7TP Single Row 1:72 First To Fight PL026

Plastic military model kit: 7TP Single-Turret 1:72 First To Fight PL026

The 7TP Single-Turret plastic model kit in 1:72 scale from First To Fight is an excellent proposition for history and modeling enthusiasts who want to recreate one of the most important Polish light tanks from World War II. The 7TP tank, developed from the British Vickers E, was one of the cornerstones of Polish armored forces during the defensive war of 1939.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: First To Fight
• Catalog number: PL026
• Material: Plastic
• Version: Single-turret

History of the 7TP tank:

The 7TP tank, meaning "seven-ton, Polish," was one of the most modern light tanks of its time. Its design was based on the British Vickers E tank, for which Poland purchased the license during the interwar period. Production of the 7TP began in 1935, and the tank was distinguished by the use of a diesel engine, which was an innovative solution at that time. The diesel engine, compared to the commonly used gasoline engines, had lower flammability, which increased crew safety.

The single-turret version of the 7TP was armed with a 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun, making it effective in combat against contemporary German light tanks, such as the PzKpfw I and II, and it could also face medium tanks PzKpfw III and IV. The 7TP tank was also equipped with a reversible periscope designed by Rudolf Gundlach, allowing the crew to observe the battlefield in a 360-degree range, which was a unique solution at that time.

Production and use:

The production of the 7TP tanks was carried out by the State Engineering Works in Ursus. By the outbreak of the war, approximately 132-134 tanks had been produced, most of which were single-turret versions. These tanks were used in the Polish armed forces during the September campaign of 1939. Despite their limited numbers, the 7TP was valued for its combat properties and modern technical solutions.

Reconstruction and heritage:

Unfortunately, no complete example of the 7TP tank has survived to this day. At the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw, only fragments of the chassis and turret can be seen. In 2006, a group of military technology enthusiasts from Bielsko-Biała began the reconstruction of the tank based on preserved plans and parts. This process was successfully completed in 2011, and the reconstructed tank was purchased by the Polish Army Museum in 2017.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and glue for plastic models (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.