IPMS Philippines - Bert Anido

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A first look at the Trumpeter 1:35 T-62A
By Ramon “Pinky” Marfori, Jr.

Once again, Trumpeter comes out with an excellent kit in the form of the 1:35 T-62A Soviet main battle tank. As with all recent kits, it exhibits superb molding and fine, crisp details, with absolutely no flash. It is also not designed to be motorized, meaning there are no unsightly bulges, slots and pegs in the hull.

The kit is molded in gray, black, and clear styrene, includes photo-etched parts, and has a brass wire tow cable. A big plus for this kit are many small, finely molded parts, as well as many alternate and optional parts for the numerous incarnations of the T-62.

Wheels & Tracks
The starfish wheels and tracks are notable as well, having separate styrene (not vinyl!) parts representing the rubber tires for each wheel. Trumpeter also provided excellent individual track links, with absolutely no ejection pin and sink marks on the molding.

Lower, Upper and Rear Hull
In the lower hull, the axles are provided as separate parts. The front plate has multiple options, including bulldozer and mine plough mountings.

On the upper hull, driver’s periscopes are provided as separate parts as well. Engine deck doors are separate, and photo-etched screen covers are provided for engine deck louvers. Multi-part storage bins are present for good definition. Mud flaps, front fenders, and entire main fenders are also provided as separate parts.

There is a single, separate front right fuel tank, as well as two rear right fuel tanks molded as a pair. However, fuel tanks are still devoid with intricate fuel line detail connecting all three.

The rear hull features an unditching beam with beautiful wood surface texture. Optional rear mounted drum-type fuel tanks are also provided

Turret
The turret is molded with excellent simulated cast metal texture. A large mantlet also has a gorgeous fabric-textured dust cover. Two options are provided for the barrel – a 6-part injection molded option, as well as a turned aluminum barrel.

There is a ring plate with bolt heads between the gun barrel and the mantlet. Separate coaxial machine gun parts and outer fittings are also provided. A highly detailed main infrared spotlight and mount makes for an interesting sub-assembly.

Four separate cupola periscopes are provided; two in the hatch cover and two in the forward part of the cupola. The commander’s infrared scope and gunner’s periscopes are also provided as individual parts. The rear turret has very fine tie-down loops for detail.

Conclusion

Once again, Trumpeter comes out with a winner with its 1:35 T-62A. With the fine, superb detailing this kit promises to build up to an excellent model of the ubiquitous Cold War mainstay.