Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on April 29, 2017, 04:21:53 pm

Title: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Decal Sheet 180818
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 29, 2017, 04:21:53 pm
The T-26 tank was a Soviet light infantry tank used during many conflicts of the 1930s and in World War II.

It was a development of the British Vickers 6-Ton tank and was one of the most successful tank designs of the 1930s until its light armour became vulnerable to newer anti-tank guns. It was produced in greater numbers than any other tank of the period, with more than 11,000 manufactured. During the 1930s, the USSR developed 53 variants of the T-26, including flame-throwing tanks, combat engineer vehicles, remotely controlled tanks, self-propelled guns, artillery tractors, and armoured carriers. Twenty-three of these were series-produced, others were experimental models.

We will try to focus on T-26 variants produced in between the Spanish Civil War and WW2.  Probably 4 to 5 different turrets, and minor alterations on the hull.

This is a T-26 M33 being used as our base design:

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-02_zpszd0hs9ep.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-03_zpsufrwu5w6.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-05_zpszawj0qin.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-04_zpsgog1z22u.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: tyroflyer on April 29, 2017, 09:43:38 pm
I like it. The chances of an early Russian army in my future is getting stronger and stronger.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 30, 2017, 03:48:20 am
That is lucky, I almost bought the Empress one.

Excellent.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: tyroflyer on April 30, 2017, 02:40:10 pm
I note Pinky's question elsewhere. Resin or plastic? Hope the answer is plastic.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: Pinky on April 30, 2017, 05:38:33 pm
I think it's resin.  It doesn't look like the kind of 3-D design they use for plastic kits.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 30, 2017, 10:50:15 pm
I think it's resin.  It doesn't look like the kind of 3-D design they use for plastic kits.

I wonder if it relates to this?

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/T26%20Drawing01_zps8mtj1a7d.jpg)

http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=231.msg2094#msg2094 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=231.msg2094#msg2094)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 17, 2017, 10:24:43 pm
Studio work had been slow because we are rushing to finish all outstanding items for our Q2/17
releases.  These include box arts, manuals, decal sheets, and final amendments on the plastic
sprues.

The T-26 Model 1931 had two cylindrical turrets (with an observation slit) mounted on ball bearings;
each turret turned independently through 240°. Both turrets could provide common fire in front and
rear arcs of fire (100° each). The disadvantage of such a configuration was that not all of the tank's
firepower could be used at once on the same side.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26-1931%20170512-1_zps4vu212hg.jpg)


In 1938, the T-26 was upgraded to the Model 1938 version, the cylindrical turret was replaced
with a conical turret, with the same 45mm Model 1934 gun. It had better anti-bullet resistance
but the same welded hull as the T-26 Model 1933 produced in 1935–1936.  Some T-26 Model
1938/1939, equipped with radio set, had a PTK commander's panoramic sight.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26C-1938-170516-2_zps4qtiiopo.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 18, 2017, 12:18:49 am
Will there be a twin machine gun version?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: tyroflyer on May 18, 2017, 10:27:46 am
At least we know it's plastic which will keep my interest at a higher level than it would have been if it was resin. The more variants the better, including twin turrets.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 22, 2017, 10:37:43 pm
Not actually about the T26 but might be of interest.
https://youtu.be/EVP2TPkcufs (https://youtu.be/EVP2TPkcufs)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: Pinky on May 23, 2017, 12:13:10 am
At least we know it's plastic which will keep my interest at a higher level than it woulit was resin.

How do we know it's plastic?  Did I miss something?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 23, 2017, 12:38:59 am
How do we know it's plastic?  Did I miss something?

If we do multiple-turrets, it had to be plastic, lol...
But progress had been very slow because of rushing our Q2/17 releases out of the door!

Plus the T-26 is a high demand kit with numerous opportunity for conversions too!
We simply cannot cover all variants...

;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: tyroflyer on May 23, 2017, 02:54:36 pm
I think I was divining the tea leaves Pinky, or perhaps wishful thinking!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170517
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 24, 2017, 06:48:21 pm
The T-26 Model 1933, with a new single cylindrical turret carrying one 45mm cannon L46 and one 7.62mm machine gun, became the most common T-26 variant.

The 45mm 20K tank gun was based on the Soviet 45mm anti-tank gun M1932 (19-K) and it was one of the most powerful anti-tank guns of its time. Actually, few, if any, western tanks existed with similar guns. The T-26 could carry up to three secondary DT 7.62mm machine guns in coaxial, rear, and anti-aircraft mounts. This increased firepower was intended to aid crews in defeating dedicated anti-tank teams, as the original machine gun armament had been found insufficient. The turret rear ball mounting for the additional DT tank machine gun was installed on the T-26 tanks from the end of 1935 until 1939.

The T-26 Model 1933 carried 122 rounds of 45mm ammunition, firing armour-piercing 45mm rounds with a muzzle velocity of 820 m/s (2,700 ft/s), or lower-velocity high-explosive munitions. Tanks intended for company commanders were equipped with a radio set and a handrail radio antenna on the turret (so called radio tanks). Later the hand-rail antenna was replaced with a buggy-whip antenna, because experience in the Spanish Civil War and Battle of Lake Khasan showed that the handrail antenna drew fire onto commander tanks.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T-26%20Model%201933%20170524-2_zpsmdem45n8.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 24, 2017, 08:45:59 pm
Nice.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on June 24, 2017, 06:25:37 am
Very excited at the prospect of a plastic, multi-model version T-26 kit. I am planning out an early war soviet force at the moment, and any plans to add to the variety of available models suitable for 1941-1942 is wonderful news. I think most prefer to game the late war with all the heavy hitters, but I find the early war stuff more interesting.  Glad to see Rubicon is not only interested in the mid to late war vehicles.

I understand there is no ETA for this kit, so I can only wait and wonder. But hopefully when it becomes a reality, sales will be good enough to encourage other early war goodies!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: tyroflyer on June 25, 2017, 08:56:37 am
I agree with you EWG. You might also find a gamer with 1939 Finns or Poles to take on your Soviet T-26.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: Pinky on July 03, 2017, 05:59:37 am
I just took these photos of the T-26 in the Bovington Tank Museum:

(https://s17.postimg.org/hjmvtvdjf/IMG_2618.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/hjmvtvdjf/)

(https://s17.postimg.org/up2dzz7ez/IMG_2619.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/up2dzz7ez/)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More T-26 Drawings 170821
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 21, 2017, 11:39:46 am
The T-26 tank was a Soviet light infantry tank used during many conflicts of the 1930s and in World War II.

It was a development of the British Vickers 6-Ton tank and was one of the most successful tank designs of the 1930s until its light armour became vulnerable to newer anti-tank guns. It was produced in greater numbers than any other tank of the period, with more than 11,000 manufactured. During the 1930s, the USSR developed 53 variants of the T-26, including flame-throwing tanks, combat engineer vehicles, remotely controlled tanks, self-propelled guns, artillery tractors, and armoured carriers. Twenty-three of these were series-produced, others were experimental models.

We will try to focus on T-26 variants produced in between the Spanish Civil War and WW2.  Probably 4 to 5 different turrets, and minor alterations on the hull.

