Imprint T-80UK - 1/50 Scale

1/50 scale T-80UK MBT from Imprint Models

OK - sometimes a quick diversion needs a bit of an extension.  While rummaging around in my pile in the process of finishing my BTR-80s and T-90s from Imprint Models, I came across an un-built Imprint T-80UK, the command tank variant of this Soviet Cold War era MBT. Since I was on a bit of a 1/50 scale tear, I decided to quickly throw this tank together too and paint it.

T-80UK bits, with the magnets drilled into the hull and turret

This is an older version of the Imprint model, about four years old - fewer metal components, less detail on the tracks.  I had done a platoon of these tanks back when Dallas and I were fully involved in our bonkers 28mm modern build-up. I have no idea why I didn't finish this model - likely I put it down in some place to "get to it right away", then forgot about it as I moved on to some other new insane project.

Crew figure in the gunner's hatch from Mongrel Miniatures

The Soviet infantryman in front of the tank is from Mongrel Miniatures

Although the kit is older - it is still a great kit. Emboldened by my success with the magnets on the T-90s, I drilled in some rare earth magnets to hold the turret in place for gaming.  I also left the cupola open so I could pop a tank commander figure into the hatch.

Mounting the MG was a challenge - I had lost some key parts for mounting it, so I improvised with some spare pieces I had lying around.  They looked like little mechanical mountings - once they are green with the rest of the tank, they look fine.

Radio antennas were easy to add by using floral wire

The Soviet Union/Russia deployed several thousand T-80s in their arsenal toward the end of the Cold War.  They were also found in the armies of former republics (now independent states) like Ukraine and Belarus.  Cyprus also has some T-80 tanks in the line, as well as Pakistan.  The T-80UK is a very late model of this MBT, and I'm not sure how many went into production or into the line of any nation's arsenal.  It features some very complicated anti-ATGM and anti-RPG systems (the Shtora system, as on the T-90).

I used grey for the lenses for the Shtora jammers, instead of the evil red I used on the T-90s

I painted this tank to match the other recent Soviet/Russian models - dark green with bands of yellow.

I lost a couple of the components for the Shtora system - a couple of receivers (or something) that were mounted toward the rear of the turret.  But they are pretty minor pieces, so I don't think it matters too much.

This view provides a good snapshot of the "Kontakt" reactive armour blocks on the front of the hull and the turret

This T-80UK will ride along to battle with the other recent arrivals to the Chemical Commie motor pool.