SDV Models

1/87 Soviet T-62

Kit Number: 87-030

Reviewed by  Jack Kennedy, IPMS# 12511

MSRP: $12.25 Here is the link to their home page (www.sdvmodel.cz). I have never built a modern Soviet tank before so when this kit arrived on my doorstep for review I really welcomed it. While the box art wasn't the best I have ever seen, it was OK. Upon opening the box I was pleasantly surprised. The Czech company SDV have produced many Soviet tanks and vehicles in 1/87 scale. This is one of their latest releases. Since I was used to 1/76 - 1/72 scale, I couldn't believe the difference in size between those and 1/87 (HO) scale. This is a tiny model. The kit is molded on several sprues in dark green plastic. When looking at the parts, I found it hard to believe the fine detail in such a small model. Assembly was straightforward, and all the parts fit perfectly. Very little cleanup was needed on anything. The track and inner wheels are molded as one, which is a nice feature as it makes alignment perfect. The only fault I found with this arrangement was that the tracks did not have a correct tread pattern. I believe this may be corrected - or at least disguised - by liberal use of mud and weathering. All the accessories are molded in except the external fuel tanks, storage boxes and the lights. After attaching these parts and the outer wheels the painting could begin. Since this tank was used in many places, many color schemes may be used. I chose to do mine in the desert scheme as used in Egypt. I painted it in desert light tan and washed it with a darker shade of the same color. The tracks were painted in steel, washed in black, and highlighted with silver drybrushing. The decals are super and go on easily. There are many decal variations that may be used for different theatres of action. I chose the Egyptian ones. I really enjoyed building this tank and look forward to other kits by SDV. I just wish that the instructions were better since there was no English and the photos and drawings were primitive. Would I buy an SDV kit? You bet. Would I recommend them? YES! At $12.25 per kit, it's a bargain. I wish to thank IPMS/USA and SDV for giving me this fine kit to review.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.