This is a T-26 M33 being used as our base design:

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-02_zpszd0hs9ep.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-03_zpsufrwu5w6.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-05_zpszawj0qin.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20M33%20170426-04_zpsgog1z22u.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 21, 2017, 11:40:47 am
Different flavours of the T-26 for your liking...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T-26%20Mono%20Colour%20170818-2_zpsrsslmvwo.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: Pinky on August 21, 2017, 12:16:38 pm
Wow, that's very cool.  You might be about to set a record for the number of variants in a single kit!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: tyroflyer on August 21, 2017, 12:20:35 pm
Pinky, as I'm thinking it you're typing it! Wow.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 21, 2017, 02:46:38 pm
Nice.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: MarkJ on September 24, 2017, 06:40:24 pm
Hello pretty!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - More Line Drawings 170524
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on September 26, 2017, 10:46:41 am
This is exactly the sort of kit that attracts and excites me.  Although I would only ever need "one" on the gaming table at a time (I play mostly infantry games, with one or two vehicles in support), I love to have options, and just based on the diagrams above, I can easily see my getting three kits.  One to assemble as the twin-turret, one for the single turret, and one for the later models with the sloped armor.  Not sure I could justify getting a fourth kit, so as to play around with a command tank version.  But I might.

And this is one of those tanks available in HUGE numbers in the early war years.  As my form name suggests, I prefer early war, so around 1943 I start to lose interest.  But this beauty will definitely be part of my soviet forces when it becomes available.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 23, 2017, 03:32:50 pm
More sprues incoming... this time for the T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank! Using our newfound multi-slide mould capabilities, we are giving you EIGHT build variants with only TWO-AND-A-HALF sprues! This is what you will expect in 2018!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-01_zps2cdbqwcd.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-02_zpsphk8ztbo.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-03_zpsfwxkcmhv.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-04_zps6ypub7oh.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-05_zpsmsei7bqw.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-06_zps8efkiqsl.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-07_zpsz1ulaq1g.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-08_zpshzfoymvp.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-09_zps0mkznxte.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-10_zps69apvlkx.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Sprue%20171221-11_zps67ufwolm.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 23, 2017, 05:30:46 pm
Looking good.

I have not tracked down where the insert for the track is located on the sprue.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Jimmy_P on December 23, 2017, 06:49:22 pm

I can't see quite a few of these in my future! Front of the track is odd, or is that part covered by the fenders?

Will it be 2 and a half sprues, or will that empty sprue space be used for something else....? (Like some Soviet tank commanders, pleeeeeease?)  ;D
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Tracks on December 23, 2017, 09:31:21 pm
Quote
I have not tracked down where the insert for the track is located on the sprue.

I too cannot locate this.
From looking at the posted pics, clearly something goes onto the front end of the track.

Also, with EIGHT build variants, this is going to please a lot of modelers and gamers alike.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 23, 2017, 09:36:21 pm
Will it be 2 and a half sprues, or will that empty sprue space be used for something else....? (Like some Soviet tank commanders, pleeeeeease?)  ;D
I was thinking 7TP and Vickers.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: elias.tibbs on December 23, 2017, 09:42:11 pm
Probably just empty. It saves on mould costs.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: tyroflyer on December 24, 2017, 06:19:53 am
I was thinking 7TP and Vickers.

These would be a nice addition but Rubicon have done so well this time I think they can be forgiven. Maybe and hopefully later.

Does make me wonder how the new moulds would improve existing products. Probably too late to apply them to unreleased kits in the pipeline.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: ripley on December 24, 2017, 08:11:53 am
Wow , very nice . Great work on getting 8 variations of the tank in one kit . Seems a shame to waste that sprue space though  ...  And I can't find those track pieces either , maybe if we get the other side view of the spruces , it wl become clearer . I guess I can use my holiday down time to start finding / saving pictures of T-26 tanks on the net ,and IRC Tank Power ( Wydawnictwo Militaria ) had a book or two on the subject  . found a few others as well
(https://s9.postimg.org/x45hy5g0r/51_EQjy_F9_YSL.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/x45hy5g0r/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/qdp0oqnq3/9829726736.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qdp0oqnq3/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/g3mlpi5kb/bkl002.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/g3mlpi5kb/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/gt5e1vdtn/Jt9_Cu_Tm.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gt5e1vdtn/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/ua2ckr3kr/oth291.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ua2ckr3kr/)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Pinky on December 24, 2017, 09:58:00 am
I can't find the inserts either.  But it seems like a good way of resolving the issue of detailing the treads.  Hopefully on the back and front.

I wonder what the empty sprue section is for?  It's still going to take up space in the box, so there must be a reason for it.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: ripley on December 24, 2017, 10:55:56 am
I see the T-26 had a bridge layer version , might be enough room  on half that sprue   there for bridge pieces . Just ordered the WWP book on the T-26 and got the Pzr 38(t) A-D book on sale , $60 for both including ship to Canada
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 24, 2017, 01:47:32 pm
We have to let you guys know, the OT-130 and OT-134 turrets should be on the right side of the hull as shown on the line drawings by HobbyBoss.

We have decided not to include a separate upper hull just for the flamethrowers because of their rarity on the battlefield.  What is more important is the two new hull pieces (which had to be done by multi-slide moulding) will increase production cost in a big way.  We might release a resin version of the two "correct" pieces just in case some customers wanted a "historically" accurate upper hull.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/OT-130%202_zpsgutoejrw.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 24, 2017, 01:51:59 pm
I wonder what the empty sprue section is for?  It's still going to take up space in the box, so there must be a reason for it.

We also wonder...  there must be a reason for it!  ::)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 24, 2017, 05:12:38 pm
I wonder what the empty sprue section is for?  It's still going to take up space in the box, so there must be a reason for it.

We also wonder...  there must be a reason for it!  ::)
It could be a packing space, parts of the other sprues may intrude into it so it will fit in the two sprue box form.

It could be where all the bits that are no longer needed because of the multi-slide nature of the tool.

Or they could just surprise us.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on December 26, 2017, 07:39:37 am
Interesting nothing ... that empty half sprue!  The T-26 was used as an experimental platform for many different variants.  But most never saw production.  And the flamethrowers (OT-26 which did have the turret on the left, and the OT-130/133/134) account for the majority of those variants (1,224).

So we are left with a very limited number (33) of SU-5s (self-propelled guns). Not sure half a sprue is enough to cover the gun and shield. Or how about the ST-26, which was a bridge-laying engineering tank.  They produced 71 of those. I would bet that half a sprue is enough room for the actual bridge itself (which was 6 meters long) and the necessary support beams.  There was also the Radio Controlled T-26, which might only need a few different antenna.  The T-26-T was an artillery tractor.  It would need a different superstructure, but the rest of the vehicle looked like a T-26.  Half a sprue would easily cover the new superstructure.

Maybe it's not for vehicle options at all.  Tank riders?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 26, 2017, 01:48:05 pm
We love you guys! Keep guessing... still far off!
Happy Boxing Day!  ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 26, 2017, 02:24:08 pm
What do you doing on a lazy Boxing Day? Open one of the media folders and post one pic... One tank body, eight possible variants!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171221-2_zpslftqslln.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: tyroflyer on December 26, 2017, 03:28:19 pm
Looks nice. Although I don't think I would contemplate building OT-130 and OT-134 on the wrong hull.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 26, 2017, 03:48:36 pm
Looks nice. Although I don't think I would contemplate building OT-130 and OT-134 on the wrong hull.

It is something of a compromise between reality and cost even though we know might upset some modellers. We will probably make a resin upgrade to please everyone.  Making an educated risk, most people will not care...  :D
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: tyroflyer on December 26, 2017, 04:50:28 pm

 Making an educated risk, most people will not care...  :D

I suspect your assessment is correct. Or possibly will assume you've got it right, which is a bit of a worry. Some could be a little disappointed if they find out later. Makes you wonder if it should some how be made clear to the purchaser these 2 variants are a compromise.   
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 26, 2017, 05:06:29 pm
It might be better to come clean, mentioning the compromise.

