This is the image that inspired this build:
The kit:
I will use the markings included in the kit, so I will depict tank 953 as it was used in Bratislava during spring 1968 invasion:
I already started the build, but I was told that, being the build under 50%, I could join. This is what I already did:
I started from the lower hull, following the very clear instruction leaflet
then moved to the upper hull
and adding details I finished the hull
At this point I had clear in mind that two things needed improvement.
First of all the kit doesn't provide all the complex tube system that brings the fuel from the external cells inside the hull. So I got me some monofilament insulated electric wire and replicated it:
The other thing totally missing is the additional fuel cell that 953 had on the tool box. Luckily a good friend had a spare one to share, so I didn't have to cast a copy. I had to set the correct stance, and with trial and error process I think I got it. You can see it in the pic above.
The last point that needed attention was the light guards on the front of the tank. I started fitting the kit part, but it was too thick and a little out of scale and shape. Following the directions of another friend who had already scratched one, I did this:
I think it's an improvement on the kit part, so I'll stick with it.
I then switched to the wheels and tracks. First of all I cleaned all the rubber wheels, sanding down the tread details on the external part, as it wore out very rapidly.
The final result before paint is this:
As you can see I added some damage to the rubber, as it commonly happened to lose part of the rubber.
This is, more or less (the light guards are still the original ones) the state it's in right now:
At the moment I'm cleaning the tracks and sorting some replacement tree trunk, as the kit's plastic replica doesn't satisfy me.
Hope you like it
