Name: Russian PT-76 Amphibious Tank (mod. 1951) 1:35 Model Kit by Trumpeter
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: TRU00379
Price: 33.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Russian PT-76 Amphibious Tank (mod. 1951) 1:35 Model Kit by Trumpeter

£33.99

Model Features

1:35 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the Soviet PT-76 Amphibious Tank Model 1951, one of the first purpose-built amphibious light tanks developed by the Soviet Union
Detailed representation of the early production PT-76 fitted with the distinctive 76.2mm D-56T main gun
Accurately reproduced turret with detailed gun mantlet, commander’s cupola, and turret fittings
Detailed amphibious hull featuring realistic armour plates, weld lines, and surface textures
Includes detailed water propulsion system components for the vehicle’s amphibious capability
Accurately reproduced suspension system with detailed road wheels, drive sprockets, and idler wheels
Detailed running gear and track assemblies
Includes realistic external fittings, tow cables, tools, and vehicle equipment
Features fine surface detailing created using advanced moulding techniques
Includes photo-etched parts for enhanced scale realism
Includes copper wire and twine for additional vehicle details
Rubber tracks included for ease of assembly
Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic Soviet and Warsaw Pact markings
Ideal for Cold War Soviet armour collections, reconnaissance vehicle displays, or Vietnam War diorama projects.

Specifications

Brand: Trumpeter
Scale: 1:35
Subject: Soviet PT-76 Amphibious Tank Model 1951
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit Number: 00379
Vehicle Type: Amphibious Light Tank / Reconnaissance Vehicle
Crew: 3
Main Armament: 76.2mm D-56T rifled gun
Track Type: Rubber tracks included
Photo-Etched Parts: Included
Parts: Approximately 176 parts
Model Length: Approximately 215.7mm
Model Width: Approximately 90.2mm
Model Height: Approximately 78mm

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Detailed upper and lower hull components
PT-76 turret assembly
76.2mm D-56T gun components
Suspension and running gear parts
Rubber track sections
Amphibious propulsion components
External tools and vehicle equipment
Photo-etched detail parts
Copper wire and twine
Waterslide decal sheet with Soviet and Warsaw Pact markings
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The PT-76 Amphibious Tank, officially designated Floating Tank-76, was a Soviet light amphibious tank developed during the early years of the Cold War. Designed to provide reconnaissance and fire support capabilities for Soviet armoured formations, the PT-76 combined mobility on land with the unique ability to cross rivers and other water obstacles without specialist bridging equipment.

Development of the PT-76 began in the late 1940s as the Soviet Army sought a modern replacement for earlier reconnaissance tanks and amphibious vehicles. The design was intended to support armoured units by providing battlefield reconnaissance, infantry support, and the ability to operate in areas where water obstacles would restrict conventional armoured vehicles.

The first production vehicles entered service with the Soviet Army in 1951, giving the PT-76 its early production designation. The vehicle was built around a lightweight, fully welded hull that provided natural buoyancy, allowing it to swim using water jets mounted at the rear of the vehicle.

The PT-76 was armed with the 76.2mm D-56T rifled gun, mounted in a small two-man turret. While the weapon was relatively light compared with those fitted to contemporary medium tanks, it provided sufficient firepower for reconnaissance missions and engagement of lightly armoured targets.

One of the PT-76’s greatest advantages was its amphibious capability. The vehicle could enter water directly from the shore and propel itself using water jets, allowing Soviet forces to cross rivers and lakes rapidly during offensive operations. This capability was especially valuable in regions with extensive waterways and difficult terrain.

Powered by a V-6 diesel engine, the PT-76 was lightweight and highly mobile. Its low ground pressure allowed it to operate effectively in muddy terrain, marshlands, and areas where heavier tanks would struggle. This made it particularly useful for reconnaissance and infantry support missions.

The PT-76 became a standard reconnaissance vehicle within Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces and was widely exported to allied nations. It saw service with numerous countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including significant combat use during the Vietnam War, where its amphibious ability and mobility proved valuable in difficult terrain.

During the Vietnam War, North Vietnamese forces used PT-76 tanks in several engagements, including the famous Battle of Lang Vei in 1968, where they supported attacks against fortified positions. The vehicle’s ability to move through rivers, swamps, and jungle environments made it well suited to the conditions of Southeast Asia.

Although lightly armoured compared with main battle tanks, the PT-76’s strengths were its speed, versatility, and ability to perform missions beyond the capability of many conventional armoured vehicles. Later versions introduced improvements such as better fire-control equipment and NBC protection, but the original Model 1951 remains an important early Cold War armoured vehicle.

Thousands of PT-76 tanks were produced, and many remained in service for decades due to their reliability and unique amphibious design. Its distinctive appearance, unusual operational role, and widespread use make it a popular subject among military modellers.

For modellers, the PT-76 Model 1951 offers an excellent Cold War-era subject with its unique hull shape, amphibious equipment, and historical connection to conflicts across the world.