From the sprue photographs it would appear you are using the plug method used on a number of your tanks to connect the chassis to the upper hull to connect the part with the turret ring(s). It might be worth mentioning that there might be a replacement part for it in the future and not to glue it in place (of course I could be misinterpreting the photographs).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 26, 2017, 05:11:49 pm
No idea what I am going to use one (or more) of them for.

Thoughts are VBCW, alt-war "reverse lend-lease", or mundanely early Barbarossa.

Of course there is the temptation to try a Vickers Six Ton...
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Pinky on December 27, 2017, 10:11:30 am

 Making an educated risk, most people will not care...  :D

I suspect your assessment is correct. Or possibly will assume you've got it right, which is a bit of a worry. Some could be a little disappointed if they find out later. Makes you wonder if it should some how be made clear to the purchaser these 2 variants are a compromise.

I suspect that more people who buy a kit like this will care about an issue like this than would be the case with, say, a Tiger.  But it's obviously very difficult to rectify it now.  I think a note in the instructions would be a good idea.  Mind you, I'm not sure if that particular variant is going to be used much.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: tyroflyer on December 27, 2017, 01:08:38 pm
[
I suspect that more people who buy a kit like this will care about an issue like this than would be the case with, say, a Tiger.  But it's obviously very difficult to rectify it now.  I think a note in the instructions would be a good idea.  Mind you, I'm not sure if that particular variant is going to be used much.

Presently Rubicon's reputation is very good. It would be a shame to tarnish it. We would all be quick to jump on a Tiger kit with the turret in the wrong place. I believe Rubicon would be wise to promote the six variants in its packaging and treat the other two as an incomplete bonus that can be used as is, or for kit bashing perhaps. Less likely to have an unrealistic expectation of the kit that way. I'm interested in buying it nonetheless.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 27, 2017, 04:17:59 pm
Thanks all for your feedback, seems like you guys all have high expectations from us.  We will consider all aspects of this project and decide on our next step.  Thanks again!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Pinky on December 27, 2017, 07:14:09 pm
We also want to protect your reputation with your other customers.  It's part of supporting your success.  We know how pernicky armour fans can be...
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 27, 2017, 07:26:02 pm
We also want to protect your reputation with your other customers.  It's part of supporting your success.  We know how pernicky armour fans can be...

Hahaha!  Thanks, Pinky!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: elias.tibbs on December 27, 2017, 11:54:56 pm
1 rivet. 2 rivets. 3 rivets....
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Boxing Day Posting 171226
Post by: tyroflyer on December 28, 2017, 10:07:23 am
1 rivet. 2 rivets. 3 rivets....
Gotta love those rivet counters. Of course people are entitled to models that look vaguely like a Sherman, Churchill, Tiger and so on. Or better yet a playing card with the tanks name on it. For me this forum is absolutely full of people either pointing out quite small errors or asking for a relatively insignificant vehicle. More power to them. The forum thrives on it.

However, I'm not very keen on rivet/button counters pointing out the mistakes in another modellers paint job (unless in a competition setting). I hope our hosts find the rivet counting of some use and not just a frustration. 

We know how pernicky armour fans can be...

Not just armour. It's everywhere and brings out the best.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 29, 2017, 03:06:00 pm
This is the level of sharp details you would be expecting from us at Rubicon Models. A test assembled turret from our new T-26 sprues!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171225-21_zpstvbtdpsf.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: tyroflyer on December 29, 2017, 03:28:11 pm
Nice job.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 29, 2017, 05:32:42 pm
Nice.

That close it does show dust specks ^__^.

The mould line on the aerial supports should go with a couple of swipes with a scalpel, probably not visible at normal painting distances (let alone viewing distances).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: tyroflyer on December 29, 2017, 05:59:24 pm
Nice.

That close it does show dust specks ^__^.


Importantly, does it have the right number of rivets? ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 29, 2017, 06:05:44 pm
Nice.

That close it does show dust specks ^__^.


Importantly, does it have the right number of rivets? ;)
How many rivets should there be on dust specks? ^___^
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Sprues 171223
Post by: Jimmy_P on December 30, 2017, 07:11:09 pm
We love you guys! Keep guessing... still far off!
Happy Boxing Day!  ;)

Ah well, tank commanders / tank riders would be nice. Maybe bits to make the T26 based artillery tractor? That would be neat, or one of the other engineering/support variants?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: ripley on December 30, 2017, 10:33:38 pm
All that extra space gives Rubicon room to add the correct  flame thrower hull and assorted bits to complete those 2 versions  ;D
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on December 31, 2017, 03:41:47 am
To maximize utility:

The proper hull bits to allow the Kt-130 and Kt-133/134 flamethrowers to be built correctly would be ideal. A person could then get as many kits as desired to make any of the 8 different varieties. Would make this kit a killer deal!  No "later, when they get around to it, resin pack" needed.

The Finns captured a LOT of these, and outfitted them differently (weapons). So perhaps the half-sprue could be used to support captured Finnish variants?

Those would at least be "fighting" vehicles.  Nothing against artillery tractors, but I would think most gamers are looking for firepower, and so anything that adds to this kit to allow more shooty options, the more kits they will sell.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: ripley on December 31, 2017, 04:52:46 am
Artillery tow vehicles ? Yes please , I need one to tow one of my PSC 45mm guns  .  Did the Russians mount the long barrelled 57mm anti tank gun on this chassie  as well as  the smaller STZ ( Komsomolets ) tractor ? If so that might make a nice add on resin  kit , plus the parts to add the57mm barrel to the T-34
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: tyroflyer on December 31, 2017, 08:42:16 am
All that extra space gives Rubicon room to add the correct  flame thrower hull and assorted bits to complete those 2 versions  ;D
To maximize utility:

The proper hull bits to allow the Kt-130 and Kt-133/134 flamethrowers to be built correctly would be ideal. A person could then get as many kits as desired to make any of the 8 different varieties. Would make this kit a killer deal!  No "later, when they get around to it, resin pack" needed.


I agree
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: Pinky on December 31, 2017, 10:09:33 am
I''m going to guess that the gap is for the inclusion of a sprue of tank crew.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Turret 171229
Post by: ripley on December 31, 2017, 11:29:56 am
I thought Rubicon's tank crews were going to be separate sets of 4 - 6 torsos with a number of heads and arms for multi pose building like the German and British  renders  they showed off some time ago . I can see having those half body / drivers head type  of figures shown in the new M4A3 Sherman thread in this kit  , but that still leaves room for more goodies on the sprue  :D
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 03, 2018, 12:19:28 am
You guys are like... ah!
Here is what we think you wanted us to do!  Apart from avoiding using that empty half of the 3rd sprue, we have to create a new "small" mould for these two hulls...  ;)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/OT-130%20180102-1_zpsln3rz8iw.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/OT-133%20180102-1_zps3yjmbmhe.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 03, 2018, 12:52:05 am
Is that mantlet in the right place on the second picture?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 03, 2018, 01:28:41 am
Is that mantlet in the right place on the second picture?

The original image shifted... image replaced, thanks!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: tyroflyer on January 03, 2018, 06:46:26 am
That looks much better than what was originally intended. Thank you.

I think it's important that customers can take it for granted a Rubicon kit will always be an accurate representation of the vehicle in question. For a while that looked to be doubtful. Thanks again.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: ripley on January 03, 2018, 08:27:14 am
They look awesome, well done Rubicon  . I'm glad I saved that Russian WW2 website with all the T-26 variant pictures . Now if I could only read Russian
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 03, 2018, 05:00:04 pm
Well done.

Now we have to build one of each....
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - OT-130 & OT-133 180102
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on January 03, 2018, 09:45:00 pm
What a remarkably diverse kit this has become, with an amazing number of variants possible.  I think this kit now wins the prize as the one with the most utility!  I shall be getting multiples when this is finally released, and my guess is, so will just about everyone else.  Fantastic job Rubicon!  Thank you!

