| KIT: | UM 1/72 Light Tank T-26 with Cylindrical Turret |
| KIT #: | 361 |
| PRICE: | $8.98 (7.96 at Squadron) |
| DECALS: | One option |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: | Includes photo-etched frets |
| HISTORY |
Once again, I'll have to quote from the instructions on this one. So, without further ado, here it is, lumps and all.
"This machine has been developed n the USSR in 1932 on the basis of two-tower tank T-26 as a tank-fighter of the armored targets of the enemy. Originally, this project represented the tank with revited cylindrical turret in which there were established 37mm B-3 gun and 7.62mm machine gun DT. Further, under the recommendation of military experts to a forage of a tower have attached a box from armored sheets, for seating radio station and a part of a unit of fire, and have mounted in the new turret 45mm tank 20K tank-gun. In march, 1933 successful tests of this machine have been lead, and the Red army has received on arms that universal tank that was on the basis of this design known serial tank T-26 of 1933 with an elliptical tower has been created"
Whew!
| THE KIT |
Since
this is a light tank, the size of it means that there are not a lot of
sprues. Three sprues of green plastic are provided as are two etched frets
and two one-piece track links made of a semi-stretchy vinyl. This is the
first time I've seen track links like this in a kit for a very long time.
It has the benefit of being quick to install, but I'm wondering how long it
will last.
The detailing on the parts of this
and other UM kits is very good. I did notice a few sink areas on the
suspension pieces and these will not be easy to fill. The etched
bits are for some drive wheel detail and for the covering of the turret.
They are quite well done and shouldn't be any real problem to install. I
did not notice any optional pieces though there are some that are not used
with this variant.
Instructions are very well drawn with any painting or modifications needed clearly annotated in the 14 construction steps. Colors are given in Humbrol or generic terms. The one tank shown in the instructions is a Finnish vehicle from 1940 in overall matte olive drab. Soviet versions of this tank would probably not have any markings on them at all. The decal sheet is fairly well printed and quite matte. There is considerable carrier around the decals and the blue stripe provided seems a bit wavy. However, most of the markings don't seem to be used for anything so this may well be a generic T-26 sheet.
| CONCLUSIONS |
Though I can probably say the same about all UM kits, I'll repeat that it is very nicely done, a rather unusual subject as things are and quite reasonably priced. For those that are into 1/72 military vehicles, you really should consider this as it will make a very nice addition to your collection.
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