Trumpeter T-80BV
Fictional Chernarus Defense Force

I'm working on my 2nd tank model which is the Trumpeter T-80BV in 1:35 scale.

I may end up doing some scratch building and possibly grabbing some aftermarket parts that I'll be sure to tag when if/when that happens.

The plan is to create a T-80 that's lightly based on the Chernarus Defense Forces from the game Arma2. I figured it would be a fun tank to build as I wouldn't really be stuck creating based on any real world example, so I can make it as beat up as I want and paint it however I want, while also making it complement the T-55 I created that was based on the "Chernarussian Movement of the Red Star" that was also in the game.

* Edit (08-18-25): Maybe putting dates on this will cause me to move a little faster. I've finally started getting to a point where I can start assembling the main hull...eventually. One thing I was hoping to do with this model compared to my previous Tamiya T-55 was to do more actual custom detail work. I'm working on re-doing as much of the conduit runs and various wire runs around the tank exterior as I can. Grab handles, the distinct conduit around the front of the T-series tanks, cable runs from the turret to the various sensors and lights, that kind of stuff.
So far I've been using various sizes of brass cable for the handles and that kind of thing, with brass sheet to create the the parts that lock down the handles. Then for the conduit along the front of the tank I made using some really handy tubing from Albion Alloys. I haven't managed to track down any specific measurements, but I tried gauging from pictures, and assumed the conduit itself was roughly an inch or so across, so I figured that in scale it would be ~.5mm, and luckily, I was able to grab some aluminum tubing from Albion Alloys in that size range.
The stuff cuts really easily, with my just needing to measure it out and then roll it around under an x-acto knife blade until it cuts through cleanly. It bends pretty easily, and looks the part on the model. Downside is, it's a bit annoying to get, since you only get about 12" of each size (though you do get 4 different sizes) so with shipping, it's a bit pricey, but it's hard to beat how good it looks and how much nicer it is to work with than solder or brass wire which has it's own sets of problems.
Anyhow, I'll try and throw some progress pictures up soon and keep the updates coming.