My one request ... more early war Soviet vehicles please!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 04, 2018, 02:56:51 pm
TS1 plastic test assemblies... OT-130 & OT-133 stand-in at the moment until new hulls are ready.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-01_zpsmh3zh8zl.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-37_zpszhhx68oi.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-38_zpscmlcnsui.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-39_zpsuqzjqr6k.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-40_zps64kqnyal.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-41_zpszqtzjkgu.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-42_zpsuxtyklbk.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-43_zpsi70tugqj.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-44_zpsqxu3e7gu.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-35_zpsmibyqiz2.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T26%20TS1%20Plastic%20171228-36_zpsfzzvg3fz.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: Pinky on January 04, 2018, 03:32:18 pm
Very cool.  I can't believe anyone ever seriously believed the twin turrets were a good idea, but it certainly makes an interesting model.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 04, 2018, 05:28:48 pm
Very nice.

I was running up a Bolt Action Tank War reinforced platoon for T26s. There are a lot of them (by contrast my JPzr38 platoon had four JPzrs and two carriers with infantry). A use for the GAZ trucks as well.

Strange ideas on tanks lingered, just look at US tank doctrine in World War 2.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: elias.tibbs on January 05, 2018, 04:20:51 am
9x .30cals on the M2 medium? Yes please ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: WeRT on January 19, 2018, 07:17:06 pm
I think it might be a bug...

M1931 had two turrets with DT machine guns.
M1932 had two turrets but one of them had 37mm gun and 2nd had DT mg.

(https://i.imgur.com/bpHXcsY.jpg)

So ... question:
Will you be able to build M1931 variant (2x DT mg's) with single box?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 19, 2018, 10:41:23 pm
I think it might be a bug...

M1931 had two turrets with DT machine guns.
M1932 had two turrets but one of them had 37mm gun and 2nd had DT mg.

So ... question:
Will you be able to build M1931 variant (2x DT mg's) with single box?

We have to double check on this. Might not be too late to add an extra DT MG if we are at fault.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 20, 2018, 01:36:52 am
Page 6 of New Vanguard 218 has a tank labelled T26 model 1931 with museum recreations of the twin MG turrets. On the same page is an early 37mm PS1 turret without the additional mantlet armour.

On page 7 there is a twin MG turret picture but no identification.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: tyroflyer on January 20, 2018, 05:03:56 am
Good observation WeRT. It would appear most T-26's with twin turrets were only armed with machine guns. Nice response from Rubicon as well.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 20, 2018, 12:11:05 pm
Further checking shows:
- T26 M1931 had two turrets with DT machine guns
- T26 M1932 had two turrets but one of them had 37mm gun and 2nd had DT mg

Should not be too difficult to add a second MG with mantlet to our sprue to create both variants!

Thank guys!  ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 20, 2018, 05:16:45 pm
Well done.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on January 21, 2018, 12:11:45 am
From my research, there were:

T-26 M31 (twin MGs) = 1,626 produced (starting in 1931 - ending in 1934)
T-26 M31 (73mm + MG) = 3,631 produced (starting in 1933)

So ... EXCELLENT news that you can squeeze another MG onto the sprues so we can make either version of the twin-turret T-26.  Yet another version added tot he already massive list of options!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 21, 2018, 12:15:49 am
So ... EXCELLENT news that you can squeeze another MG onto the sprues so we can make either version of the twin-turret T-26.  Yet another version added tot he already massive list of options!

There are so many conflicting materials in terms of reference material, it sometimes is hard to know if they are correct or not.  As long as the moulds are not (sort of) completely done, we can still squeeze small parts onto them at the cost of more delays, lol.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: WeRT on January 21, 2018, 07:17:36 am
I'm glad I could help you out. :)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: tyroflyer on January 21, 2018, 09:08:18 am
Now Rubicon can market nine variants. I agree with Rubicon the reference material is not consistent. Whether you agree with it or not Wikipedia has a significant entry on the T-26 including the twin turret variants.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS1 Assembled 180104
Post by: WeRT on April 12, 2018, 09:53:35 pm
Have you finally added additional DT MG to moulds? :D
I'm just curious because I saw salute promo T-26 but only with DT + 37mm gun :)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 07, 2018, 07:05:51 pm
TS2 plastic with the "correct" chassis for the flamers are finally done!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-3_zpsiwft3k6b.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-4_zpstixv92dg.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-5_zpsobnsfge5.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ripley on May 07, 2018, 07:55:21 pm
Awesome !
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 07, 2018, 11:10:13 pm
What Ripley said.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on May 08, 2018, 01:07:09 am
Stunning! Simply stunning!  I normally only get one of a tank, because my games of Bolt Action are about the infantry, with some support, and a single vehicle of a model is fine for that. I am not into "tank wars".  But for the T-26, I am going to need lots of kits, to make many different variations. Not sure I will end up with 9 ... but I LOVE that I could, and still have different tanks.  I am so excited to know this is coming.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: tyroflyer on May 08, 2018, 09:16:41 am
Great job. I note the twin turreted version didn't get a photo!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: WeRT on May 08, 2018, 11:11:52 pm
No M1931... No M1932... Sad panda...   :( :( :(
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 08, 2018, 11:32:55 pm
No M1931... No M1932... Sad panda...   :( :( :(

We do have a T-26 M31 variant, please check earlier pages under this post!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 09, 2018, 03:59:59 am
Only slightly relevant, just seen a T26 in the first episode of series three of the Spanish television series El Ministerio del Tiempo, (The Ministry of Time).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ripley on May 09, 2018, 07:31:05 am
I always thought the paint schemes on the tanks used in  SCW  were really neat and colorful . Won't help you hide in a wheat field or forest  though
(https://s31.postimg.cc/h88a8gkrr/781eddde70a5a8bd219551d9a78ab1dd.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/h88a8gkrr/)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 09, 2018, 03:11:50 pm
I always thought the paint schemes on the tanks used in  SCW  were really neat and colorful . Won't help you hide in a wheat field or forest  though
(https://s31.postimg.cc/h88a8gkrr/781eddde70a5a8bd219551d9a78ab1dd.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/h88a8gkrr/)
But might prevent friendly fire incidents if it is use by both sides.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: tyroflyer on May 09, 2018, 04:22:13 pm
Are we going to be able to build the twin turret tank with either two machine guns or alternatively one machine gun and one cannon armed turret? Both would be nice and not involving much more plastic!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on May 09, 2018, 11:56:14 pm
@tyroflyer ... Rubicon said they had time to add one more MG to the sprue, so yes, we will be able to build the twin turret version with twin MGs.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: WeRT on May 10, 2018, 06:30:17 am
No M1931... No M1932... Sad panda...   :( :( :(
We do have a T-26 M31 variant, please check earlier pages under this post!

I just want to be more then 1000% sure you didn't forget about it ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: tyroflyer on May 10, 2018, 07:30:27 am
Thanks EWG. I'd forgotten that.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 22, 2018, 01:46:16 pm
This is the revised TS2 Sprue C for the T-26...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T-26%20TS2%20Plastic%20180522-1_zpskfeam5tc.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: elias.tibbs on May 22, 2018, 02:08:11 pm
Nice.

So you’ve decidedly to use the whole frame after all. Wonder what’s under the boxes. Crew or stowage?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 22, 2018, 03:20:29 pm
Crew or stowage?
There are twelve identical pairs of feeds. What does that remind me of...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/GAZ%20Truck/BA-6%20eDrawing%20180331-03_zpslkfe6tk4.jpg)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - TS2 Plastic 180507
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 21, 2018, 04:06:13 pm
Is now the time to mention that there might be issues with the labelling of the photographs on this post?

