Tamiya 35309 - 1:35 Russian Tank BT-7

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the Soviet BT-7 Model 1935 fast tank

Tamiya 35309 reproduces the BT-7 Model 1935 – a Soviet fast (cavalry) tank developed from the American Christie tank concept. Its characteristic feature was a suspension that allowed it to run on tracks or – once they were removed – on its road wheels alone, giving it high speed on roads.

The model is made from all-new tooling, capturing the elliptical turret and the elongated hull. The 45 mm gun and DT machine gun are reproduced with care for detail, and the headlights, periscopes and figure goggles are made from clear parts. The model can be built as a line tank or in the radio version with an optional frame antenna around the turret.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues and clear parts (headlights, periscopes, figure goggles)
• 45 mm gun and 7.62 mm DT machine gun
• Mixed tracks (individual links and longer lengths)
• Photo-etched parts (engine deck mesh) with a jig to aid bending
• Metal chain to represent equipment
• Optional frame antenna for the radio version
• Two crew figures
• Decal sheet for five marking options (Eastern Front and Mongolia)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35309
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 161 mm, width: 65 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (mixed tracks, photo-etched parts)

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

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders. The included jig makes it much easier to bend the photo-etched engine deck mesh to the correct shape. The mixed tracks combine quick assembly of longer lengths on the straight runs with individual links on the curves. The choice of building the line or radio version (with frame antenna) is best made at the start of assembly.

For painting, the typical Soviet protective green (e.g. the 4BO shade) is recommended, matching the chosen marking option. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail and recesses benefit from a wash and dry-brushing.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched and metal parts
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – BT-7:

The BT-7 belonged to the Soviet family of fast tanks (BT – Bystrokhodny Tank, “fast tank”), developed from the concept of the American designer Walter Christie. Its characteristic feature was a suspension that allowed it to run on tracks or – once they were removed – on its wheels alone, giving it high speed on paved roads. The vehicle was armed with a 45 mm gun and a coaxial DT machine gun.

The BT tanks were conceived as cavalry vehicles, intended for fast, deep operations. They fought in the Spanish Civil War, in the fighting against Japan in Mongolia, in the Winter War with Finland and in the early period of WWII. Experience with the BT family, and especially the Christie suspension, was later used in designing the legendary T-34 tank.

Original specifications (BT-7 Model 1935):

• Length: approx. 5.66 m
• Width: approx. 2.29 m
• Height: approx. 2.42 m
• Combat weight: approx. 13.8 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 45 mm gun
• Secondary armament: 7.62 mm DT machine gun
• Powerplant: M-17T petrol engine, approx. 400 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 52 km/h on tracks (faster on wheels)
• Suspension: Christie type (running on tracks or wheels)
• Armour: up to approx. 22 mm

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber, but from the late 1940s it produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic assembly kit. Two years later it introduced its iconic 1:35 scale tank, which set the worldwide standard scale for military modelling. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which is why its kits are favoured by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this model belongs, comprises hundreds of items and is considered one of the most comprehensive 1:35 catalogues of military vehicles in the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.