Takom 1/35 scale VT 1-2 plastic model kit review

The Takom 1/35 scale VT 1-2 (Versuchsträger) tank killer plastic model kit is certainly an unusual release for armor guys. At first, I thought it was a paper panzer. But no, Germany really built The VT 1-2 for battlefield tests in 1975 and 1976. The VT had a turbo-charged engine and carried a three-man crew, with the driver sitting between the commander and the gunner. It was armed with two 120mm smooth-bore guns backed by six-round automatic loaders.

Inside the Takom kit are eight gray plastic parts trees, one tree of clear parts, two hull pieces, two vinyl tracks with connecting pins, a photo-etched metal fret, and decals.

The first step in the assembly process is determining which of three versions you want to build: raised front, lowered front, or normal running position. If you choose the regular position, you won’t have to remove any of the pins on the suspension arms, as illustrated in Step 1. The other choices require you to remove pins on the suspension. Takom provides an alignment jig to help keep the wheels even.

In Step 2, for some reason, all of the return roller mounts except one (Part F15) are molded onto the lower hull. Don’t worry yourself by looking for more parts than there are. The parts fit excellently, although the lower hull on my sample was slightly warped. That worked itself out when the upper hull was attached. The PE parts TP6 proved difficult to attach to the headlights. You may want to cut them a little long for a better hold.

The kit’s design allows the guns to be raised and lowered. If this interests you, do not glue the gun breaches in steps 12 and 13. The instructions try to warn you, but the “don’t glue!” symbol is small and easy to miss. The four-piece gun barrels required only a little sanding.

The vinyl tracks fit with no problems and were held together by metal pins.

All told, the Takom 1/35 scale VT 1-2 model kit was a relaxing build. The instruction booklet included detailed front and side drawings to help paint one of four versions. I chose version two because it had more decals—not that there are many to begin with. I used Model Master Olive Drab and Tamiya German Grey for the camo and Tamiya NATO Black for the wheels. I had no difficulties getting the decals to lay down.

If you want something different in an armor model, this is it. Takom did a good job making a tight kit that assembles well and isn’t the typical fare we’re used to seeing.