Tamiya 35108 - 1:35 Russian T-62A Tank

Plastic model kit of the Soviet T-62 main battle tank in 1:35 scale

The T-62 was a landmark design: the first series-produced tank in the world armed with a smoothbore gun. Tamiya 35108 reproduces it in 1:35 scale from 1979 tooling, capturing the characteristic rounded cast turret and the long barrel of the 115 mm U-5TS gun.

The model retains the low silhouette typical of Soviet design practice: a flat, well-sloped hull, five pairs of large road wheels with no return rollers, and the distinctive fuel tanks along the fenders. Metal mesh is included for finer detail, along with a crew figure. The decals offer a choice of three marking options, including a parade scheme.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running gear parts
• 115 mm smoothbore gun
• Metal mesh
• Vinyl band tracks
• One figure
• Waterslide decal sheet for three marking options (numbers 155 and 329 plus a parade scheme)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35108
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 190 mm (hull, excluding the gun pointing forward)
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This is a kit for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The kit has a classic breakdown into clear sub-assemblies and works well for less experienced modellers. The vinyl band tracks make quick work of the running gear. The metal mesh is best cut with a sharp knife or metal shears and fixed in place with cyanoacrylate glue.

For painting we suggest Soviet protective green (e.g. Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green). The parade version looks its best with a clean, even finish, while the service vehicles gain a lot of character from a wash and some dust applied with pigments. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a good final coat.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the metal mesh
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: weathering pigments for dust and mud

About the vehicle – T-62:

The T-62 was developed from the T-55 in response to the increasingly well-armoured tanks appearing in the West. Its key innovation was the 115 mm U-5TS smoothbore gun — the first weapon of its kind in a series-produced tank anywhere in the world. Dispensing with rifling allowed a significant increase in the muzzle velocity and penetration of sub-calibre rounds.

Production began in 1961. The tank kept the low silhouette and mechanical simplicity typical of Soviet practice, although the turret was cramped and the automatic shell-case ejector slowed the rate of fire. Even so, the T-62 became one of the most widely exported tanks of its era and saw action in numerous conflicts across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Original vehicle specifications (T-62):

• Type: main battle tank
• Main armament: 115 mm U-5TS smoothbore gun
• Crew: 4
• Combat weight: approx. 37 t
• Powerplant: V-55 diesel engine, 580 hp
• Top speed: approx. 50 km/h
• Production: from 1961
• Significance: the first series-produced tank with a smoothbore gun

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company started out in the timber trade and made wooden models, releasing its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the world standard scale for military modelling. The brand is known for precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures. Tamiya instructions are clear and well illustrated, with painting guides referenced to the company's own paint range. Besides kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.