Meng Model 72013 - 1:72 Chinese Main Battle Tank ZTZ99A/B

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the Chinese main battle tank ZTZ99A/B

Meng 72013 is an assembly kit reproducing the Chinese main battle tank ZTZ99 in its modern variants. Thanks to optional parts, the model can be built as the ZTZ99A or as the newer, improved ZTZ99B, in which the exposed anti-aircraft machine-gun position was replaced by a remote weapon station.

The model uses a modular design conceived for quick and enjoyable assembly while retaining detail. The engine cooling grilles and the texture of the gun mantlet cover are precisely reproduced. The crew hatch can be posed open or closed, and the barrel set in the elevated or horizontal position. The model can be displayed alongside other Chinese Meng vehicles in the same scale to build a collection of modern armour.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (modular design)
• Optional parts to build the ZTZ99A or ZTZ99B version
• Link-and-length tracks
• Crew hatch posable open or closed
• Barrel posable in the elevated or horizontal position
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 paint schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72013
• Manufacturer: Meng Model
• Assembled length: approx. 153 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The modular design makes assembly quick and approachable, and the link-and-length tracks are designed for convenient assembly. Before gluing, it is worth deciding whether you are building the ZTZ99A or the ZTZ99B, as some parts differ between them. Modern Chinese vehicles typically wear camouflage in shades of green, brown and sand, sometimes in a digital pattern; details and recesses can be emphasised with a wash, and the whole finished with a matt varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the details

About the vehicle – ZTZ99A/B:

The ZTZ99 is a Chinese third-generation main battle tank that forms the backbone of the modern armoured forces of the People's Liberation Army. The ZTZ99A was a thoroughly modernised development of the basic ZTZ99, finalised in 2010. It is regarded as the first fully digitised Chinese tank – fitted with a digital fire-control system and the Beidou satellite navigation system, enabling the sharing of battlefield information.

The vehicle is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun with an autoloader, and protection is provided by composite and reactive armour. The ZTZ99B is a further improved variant, shown publicly during a parade in September 2025; its key change is the replacement of the exposed anti-aircraft machine-gun position with a remote weapon station, which increases crew safety. Both variants regularly appear at Chinese parades as a showcase of modern armoured capability.

Original vehicle specifications (ZTZ99A):

• Type: third-generation main battle tank
• Crew: 3 (with autoloader)
• Main armament: 125 mm smoothbore gun with autoloader
• Combat weight: approx. 55 t
• Powerplant: diesel engine of approx. 1500 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 80 km/h
• Armour: composite and reactive
• Equipment: digital fire-control system, Beidou navigation system
• Variant finalised: 2010

About the manufacturer – Meng Model:

Meng Model is a Chinese model company founded in 2011 that quickly gained a strong market position thanks to modern tooling, good parts fit and a bold choice of subjects. The brand offers a wide range of models – from armoured vehicles and artillery, through aircraft, to motorcycles and a series of stylised cartoon models. In 1:72 scale Meng is developing a range of military vehicles with a modular design, conceived for quick and enjoyable assembly while retaining detail. Meng models are aimed at beginners and experienced modellers and collectors alike.