This tank started out as a basic Russian import that was marketed by ROCO Minitanks about 20 years ago. Rick Hoskinson installed a new gun barrel turned from Evergreen styrene and applique side armor was added to the hull as well as tow cable hold downs and auxiliary fuel tanks. The fuel tank hold down straps were fabricated from wine bottle foil as was the rear intake vent cover. The intake screen is etched brass. The internal hatch cover latch handle was made from flat brass strip. The original tracks were replaced with the more realistic Paul Heiser cast resin units from Lakewood Military Models. The tow cables were made from twisted copper wire with soldered brass eyes. The antenna is .010 inch brass wire as well as the turret grab handles. Added details include head/tail light lenses from MV Products, bolt heads around the bow machine gun, and lifting eyes on the engine deck plates from Details Associates. Paint is by Model Masters and decals are from TL. Weathering was done with dry pigments and art pencils. Shown at the bottom is a work in progress photo showing final construction.

Posted February 17, 2020