T-72M1 - Soviet Modern Main Battle Tank  /Kit # MkT 009/

The model comes in 48 amber colored resin parts, very crisply molded.  There are also very well cast 31 white metal parts.

In the scans below I include parts from Revell’s T-80 model kit as the T-72 and T-80 should have very similar dimensions and features.

            The Modelkrak T-72M1 hull is noticeably longer than the Revell T-80 hull.  Though I have not measured either hull, based on diagrams it appears that the Modelkrak T-72 is too long and the Revell model is more correctly proportioned.  The engine deck and fender fittings are adequately correct for the T-72M1 though I have one reference that states this is the engine deck for the earlier T-72M.  The driver’s hatch is molded shut.

            The turret appears correct in shape and size.  The hatches and cupola are molded shut and look well detailed and accurate.  The 125-mm main gun barrel is cast in white metal and will need a long mold seam on the thermal sleeve sanded down.

The tracks are cast in soft white metal, detailed on both sides and are reasonably accurate but not perfect.  The white metal appears to be an improvement over the alternative of resin tracks and rubber band tracks as they look more accurate than rubber and are likely easier to work around the wheels than resin.  [The T-72 tracks can be found on upgraded T-55’s: an interesting conversion option?]

The roadwheels are cast in resin with the torsion-bar suspension cast onto the inside wheels and detail on both sides.  In the scan below we can see that the tan resin Modelkrak roadwheels are a little larger than the green Revell T-80 wheels.  This appears correct according to my scale plans; the T-72 roadwheels are actually larger than the T-80 roadwheels. 

The sprocket and roadwheels are cast in white metal.  These wheels look much better rendered and is less delicate than casting these wheels in resin.  On the subject of wheels you will note that no return rollers are included in the kit.  True, these would be hidden by the track skirt but most judges would notice they are missing and they may be needed to support the heavy white metal tracks.

Overall this appears to be a very good model and accurate T-72M1 model.  Because of the instructions, resin and complexity I recommend it for an intermediate or advanced model builder.  Pat Storto at http://www.ontheway.us/reviews/Modelkrak/PT-91prev.htm has done a good Preview and Construction Review of the PT-91 Twardy version of the T-72 which very much applies to this T-72 version as well, both kits share many common parts such as tracks, gun, storage boxes and wheels.  ACE model company is due out with a 1/72 scale T-72 next year so a comparison will be nice.

All familiar with contemporary Soviet battle tanks will recognize that the T-72 continues the tradition of a MBT with the low silhouette of the T-55, T-62 and T-64 tanks, and the dome-shaped turret.  For its powerful 125-mm main gun it weighs less than 40 tons (40,000 kg) which is considerably less than the M-60 and M-1 Abrams.  The low height and comparatively small size comes with a price though: cramped crews space and a low ammunition load.

            There are a number of variants and upgrades of the T-72.  This 1/72 scale model represents the T-72M1.  The T-72M1 is an improved version of the T-72M.  The T-72M is an export and Polish and Czech produced version of the basic T-72; while the T-72M1 is equivalent to the T-72A.  [Recently covered in a very nice review by Pat Storto is a review of the 1992 improved variant of the T-72 marketed as the PT-91, which has Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).  ERA is designed to be effective against HEAT (a.k.a. Hollow Charge) warheads like the RPG, TOW or Milan.