The Soviet T-72 tank went into production in 1971 and was designed as a mass production tank to complement in service much more complicated and advance T-64 tank (which was never exported) in service with Russian Army and for export.  Production of T-72 and its variants ended several years ago with over 20,000 built at four Soviet plants as well in Poland, Czechoslovakia and T-72M1 in India and Iraq.  It was also produced in former Yugoslavia as M-84 that was different to T-72 in a number of respects.  Export and licensed variants usually didn’t have all the sophisticated equipment of Soviet originals.

Although fast, durable, and potent with its 125mm gun, the T-72 proved no match for the U.S. Abrams Battle Tanks or British Challenger II Battle Tanks, which simply slaughtered Iraqi armored force.  Though it is very important to remember that Abrams tank went into production 10 and Challenger II 20 years after T-72 and obviously are tanks of a different generation that are much more advance in any aspects.   With a lack of air defense Iraqi tanks became an easy target for Apache Helicopters and A-10 “Thunderbolt II” plane.

First four models that are currently available for sale (Sherman, Churchill, Abrams and T-72) are mostly die cast with small plastic parts, unlike its competitor Dragon Armor series that are mostly plastic with some die cast parts.   It appears to be well-detailed models; all four models have permanently attached tank commander figures.   Models have metal antennas; 360 degree rotating turret with elevating guns and movable tracks (unlike practically all Dragon Armor models), which made of black color rubber or rubber like plastic.

• Type of Model:  Assembled Diecast Model
• Scale:  1:72 Scale
• Product Attributes:  High Quality, Detailed, Accurate to Scale, Painted and Weathered
• Features Include:  Commander to direct the Battle, Tank Tracks roll along the working suspension, Turret turns and the Main Gun elevates to engage
  

Authentically designed with amazing detail! This model replica realistically depicts the military vehicle that fought in the Iraqi Freedom Campaign (Baghdad, 2003). Precision engineering in die cast and plastic. Authentic paint scheme and realistic weathering. Working treads and rotating turret. Elevating 125mm gun. As a collector I was very pleased with addition of these four models to my personal collection and will recommend it to fellow collectors.

Here are the list of T-72 diecast tank for sale on eBay.