This T-80 tank, I had a lot of difficulties until completion. I was using etched parts in earnest. It was built from September 2009 to April 2010.
I bought a T-80 for overseas mail order about one year ago. It was a pretty good buy for only 20 EUR.
（2009/09/12）
Parts are tightly filled in the plastic bag and are heavy. The green color is vivid, like the grasshopper.
（2009/09/12）
I can’t understand the assembly instruction was written in all Russian. I was relieved that the 15-page instruction manual is a very detailed explanation.
Molding is not sharp. Some parts are deformed.
I’ll work hard to use Eduard’s photo-etched parts as much as possible. Without using it, the total quality of this kit is very low, I presume.
（2009/09/12）
The part to which the photo-etched parts are assembled will work by priority. It is confusing to decide on the work process concurrently reading the instructions on the etched parts and the instructions on the kit. It would be better to take notes or mark the instruction directly so I complete the finished work.
（2009/09/12）
I’m considering detailed parts are not fit.
（2009/09/17）
It’s my first time assembling like the photo way. It’s to trash box when I cannot unite the underparts…
（2009/09/17）
I managed to unite the parts and shape the box. Because various parts interfered, I ground and sliced many points to match each.
The belt caterpillar of the attachment is divided into two parts for one side as same as the Tasca Sherman firefly.
（2009/09/25）
At last, I bonded the lower and upper parts. I want to start the assembly of the turret.
（2009/10/16)
Ｉ did not understand the installation of the dozer braid on the body to refer to the instruction.
（2009/11/01)
The photo-etched parts are good for a panel and a spare fuel tank.
（2009/11/01)
The original rear fender parts and the attached photo-etched parts were removed. Slightly I made battle damage.
（2009/11/01)
I mistook the barrel’s degree; the ledge’s proper position is above, but I mistook it to place it horizontally. The barrel was broken to turn right above by force. After all, I removed everything and later constructed the new ledge with the plastic board.
（2009/11/10)
All photo-etched parts are attached.
（2009/11/10)
I think 90% of the photo-etched parts were attached.
The first impression that I completed assembling was that T-80 was smaller than the M1 Abrams. Height is also low; the livability of the crew might not have been good.
A spare fuel tank and the pulling wire were changed effectively. I don’t recommend the included rubber wire ropes.
I exchanged the buckle and straps of ammunition cases.
I buried a strange gap with the putty.
As I mentioned, I broke the main gun and recovered it with plastic parts.
This model is good photo-etched parts practice for me. Next time, I hope my skill will be higher.
（2009/11/13)
I’ll paint three camouflage colors, and the first is light gray.
（2010/04/04)
Light gray and red-brown, black camouflage is very strange looking. Maybe it’s suitable for battle in a city.
（2010/04/10）
I dropped the turret to the floor, and parts broke when sweeping the room. Instant adhesive power is weak against impact shock. It’s lucky as minor trouble.
（2010/04/12）
At last, SKIF T-80UD was completed. T-80 was developed initially based on a gas-turbine engine, but the diesel-engine version was concurrently developed. T-80 equipped with the diesel engine is this UD. It is operated in Russia and worldwide, such as Pakistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, etc.
51 caliber 125mm smooth-bore gun seems to be a powerful impression of a present-age tank. The crew is three. It might be the roles of the commander, gunner, and driver. Only three crew seems to be very busy.
Painting on a stiff rubber caterpillar was complex.
I could not get the Google Image like this camouflage. I may be mistaking the pattern…
Mounting two spare fuel tanks seems Russian tank image.
Many reactive armors are attached to the armor. It’s a peculiar feature of the modern-age tank.
So good texture did not go out because the light was too large, though I used the transparent epoxy patty for the glass expression. I might cut out the transparent plastic panel…
I did the washing and pastel painting as usual.
Not so many decals, and it’s well attached and has no silvering.
It takes much time to complete all between long intervals. Many parts were broken and repaired. After solving many troubles, I love this kit very much.
（2010/04/15)