TS2 plastic with the "correct" chassis for the flamers are finally done!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-3_zpsiwft3k6b.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-4_zpstixv92dg.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/FB%20Cover%20T26%20Flammer%20180501-5_zpsobnsfge5.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
The OT-134 is repeated on different vehicles (and the Kht-134 had hull flamer and normal turret).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: tyroflyer on June 22, 2018, 12:48:40 pm
Sadly I think UVS is right & further investigation is appropriate. The Tank Encyclopedia website has some info on T-26 'chemical tanks' which indicates these vehicles are a complex subject.

The website might prompt further investigation/verification to make sure you have this right. It could be you already have the components to make more of these 'chemical tank' variants than we are currently looking at. Certainly the website supports UVS's contention the '134' is wrong. Although possibly close or closer to one of the earlier variants.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 22, 2018, 04:49:26 pm
The turret on the left one could be a TT26 Titan teletank, Zaloga Osprey page 27 mentions it. There is a converted teletank at Kubinka with a left hand turret.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: tyroflyer on June 22, 2018, 06:28:48 pm
The following is not definitive but what I can deduce from looking at different websites.

OT-130 - 401 built 1936/39.  Hull looks like centre tank on the first Rubicon picture. However turret looks like older straight sided version on the model pictured to the right of it.

OT-133 - 269 built 1939/40.  Again hull looks like centre tank on first Rubicon picture and correct turret for this version is on top of it.

OT- 131, 132, & 134 prototypes and although the latter may have been used in Finland, with it's hull mounted flame thrower, can probably be ignored.

Feel free to correct me. There may have been upgrades and the like that make this incorrect.

I note Rubicon appear to have had this right on their post of 3 Jan 18. The pictures have subsequently confused things.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on June 30, 2018, 05:14:50 am
Loving the Rubicon T-26 project ... but the photos have issues with the labels and assembly.

Background:  The T-26 formed the basis for three different chemical warfare tanks.  The original designations were KhT which was an abbreviation for Khimicheskii Tank (Chemical Tank). The idea was that these tanks could also be used to carry smoke generation chemicals or poison gas chemicals, or even decontamination liquids to hose things down with, but beyond some minor tinkering, those other ideas were not implemented.  So by 1939 the designation was officially changed to OT which was an abbreviation for Ognemetniy Tank (flame-throwing tank). But either term (KhT or OT) is valid.

I've done some extensive research on the T-26 and have this regarding the flame-throwers:

KhT-26 / OT-26 (produced 1933-1935) (552 built)
   How to recognize:
      Based on the twin-turret T-26 Model 1931
      The left turret was removed to allow for fuel and compressed air tank storage
      There were two small, rectangular, fuel-filler hatches on the left side of upper superstructure
•   All had right turret armed with long-barreled KS-24 flame-thrower, and a coaxial DT-29 MG

In the T-26 Flamers image, the KhT-26 (OT-26) looks really good. Purists might want to NOT use the shrouded headlight. Early T-26 tanks had no folding armored shell. The light was mounted to the front plate of the superstructure, centered. The armored, folding light was mounted to the top front plate (as shown in the photo) sometime during production of the M33 version.

Here is a top view of the KhT-26 (based on a late M33 hull - probably 1935 - note the transmission access hatch present on the front, but still has the two round fuel and oil filler caps in the right rear engine deck):
(https://s5.postimg.cc/puwih43o3/Kh_T-26_Top_View.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/puwih43o3/)

KhT-130 / OT-130 (produced 1936-1939) (401 built)
   How to recognize:
      Based on the single turret T-26 Model 1933, with the turret moved to the right side
      Cylindrical turret had two side-by-side rectangular hatches on top
      Had two small, circular, domed fuel-filler caps on left side of upper superstructure.
•   Most had a short-barreled KS-25 flame-thrower, and a coaxial DT MG in the turret
•   Many had a second DT MG in a ball mount in the rear of the turret
•   Few had a long-barreled KS-24 flame thrower instead of a short-barreled flame-thrower
   
In the T-26 Flamers image, the model to the far right is NOT the KhT-134 (OT-134). It is a KhT-130 (OT-130).  Note that in the second image (T-26 M33/M35), the same exact tank on the far right is properly labeled KhT-130 (OT-130).

That said, the tank on the far right (which should be labeled KhT-130) was not assembled correctly. The turret belongs on the right. There were two circular fuel filler caps to the left (as seen on the build for the middle flamer tank). So the right turret, but the wrong superstructure, was used for this flamer tank.

Here is a top view of the KhT-130 (built on an M36 or M38 hull - note the fuel and oil filler area is now covered by a single rectangular hatch):
(https://s5.postimg.cc/am6l3dkab/Kh_T-130_Top_View.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/am6l3dkab/)

KhT-133 / OT-133 (produced 1940-1941) (271 built)
   How to recognize:
      Based on the single-turret T-26 Model 1939, with the turret moved to the right side
      Conical turret had 1 round and 1 rectangular hatch on top
      Had two small, circular, flat fuel-filler caps on left side of upper superstructure.
•   All had a short-barreled KS-25 flame-thrower in the turret
•   Many were missing the coaxial DT MG in the turret
•   Some had a DT MG in a ball mount in the rear of the turret

In the T-26 Flamer image, this tank is in the middle and improperly labeled the KhT-130 (OT-130). It is shown again as the far right tank in the third image (T-26 M38/M39).  However, this is NOT a KhT-134. It should be labeled in both images as the KhT-133 (OT-133).

Here is the top view of a KhT-133 (built on the M39 hull - note the taller and wider superstructure):
(https://s5.postimg.cc/gzvo6nk1f/Kh_T-133_Top_View.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/gzvo6nk1f/)

The actual KhT-134 (OT-134) was a variation which kept the 45mm gun in the turret, and placed the flamer barrel centered in the front hull (where the front plate and the top plate join).  Only two prototypes were built (but they did see combat). 

So of the three flamer tanks shown in the first image, the left KhT-26 looks great, the center one (which is labeled KhT-130 and should be labeled KhT-133) looks great. And the one on the far right should be labeled the KhT-130, and it was built using the wrong superstructure. When built using the correct superstructure, the two small, round FLAT fuel-filler caps should be domed and not flat (like someone cut a grapefruit in half and laid it down on each cap). Easy enough to fix that with putty.

I have some issues with the regular T-26 tanks shown in the images, but I will save that for another post.  Overall though, the multi-version kit looks wonderful!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ripley on June 30, 2018, 06:23:52 am
Wow lots of info to look over , thanks for your effort . I think Rubicon might have bit off a little more than they can handle on this 9 in 1 tank kit , but I really give them top marks for trying . Like most multi kits,  I think the builder is going to have to do a little research on exactly what parts he needs for the vehicle he wants to build . In no way do I see this as a shake and bake kit . I have already started to pre plan my builds by picking up the T-26 book from WWP . I'm really looking forward to 2 or 3 of these . And I think you might be able to build a FF and use the left over tank type hull and turret as a dug in pill box as seem in many early war eastern front photos
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: tyroflyer on June 30, 2018, 10:30:09 am
Nice job EWG. If you have some info on conventional T-26's you want to share with Rubicon you might want to be quick. I suspect they must be close to finalising this one.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on June 30, 2018, 01:20:08 pm
I suspect it is already finalized. If they remembered to fit an extra MG onto the sprue somewhere so we can do the twin-turret MG version of the T-26, then that will make me very happy. Of the 2,035 twin-turret versions built, 1,588 were twin MGs. Only 447 were the 37mm gun and MG turrets.

