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A natural progression, one would think, from the T-72 & T-80 variants, the next in line from Amusing Hobby is the T-90M Russian Main Battle Tank in 1/35th scale. We look at what we know about the kit & the real thing in our preview...
Preview: Amusing Hobby's T-90M Russian Main Battle Tank in 1/35th scale...
T-90M Russian Main Battle Tank
From Amusing Hobby
Kit No. 35A070
1/35th scale
Injection-moulded kit
Photo-etch included.
Release date: August/September
The Subject: Russian Army T-90M MBT
Development: The T-90M is the most advanced iteration of Russia’s T-90 tank family, originally derived from the Soviet-era T-72 platform. Development began in the late 2010s under the “Proryv-3” modernisation programme, incorporating lessons from combat operations in Syria and Ukraine. Built by Uralvagonzavod, the T-90M features over 100 upgrades compared to earlier models, including a redesigned turret, improved fire control systems, and enhanced survivability features. Production ramped up significantly after 2020, with Russia tripling output to around 300 units annually by 2025, aiming for 1,000 per year by 2028.
Operational Use
The T-90M has been actively deployed in the Russo-Ukrainian War, where it serves as a frontline asset in combined arms operations. It’s used for breakthrough assaults, urban combat, and support roles alongside infantry and artillery. Despite facing threats from Western-supplied anti-tank weapons and drones, the T-90M has demonstrated resilience thanks to its upgraded armour and countermeasures. Russian forces have adapted tactics to include electronic warfare and drone jamming systems to protect these tanks from FPV drone strikes and loitering munitions.
Weapons Systems
The T-90M is armed with a 125 mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS, HE-FRAG, and Refleks anti-tank guided missiles up to 5 km. It features a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun and a remotely operated 12.7mm Kord heavy machine gun for anti-personnel and anti-aircraft roles. The Kalina fire control system integrates thermal sights, laser rangefinders, and digital targeting, enabling high accuracy in day/night conditions. Its autoloader allows a three-man crew to maintain a high rate of fire without compromising internal space.
The lower part of the turret on 360° is also protected by an RPG metal net.
Armor and Equipment
Protection is a standout feature of the T-90M. It uses Relikt explosive reactive armour (ERA), modular composite panels, and slat armour to defend against tandem warheads and drone attacks. New variants include anti-drone visors, radar warning receivers, and electronic warfare suites to counter UAVs. The tank is powered by a V-92S2F diesel engine producing 1,130 hp, offering speeds up to 70 km/h and a range of 550 km. Internally, it includes encrypted communications, battlefield networking, and improved crew ergonomics for sustained operations.
A remotely operated weapon station armed with one NSVT 12.7mm heavy machine gun is mounted at the rear of the commander hatch.
Exports
While the T-90M itself is primarily reserved for domestic use, its export variant—the T-90MS—has been showcased at international defence exhibitions like IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. India remains the largest foreign operator of the T-90 platform, with over 1,000 T-90S tanks in service, many produced under licence. Algeria and other countries have also expressed interest in the T-90MS due to its cost-effectiveness compared to Western MBTs. However, recent battlefield losses and sanctions have raised questions about future export viability.
The new version also includes the Relikt ERA bricks instead of the Kontakt-5 ERA bricks. Other improvements include a new 1130 hp V-92S2F engine, an enhanced environmental control system, and satellite navigation systems.
Despite its capabilities, the T-90M has suffered significant attrition. As of mid-2024, over 100 units have been destroyed, damaged, or captured—a striking figure considering Russia had only 67 in active service at the start of the war. Ukrainian forces have even repurposed captured T-90Ms for their own use, and some have been studied by NATO for intelligence purposes.
Of course, like all good Russian tanks, a wood log is mounted to the right side of the hull.
The kit from Amusing Hobby:
This new kit, number #35A070 from Amusing Hobby, features the add-on reactive armour, mudguards & new sighting equipment for this variant.
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The skirts around the turret in photo-etch are evident, but one might have to make their own "cope cage" or "BBQ grill"—or "maybe leave the turret off altogether? Your choice modellers!
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There is no more information on this kit at the moment. For all of their kits, check out Amusing Hobby's Facebook page, as their website does not seem to be working right now...