Hobby Boss 1/35 Soviet T-37 Amphibious Light Tank – Early Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

The T-37 was a Soviet amphibious light tank. The tank was first created in 1932, based on the British Vickers tankette and other operational amphibious tanks. The T-37 was the first series of mass produced fully amphibious tanks in the world.

In the Red Army, they were used to perform tasks in communications, reconnaissance, and as defense units on the march, as well as active infantry support on the battlefield. The T-37's were used in large numbers during the Soviet invasion of Poland and in the Winter War against Finland. The T-37 was also used by the Soviets in the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, but most were quickly lost. Surviving tanks of that type fought on the front lines until 1944, and were used in training and auxiliary defense until the end of World War II.

The Hobby Boss kit consists of over 303 parts molded in green or brown styrene and 11 photo etch detail parts. All of the parts are molded to the highest standards. There is no flash present. No markings are included in the kit.

Some key features of the kit are:

• 100% new tooling
• Accurately detailed machine gun
• Accurate propulsion and steering system on rear of tank
• The drive sprockets, road wheels, idler wheels, return rollers and suspension bogies are accurate
• The individual track links are well detailed and easily assembled
• Pioneer tools are accurately molded
• The engine radiator grille and hatches are enhanced with PE parts
• Hatches can be open or closed

Test fitting of the main components shows great fit. This looks to be another great kit from Hobby Boss and the lower parts count will make it a pretty fast build.

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