T-80U Learning Project

Cody R
Didn't add this project to my profile until I was already most of the way done. I'm not familiar with photoetched parts, so I've been struggling with them a little bit. I've run into a few small issues with the instruction booklet for this kit, but nothing that wasn't easy to catch.

Cody R
Learning airbrushing has been enjoyable. Trying to figure out the best way to fill in all the narrow gaps, going to experiment with thinning the paint more. A bit scared to start weathering.

Cody R
Forgot to clean up the road wheels before I painted them, so unfortunately there's some blemishes. Other than that the paint is looking good. Decided to go with unpainted rubber on the side skirts and turret screens, I really like the contrast of the black on green.

Cody R
Finishing up the last few turret attachments this weekend, going with a lighter paint on the ammo cans for some contrast. Tracks will be the next project, and then it's on to weathering.

Benoit
I like the concept of learning project. All my models are learning projets 🙂
Thank you for sharing.

Cody R
For sure! It's mostly just been getting all the tools and things I need, and doing some things the wrong way so in future I make sure to do them correctly. I have a love for T series tanks, so one of my next few projects will be another T-80, probably T-80BVM, but done with much better fit and finish. Might even attempt a camo paint job

Cody R
Finished up the turret add-ons, other than the NSVT machine gun, as it is getting painted the same colour as the tracks. Not the happiest with the colour I ended up with for the ammo cans, but the contrast is nice.

Cody R
Unfortunate issue with the instructions that I didn't catch until too late. The ammo cans in the instruction book use the wrong small side walls, which worked out poorly at the end. I managed to make it work with some minor modification, but I'm not the happiest.

Cody R
One track done! Went with Vallejo Model Air Metallic Black for the colour, and I think it turned out amazing. It gives the tracks a lightly weathered look right off the bat, and with a bit of washing I think they will look incredible.