7TP Two-Tower Light Tank 1:72 First To Fight PL032

Plastic model kit: 7TP Twin-Turret Light Tank 1:72 First To Fight PL032

We present a plastic model kit of the Polish light tank 7TP in the twin-turret version, in 1:72 scale, from the renowned company First To Fight. This detailed model kit allows you to recreate one of the most important armored vehicles of the Polish Army during World War II.

Model details:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: First To Fight
• Catalog number: PL032

History of the 7TP tank:

The 7TP tank, whose full name is "seven-ton, Polish," was one of the key elements of the Polish armored forces during the defensive war in 1939. Its design was an extension of the British Vickers E tank, for which Poland purchased the license in the interwar period. Production of the 7TP tank began in 1935, and its innovation lay in the use of a diesel engine, making it one of the first tanks in the world with such a drive. The diesel engine was less flammable than the gasoline engines commonly used at the time, which increased the crew's safety.

The twin-turret version was the first production variant before the decision was made to produce a more advanced single-turret version with a 37 mm Bofors anti-tank gun. In total, about 132-134 7TP tanks were produced before the outbreak of the war, of which 25 were twin-turret versions.

Distinctive features:

The 7TP tank stood out among other armored vehicles of that period due to several innovative solutions. It was equipped with a reversible periscope designed by Rudolf Gundlach, which allowed the crew to observe the battlefield in a 360-degree range. The twin-turret version was also equipped with an RKBc radio station, and later with a more modern 2N/C variant, enabling communication over a distance of up to 25 km.

In terms of armor, the 7TP was only inferior to newer German medium tanks, such as the PzKpfw III E and PzKpfw IV B-C, which were significantly heavier. The armament of the 7TP tank was comparable to most contemporary tanks, making it effective in combat against German light and medium tanks.

Service and application:

The 7TP tanks were used in the September campaign of 1939 as part of several units of the Polish Army, including the 1st and 2nd Light Tank Battalions and the Light Tank Company of the Warsaw Defense Command. Despite their limited numbers, these tanks played a significant role in retreat and defensive battles, and their crews demonstrated great courage and determination.

After the September campaign, some 7TP tanks were captured by the German army and used for occupation purposes. Based on the 7TP tank, the C7P artillery tractor was also developed, and there were plans to create a heavier version, the 9TP.

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