I think the kit is fantastic. There will always be little things that are not quite right, depending on which version of the tank you want to represent. For example, the earliest versions of the hull had no transmission hatch on the top, front plate. So a really early twin-turret would not have one.  But later models did. I am staring at what "should" be a twin-turret photo, where they removed one turret and went with the flame-thrower, and there is a transmission hatch right there. Caption says this is a 1935 hull.  And I suspect that when these older ones went in for servicing, they very well may have (must have?) cut into that plate to create a hatch, because I have seen photos of twin turret hulls that DO have that access hatch.

I think the incorrect build of the KhT-130 was just someone not using the proper flamer superstructure part. I was not expecting Rubicon to provide one with flat fuel caps, and one with domed fuel caps. But from what I can tell of the sprues, all three major flame-throwing variants can be built.

As my forum name suggests, I focus on early war, and my favorite EW Soviet tank is the T-26. So I have a number of good books on that one, and have tracked down lots of info off the web (photos, diagrams, build info, etc).  I did a TON of reading, and pouring over photos and diagrams, to come up with my own "How to recognize" notes.  For my own use, I also captured drawings and color images to help me determione what it is I am looking at when I see a photo of a T-26.  Naturally, I cannot upload those photos here.

Refgarding some of the books I have used, of note:

T-26 Light Tanks (Osprey - S. Zaloga) - Great info, including production numbers that get in the ballpark
Light Tanks (Ian Allen - M. Baryatinskiy) - Great info, including some production numbers
T-26 Variants (WWP - M. Barric & M. Collins) - Mostly photos

In addition, some useful info was found in:

Red Army Tanks of World War II (Amber - T. Bean & W. Fowler) - Good background info
Russian Tanks of World War II (Amber - S. Hart) - Great color images, brief but good info

And then we have these:
T-26 (in Russian, which I cannot read, but the photos have captions in English, and the blueprints and color drawings are fantastic)
 - Cover shows a green twin turret T-26 heading to the right. Layout is like a Squadron "Walk-Around" series (wider than it is tall)
T-29 Vol 1 (Tank Power series 193) - in Polish (I believe), but captions are summarized in English.
 - Lots of mostly clear B&W photos, and the blueprint drawings are great. Production tables. A lot of good stuff packed in these 96 pages
 - English summary of entire book is packed into 5 pages at the end. There are 24 nice color side drawings (3 per page, 8 pages worth)
T-26 Vol 2 (Tank Power series 197), entire book is in Polish on one side, and English on the other. Photos captioned in both languages
 - Some excellent sketches of various areas of the vehicles, with numbered call-outs explaining what this or that was for. Excellent info.
T-26 Vol 3 (Tank Power series 214) - In Polish with English captions. This volume is all about flame-throwing tanks and other variants
 -  If you are interested in modelling some of the lesser know (and little produced) variants, this is a great volume for the drawings
 - A mere two-page English summary at the end. Maybe 12 color side drawings of the variants. Nice to have.

I will take the time to organize my notes and then post something regarding the regular T-26 variants. Perhaps some will find it helpful?
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 30, 2018, 03:46:31 pm
Thanks for the information,  I look forward to seeing what you post.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ripley on June 30, 2018, 09:40:38 pm
Thank you for the list of books . Always looking for more great books . I;m thinking of getting this one , I have a KV II book by the same author Maxim Kolomiets , all in Russian but great pictures and diagrams ( some show up in Tank Power KV books ), have you seen this one and if so is it worth the $ 
(https://s33.postimg.cc/u9hyfmuez/t-26-tyazhelaya-sudba-legkogo-tanka-maksim-kolomiets.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/u9hyfmuez/)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 01, 2018, 12:14:41 am
I have that one as well, but didn't list it. Yes, lots (and LOTS) of photos and diagrams in that one. But not a word in English.  Weighs in at over 150 pages. It appears to cover every variant, not just regular tanks and flamers, but every prototype and offshoot that was produced! Also has some sketches of various locations on the tank, which is helpful too.

Not sure if this will work (I have never uploaded a photo before) but if you can track this one down, I would recommend it:

(https://s5.postimg.cc/fb4hy4jhf/T-26_Book_Cover.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/fb4hy4jhf/)

The back cover is in English, and it says "Frontline Illustration".

It has many of the same photos, in almost the same order as the book above. And the diagrams are identical (same source). Also covers the other variants of the T-26 (not just flamers and regular tanks).  Just not as many photos. No sketches.  Author of this one appears to be the same as the book you listed (I recognize just enough of the cyrillic alphabet to think it says Maxim Kolomiets). This one is "only" about 80 pages, but the photos have captions in English, which is super helpful.

For example, there was a nice set of 3 photos of a very early T-26 twin-turret in both. Russian caption in the book you listed. The English caption in the book above said "One of the first Vikkers 6-ton tanks, that arrived in the USSR,  is at the military warehouse No 3, Spring 1932.  The vehicle is armed with 7,71 mm Vikkers machine guns."  Which is super handy to know, because the MGs do NOT look like the ones we usually see in photos. I was trying to figure out what variant this tank was, and then I got this book, saw the photos, read the caption, and now know it was a Vickers. 

So I have both (because, um ... yeah). When I want to look for photos or track down more pictures of one of the lesser-known variants, I check the one you listed. When I want to know what the caption might say, I hope that photo is in the one I listed, and check that one.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ripley on July 01, 2018, 04:07:48 am
That's good to know , thank you . A lot of the Eastern European Tank /Weapons  books seem to be reproduced ( copied ) by 2 or 3 different book companies with a variety of changes ( more / less - pictures /drawings )  , but its the captions in English that really sell it to me . I'll be tracking that one down . Well , after some checking I find that one's out of print at the moment , although the other book in this series about SPG types and one offs is still available . Time to be checking my favorite  used book sites  I guess , better pack a lunch as I'll be there all day  ::)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 03:10:09 am
Continuing on with my detailed analysis of the Rubicon T-26 kit, and comparing that to the analysis and research I have conducted, here is what I have regarding the T-26 M31 (twin turret) model:

Smaller elements that change from version to version are shown in italics.

For reference: I am looking at the photo Rubicon uploaded on Page 6 of this forum, showing three hulls, and a bunch of turrets.

T-26 Model 1931 (aka T-26A)(produced Aug 1931-1933) (2,035 built)
   How to recognize:
      Two cylindrical turrets,
      Horn mounted on upper hull, left side, front corner
      Large rectangular jack mounted on right side of rear deck
      Light mounted on front plate, near center, no folding armored covering
      Rubber road wheels

      Hull and turrets were of riveted construction
      No hatch on left-front hull to access transmission
      Two small, round oil and gas caps (right-rear deck)
      Air exhaust cover (left-rear of tank) was added starting in April 1932
      Muffler attached with 3 clamps (instead of 2) starting in April 1932
•   Most were armed with a DT M-29 7.62 MG in each turret (1,588 accepted)
•   Some were armed with a PS-1 Model 1928 37mm gun in the right turret (447 accepted)

The Rubicon kit includes everything necessary to build the M31 in both configurations (if they remembered to get a second turret MG on the sprue).

If you want to be extra picky, you have three possible changes to make:

#1 - The headlight. The M31 (when built during 1931-1933) had the light, without any armor around it, mounted on the center of the front superstructure plate. In later years, some had their light replaced with the armored version, and moved to the top of the front plate. The soviets learned some valuable combat lessons with the T-26 in Spain (1936-1939), Lake Khasan (1938) and Khalkhin Gol (1939).  Moving the headlight, and having a folding, armored cover for it was one such lesson.  If you are more concerned with the German invasion in 1941, feel free to go with the armored headlight.

