much slower at ~12+ hours. Just clicking 36 links together (without end connectors) took me exact 75 minutes.The tracks assembled very nicely despite my slow progress. I’ll blame carpel tunnel & arthritis for it taking me four times longer! Zero parts broke and I lost one guide tooth but had extras so no issues.
The 1,250hp T-80UK version looks very spicy in YouTube videos compared to the typical lame T-72’s etc. With 27hp per ton, it has a superb power to weight superior to the majority of western MBT’s. Although the additional reverse gears (4 Leo 2 vs 1 T-80) in western MBT’s shouldn’t be underestimated
Unlike Dragon , Ryefield Model actually understands how to design parts for easy clean up. Since the attachment points are flush, two flush snips almost gets the part clean.
My first major goof was failing to initially remove the four punch marks on B9 & B13. Discovered they have some exterior exposure and therefore had to be addressed after assembly.
Don’t know what kind of locating aids there are on the rear of the turret but make sure you align the wading gear correctly. It’s supposed to be off center to the right as you look at the rear of the turret and the gun tube is straight ahead.
The mounts for the idlers seem a bit flimsy to me. I’m sure they’ll be alright with the kit light weight working plastic track. The PE sprocket mud scraper is a nice touch all six parts of it.
Watching this with interest. I have the T-80U kit in the line of kits to do.
DON’T compare DML and any kit of the last 15 years. DML made their kits in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s when the Cold War was still on. We were just happy to have ANYTHING better than Lindberg T-55’s.
Matt, thank you. I think it’s a fantastic kit. Well worth consideration.
Jacques, thanks for stopping by. Your Bradley update thread is sweet.
Building Dragon/DML kits since the late 1980’s.
Dan, I’ll definitely be placing some sort of Hobby Easy order in a few weeks for T-80 related goodies etc. I’d like to also replace the smoke gernade launchers.
Test fitted tracks at 76 links, removed one link for a total of 75 links per run. May remove another link.
details addressed, let’s build!
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, Ryefield Model actually understands how to design parts for easy clean up. Since the attachment points are flush, two flush snips almost gets the part clean.
