Build Review: Zvezda 1/35th T-80BV By Don Barry

T-80BV Review

The Soviet Army adopted the improved T-80 BV in 1985. The hull and turret armor was reinforced using dynamic means to defeat antitank munitions. The 125 mm gun was improved and provided with the means to accurately fire the "COBRA" guided munitions up to a range of 4000 meters while on the move or stopped. The engine was also improved, which allowed the T-80 BV to retain its excellent riding characteristics despite an increase in the vehicle's weight. (From the kit instructions.)

The Kit

The Zvezda T-80 BV kit consists of 231 parts on 4 sprues, molded in dark green plastic of medium hardness, a separate lower hull, and 2 sprues of black plastic link and length track. The instructions call out parts by letter and number; parts are numbered on the sprues, and there is a parts map included. Paint colors and given for Testor's Model Master colors by name and number. Painting and decal schemes are illustrated for 3 different vehicles. The instruction sheet is cleanly printed and is precise in its depiction of where parts are to be installed.
This reviewer liked the cast texture used on the turret, though some may be lost when assembling the two halves. There is also nice fabric texture and fold detail on the ballistic skirts and mantlet cover. The nut and bolt detail on the road wheels is very crisp. There is also some very nice weld bead detail in evidence on the upper hull and turret. Ejector marks are numerous and fairly deep, though a good number of them are on hidden surfaces. There is quite a bit of flash on many of the parts in my sample kit, so be ready for a good deal of cleanup work on most parts. The upper hull glacis plate has dimples in it, which will require filling and sanding. The stowage rack and headlight guards are quite thick and will benefit from scraping and thinning. The same holds true for the various mounting brackets for exterior parts. My example had a broken bar on the stowage rack, however it would be easily repaired.

Conclusion

All in all, this is a decent kit. It needs a good deal of clean up on many of its parts, with quite a bit of flash removal necessary. As with many modern armor kits, there are a multitude of small details that can be added to the increasingly busy exterior. Some of the surface details are very well rendered, while others are a bit soft. My trial fit of some of the major parts showed no major fit problems. With moderate effort, this kit can be built into a respectable replica. It is conditionally recommended to those ready to do the necessary work. Thank you very much to MMD-Squadron for graciously providing the review kit.