#2 - The transmission access hatch. This is the hatch on the top of the front hull. This hatch did not exist in any form during construction of the M31.  You could file/sand that area down and fill in any groves with putty if you really wanted an early M31.  But these vehicles went in for servicing on a routine basis, and there are photos showing that in later years, an access hatch has been added to some early hulls. So you can keep the hatch if you don't want to bother with extra modeling.

#3 - The fuel and oil caps.  The main top hull that Rubicon provides shows a single elongated rectangular access hatch in the right, rear corner of the back deck. That was a subtle change introduced in the late M33 model deck. Prior to that, there were two round caps, one for fuel, and one for oil. I have not seen any photo evidence that earlier hulls were ever retrofitted with the new rectangular access hatch. So if you want your M31 to be more accurate in later years, a bit of modeling is needed.

For reference, here is a top diagram showing the T-26 M31.

(https://s5.postimg.cc/v2d07i2hv/T-26_M31_Top_View.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/v2d07i2hv/)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 03:37:23 am
Continuing on with my detailed analysis of the Rubicon T-26 kit, and comparing that to the analysis and research I have conducted, here is what I have regarding the T-26 M33 (cylindrical turret) model:

Note that officially, only three models of the T-26 were produced: Model 1931 (twin turret), Model 1933 (single turret), and Model 1939 (up-armored).  But there were stages during the development and production of the Model 1933 with clear differences which allow us to "tag" additional sub-versions. I have done so in the post which follows.

T-26 Model 1933 (produced Jul 1933-1936) (1,735 built)
   How to recognize:
      One redesigned cylindrical turret with two side-by-side rectangular hatches on top
         Note: Earliest version of redesigned turret had a single, centered, rectangular hatch on top
      Horn still mounted on upper hull, left side, front corner
      Large rectangular jack eventually replaced with small round jack in same location
      Light eventually repositioned to top of front hull, surrounded by folding armored covering
      Spare road wheels now carried on rear deck
      Hull and turret were mostly riveted (in 1933), and a mix of riveted and/or welded (by 1936)
      Small hatch on left-front hull to access transmission
      Two small, round caps eventually replaced by one rectangular oil and gas access hatch (1935+)

•   All were armed with a Model 1932 45mm L/46 20K cannon, and one coaxial DT MG
•   Some late model builds (1935+) had another DT MG in a ball mount on the turret rear
•   Some late model builds (1936) also had a DT MG mounted on the turret roof for AA purposes

T-26RT Model 1933 Radio Tank (produced 1933-1936) (1,127 built)
   How to recognize:
      Identical to Model 1933, with a horseshoe antenna around turret top
•   All were armed with a Model 1932 45mm L/46 20K cannon, and one coaxial DT MG
•   Some late model builds (1935+) had another DT MG in a ball mount to the rear of the turret
•   Some late model builds (1936) also had a DT MG mounted on the turret roof for AA purposes

The Rubicon picture shows the proper M33 turret, and next to it, what they label an M35 turret.  That is (in my opinion) an error. That is still an M33 turret (cylindrical turret with two side-by-side rectangle hatches on top). It just has the radio antenna making it the RT version.  It also has searchlights. The M33 (when using the M33, M36 and M38 tags) was not built with searchlights.  That did not happen until the M36 version.  But the kit does allow for the building of the most common M33 version.

Why do I say "most common"? Well, the very, very earliest production introduced the new cylindrical turret, but it had only one square hatch on top. This was quickly dropped and replaced with an identical turret but with two square hatches on top. Other than those very first tanks rolling off the assembly line, the vast majority of M33 tanks had the two square-hatch turret.

For comparison, here is the very early production single square hatch top view of the T-26 M33:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/sl190olar/T-26_M33_Early_Turret_1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/sl190olar/)

And here is the much more common early-to-mid production two square hatch top view of the T-26 M33:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/ercwbn0f7/T-26_M33_Early-_Mid_Turret_2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ercwbn0f7/)

You will note that in both cases, the fuel and oil caps in the right rear are still separate, and round. You will also note that while there is a transmission access hatch on the top front plate, it is not the version that Rubicon includes with their model kit.

And that is because there was one more enhancement made during the T-26 M33 production series, during the 1935-1936 time frame, as shown here:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/5kulo4pz7/T-26_M33_Late_Turret_3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5kulo4pz7/)

We have finally arrived at the top hull that Rubicon provides in the kit. Note the transmission access hatch and the new rectangular access hatch in the right rear for the oil and gas.

So ... while we cannot build the very early M33 (because of the turret), we can build the early M33, the mid M33 and the late M33. And no mods are needed for the late M33.  For the early and mid production versions, we have the transmission access hatch and fuel and oil filler cap issues as noted in the prior post.

Searchlights were NOT built on any M33 models at the factory during initial construction. But they were added to some models during later retrofit sessions, so they can be included without issue (especially if you are building one for 1941).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 03:49:16 am
Continuing on with the T-26 M36 (cylindrical turret) model:

T-26 Model 1936 (produced 1936-1937) (447 built)
   How to recognize:
      One redesigned cylindrical turret with 1 round and 1 square hatch on top
      Small round jack now standard, mounted on right side of rear deck
      Horn repositioned, now standard, mounted to the left of the light on the front plate
      Light now standard, mounted on top of front hull, surrounded by folding armored covering
      Rectangular oil and gas access hatch (right-rear deck) now standard, replaces two small, round caps

      Tool boxes frequently found in center of left and right track guards, by turret superstructure
      New steel road wheels
      Hull and turret now a mix of riveted and/or welded construction
      Larger hatch on left-front hull to access transmission
•   All were armed with a Model 1934 45mm L/46 20K cannon, and one coaxial DT MG
•   Most were armed with a second DT MG (ball mount on turret rear) (starting in 1936)
•   Most were armed with a third DT MG (turret top for AA purposes) (starting in 1936)
•   Some featured searchlights (starting in 1937) (every 5th vehicle)

T-26RT Model 1936 (produced 1936-1937) (1,376 built)
   How to recognize:
      Identical to Model 1936, with a horseshoe antenna around turret top
•   All were armed with a Model 1934 45mm L/46 20K cannon, and one coaxial DT MG
•   Most were armed with a second DT MG (ball mount on turret rear) (starting in 1936)
•   Most were armed with a third DT MG (turret top for AA purposes) (starting in 1937)
•   Some featured searchlights (starting in 1937) (every 5th vehicle)

The Rubicon kit does not include this turret at all. Which is unfortunate. The difference is that while the turret is the same size and shape (cylindrical) like the M33 turret, the M36 turret has one round hatch on one side, and one square hatch on the other.  Close to what you see on the top of the M38 conical turret.

So technically, you cannot build a T-26 M36 at all (unless you do some modeling).

I wish I had spotted this much sooner. I would have brought this to the attention of Rubicon. All they needed was one additional turret top piece on a sprue somewhere, and we would have the M36 model!

Here is a top view showing the change in the turret of the T-26 M36:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/lyel72vs3/T-26_M36_Turret_4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lyel72vs3/)

So the only way to build an M36 version is to model the top of the turret (specifically the two hatches).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 03:58:04 am
Next up, the T-26 M38 (conical turret) model.

T-26 Model 1938 (produced 1938-1939) (472 built)
   How to recognize:
      One redesigned conical turret with 1 round and 1 rectangular hatch on top
      Spare track and spring now carried with spare road wheels on rear deck
•   All were armed with a Model 1938 45mm 20K cannon
•   All were armed with two DT MGs (coaxial and turret roof for AA purposes)
•   Few were armed with a third DT MG (ball mount on turret rear)
 
T-26RT Model 1938 Radio Tank (produced 1938-1939) (891 built)
   How to recognize:
      Identical to Model 1938, with a horseshoe antenna around turret top
•   All were armed with a Model 1938 45mm 20K cannon
•   All were armed with two DT MGs (coaxial and turret roof for AA purposes)
•   Few were armed with a third DT MG (ball mount in rear of turret)

The Rubicon kit has all the right parts for the M38.  But if you want to build a proper M38 do NOT use the superstructure shown in the picture (see page 6) on the far right. Use the superstructure shown in the middle of that picture. The M38 used the same superstructure as the M33/M36 models.

