Unimodel 1/72 T-26 Light Tank w/Cylindrical Turret Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The T-26 light tank was first developed in 1932 based on an earlier two-turret tank. Initially armed with the 37mm B-3 main gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun, the T-26 was soon up-gunned with the 45mm 20K cannon, retaining the 7.62 machine gun. This would become the T-26 Model 1933. Its 90 horsepower engine could move the T-26 up to 31 kph with a range of 140 kilometers.

In addition to serving in the Soviet Army, the T-26 was also exported to other countries including Finland.

The kit is molded in green styrene and presented on three parts trees. The first tree contains the majority of the hull, the second tree contains the suspension whilst the third tree contains the turret. While there is molded-on detail on the hull, the detailing is not overdone.

What's interesting are the two small frets of photo-etch that accompany the styrene. That large piece of photo-etch is to be wrapped around the outside of the turret cylinder to provide rivet detail. In addition, the drive sprockets are photo-etched parts as well.

The remainder of the PE parts are brackets and fixtures on the rear of the hull. Not pictured here are the rubber band tracks that complete the kit.

The skill level of this kit is marked as Basic though some familiarity with the use of cyano adhesives is required. Nevertheless, this kit would be a good started for learning to incorporate photo-etched parts into your projects.

Markings are included to represent any number of the T-26 tanks in service with the Finnish Army in 1940.

This is a nice-looking kit that is reasonably priced and not a difficult build. You can see for yourself at your local hobby establishment or you can find this kit online at Squadron Mail Order.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!