Tamiya 35160 - 1:35 Russian Army T-72M1 Tank

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the T-72M1 main battle tank

Tamiya 35160 is a model kit for self-assembly depicting the T-72M1 — the export version of the Soviet T-72 main battle tank, used by the armies of the Warsaw Pact and the Middle East. Its low, rounded shape, cast turret and long 125 mm smoothbore barrel form a silhouette instantly recognisable from photographs of almost every conflict of recent decades.

The kit is based on entirely new tooling from 1992. The manufacturer has included photo-etched parts — the mesh screens over the engine deck grilles, which never look truly convincing when moulded in plastic. The box also contains vinyl tubing, springs and one figure. The decal sheet covers two options: a vehicle in olive green and one in a Light Sand desert finish.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Photo-etched parts: mesh screens over the engine grilles
• Vinyl band tracks
• Vinyl tubing and springs
• One figure
• Decal sheet with two marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35160
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 289 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (photo-etched parts, small components)

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

Building the model:

A kit from new tooling is a pleasure to build — the parts fit well and the vinyl band tracks make short work of the running gear. Working with the photo-etched parts calls for precision tweezers and cyanoacrylate glue, but it is limited to the mesh screens over the engine grilles, which makes this a good opportunity to get comfortable with the technique at an easy pace.

For the olive option we suggest a uniform dark green, and for the desert one a light sand tone; the instructions give paint codes for both schemes. Military vehicle models are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the large, smooth armour surfaces of the T-72 are ideal for colour modulation, chipping and dust applied with pigments.

Tools you will need:

• Model sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – T-72M1:

The T-72 was conceived as a mass-production tank — simpler and cheaper to build than the elite T-64, yet carrying the same 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun with an autoloader. Doing away with the loader reduced the crew to three and lowered the vehicle's silhouette, making it harder to spot and to hit.

Power comes from a 780 hp V-46 diesel engine driving a vehicle of around 41 tonnes. The combination of heavy firepower, a low profile and relatively modest weight made the T-72 one of the most widely produced tanks of the second half of the twentieth century.

The T-72M1 is the export version, supplied to Warsaw Pact armies and to countries of the Middle East; some of them also built it under licence. These vehicles have taken part in many conflicts and remain in service with numerous armies to this day.

Original vehicle specifications (T-72M1):

• Combat weight: approx. 41 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun with autoloader
• Powerplant: V-46 diesel engine, 780 hp
• Role: export version of the T-72, used by many Warsaw Pact and Middle Eastern armies

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic model kit. Two years later came the 1:35 scale tank that set the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the painting diagrams provide specific paint codes. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of items covering vehicles, artillery and figures from across the twentieth century. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the industry.