Here is a top view of the T-26 M38:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/9wj7d3evn/T-26_M38_Turret_5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9wj7d3evn/)

Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 04:49:32 am
Finally, we have the T-26 M39 (conical turret) model.

T-26 Model 1939 (produced 1939-1940) (1,538 built without radio) (493 build with radio)
   How to recognize:
      One conical turret (same as Model 1938)
      Larger redesigned superstructure with sloped sides extending over track guards
      Different mix and placement of spares, tools and accessories attached to the hull.
      Whip antenna now used for all radios.
      Air intake for engine now protected by rounded (rumble seat) shield.
      Increased armor.
•   All were armed with a Model 1938 45mm 20K cannon
•   All were armed with one DT MGs (coaxial)
•   Some were armed with a second DT MGs (ball mount in rear of turret)

This last model is the one that uses the taller, wider superstructure (shown to the far right in the Rubicon photo on page 6).  Note that in the Rubicon picture, they have label an M-39 turret with the antenna around it. That is wrong. By the M39 version, they had moved to a whip antenna. So that is really an M38 with a horseshoe antenna on it.

Here is the top view of the M39:
(https://s5.postimg.cc/mpbwqt5lf/T-26_M39_Turret_6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/mpbwqt5lf/)

There was one more variant known as the T-26E (or T-26S) which was built by bolting on additional armor plates to earlier versions of the T-26.  They did this to M33, M36, M38 and M39 models.  The plates were added to the very front of the hull, the front and both sides of the superstructure, and all around the turret. Only 80 were built, and they were initially sent off to fight the Finnish, but some were still around when Germany invaded.  The Rubicon kit does not include additional plates of armor we can use, so we cannot accurately built this version. But we can model it with some work.

The easiest one to do would be this welded one (using flat, not curved plates, and no bolts). This is a T-26S (of an M39 - note the larger superstructure):
(https://s5.postimg.cc/6sd4u5icz/T-26_S_M38_Turret.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6sd4u5icz/)

Still, in the end, we have all the bits to build the M31 (both turret armament configurations), M33, M33RT, M38, M38RT and M39, along with the KhT-26, KhT-130 and KhT-133. That is 10 separate builds!

With some work, the M33 turret can be changed into the M36 and M36RT, giving us two more builds.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 02, 2018, 07:04:09 pm
We have to thank EWG for his research work on the T-26, the Russian books are particularly useful and we have used them for references as well.

When we first published the initial line drawings and then the TS1 plastic models, our painters are very confused because there are just too many possible variants in a single kit from that two and a half sprues.  We did notice there are "labelling" errors but was too late to correct them after posting.  Here is a summary of what you can build with our T-26 kit:

- M31 with twin MG
- M31 with MG and 37mm gun

- M33
- M33 Command (Radio Tank)

- M38
- M38 Command
- M39

- KhT-26 Flamer Tank
- KhT-130 Flamer Tank
- KhT-133 Flamer Tank

That's a total of 10 variants!  We are currently in the last or second last test shot in mould making.  Hopefully will get the T-26 released before Christmas!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: tyroflyer on July 02, 2018, 09:08:04 pm
Wonderful contribution EWG. I will be referencing what you've had to say here when building mine.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 02, 2018, 11:05:15 pm
I am super tickled with the T-26 kit, and know what a pain it was to research! It didn't help that officially, there were only three versions of the tank: M31, M33 and M39.  I was running into captions and descriptions of the M33 that didn't match up with other photos and details I had noted. Took me a while before I found the differences and realized there was an M33, an M36 and an M38 (and the M33 could be further divided into a very early, early-mid, and late production turret and hull sub-division).

I mean, there was a nice photo showing a bunch of M33's on parade, and they all had two square hatches on top ... except one, that had a single, centered square hatch.  Where did that come from?  Eventually stumbled upon a reference to the very first turret design, which they scrapped almost immediately in favor of two square hatches. But a small number of turrets had already been made, so they used them.

Had to track down when the combat lights became a thing. Had to track down when they added the MG on top for AA. When they phased in (and mostly phased out) the MG on the back of the turret.

The one turret top that your kit doesn't have should be easy enough to model with thin sheets of plastic.

Your kit allows 10 freaking builds! That is amazing right there.  I will be getting a minimum of three kits: one for a twin-turret M31 (building three turrets, so I can swap out one with an MG for one with a cannon, giving me two tanks. One for an M33RT (cylindrical turret, and because horseshoe antennas are cool). And one for an M39 (conical turret).  That means I will have TWO extra cylindrical turret top pieces not in use. And I will model one of those to be an M36 just for the heck of it. Might get a fourth kit so I can use that, and mount some combat lights on it as well.

An amazing kit for my favorite Soviet tank!  You will hear no complaints from me!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Variant Summary 180712
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 12, 2018, 04:56:46 pm
Thanks for EWG further research and comments from other members, we have finally revised our summary guide for our T-26 kit.
Please feel free to update and comment on the subject.  We would like this to be as accurate as possible:

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T-26%20Variant%20Guide%20180712-1_zpsnw3grhfu.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Variant Summary 180712
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on July 13, 2018, 08:45:10 am
I see a horn on the KhT-130. I don't remember seeing a horn provided on the sprue photos. Happy if you did provide a horn, but understandable if you did not. But if you did not, no point in showing it on one kit.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Variant Summary 180712
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 13, 2018, 12:41:38 pm
I see a horn on the KhT-130. I don't remember seeing a horn provided on the sprue photos. Happy if you did provide a horn, but understandable if you did not. But if you did not, no point in showing it on one kit.

It's included on one of the sprues... ;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Variant Summary 180712
Post by: tyroflyer on July 16, 2018, 07:24:27 am
Rubicon's approach to the T-26 is evidence of it being the gold standard in 1/56 scale vehicle models.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: WeRT on July 16, 2018, 09:40:21 pm
We are currently in the last or second last test shot in mould making.  Hopefully will get the T-26 released before Christmas!

Q3 Maybe?
I really need 3 to stop those damn IJA in Khalkhin Gol & Germans during Operation Barbarossa.
 >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - Revised TS2 Sprue C 180522
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 16, 2018, 10:02:51 pm
We are currently in the last or second last test shot in mould making.  Hopefully will get the T-26 released before Christmas!

Q3 Maybe?
I really need 3 to stop those damn IJA in Khalkhin Gol & Germans during Operation Barbarossa.
 >:( >:( >:(
My count is four T26  for Tank War (versus the three Panzer 38(t)s).
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Decal Sheet 180818
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 18, 2018, 07:44:23 pm
Not having time to post much lately because of everyone at the studio is busy finalising all related material for our Q3/18 releases.
Here is the preliminary decal sheet design for the T-26 using our standard size format:

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Waterslide%20Decals/Soviet%20Light%20Tank%20180818-1_zpsa2smfklx.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Decal Sheet 180818
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on August 18, 2018, 11:05:48 pm
Very Nice!
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Decal Sheet 180818
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 18, 2018, 11:35:56 pm
Lots of options.
Title: Re: T-26 Soviet Light Infantry Tank - T-26 Decal Sheet 180818
Post by: ripley on August 19, 2018, 07:06:31 am
Very nice