The MiniArt kit is great and represents a Czchoslovakian made vehicle. It also includes the mod to the cupola for the mg.
I think that I have a extra scalloped exhaust covers and horn from the RFM kit.
They are yours if you like.
Really appreciate the offer, got the RFM kit myself for the T-34/122 and they come as spares. And I dont need them for this build. Many thanks though, very kind of you.
Here is a Syrian example of soviet manufacture.
I think this is from the guy I mentioned.
Replacement track, 1/25:
https://shop.1-25saf.com/product_info.php?cPath=34_38&language=en&sort=1a&products_id=113&ceid=b61b2c06d3093380559256e8c553c7a6
Starfish wheels, 1/25:
https://shop.1-25saf.com/product_info.php?products_id=1204
With the current zloty conversion rate the T-34 kit is $87.50. Not bad at all compared to eBay prices.
As the glue is setting on the Academy tracks I started the Dragon kit.
Went for the turret, it was an easy assembly. Added the welds from stretched sprue. The only thing missing is the details at the back, I am trying to source some stowage for this post war soviet T-34.
I have mixed feelings about the Academy plastic, soft and nice to work with (was expecting a brittle plastic because of the added black colour). Sink marks on every link with a guide tooth (seriously a big disappointment) and I had to drill the holes too. They fit great if you dry fit and test and take care not to glue the sprockets in place, really helps adjusting the tracks in the correct position.
The Dragon turret fits the Academy ring but doesn’t rotate freely.
Also Academy doesnot point out that you have to drill the holes for the fuel tank mounts on the sides.
Had to do a double take, your Academy plastic is gray like Dragon, my Academy and Airfix (same kit) boxing’s are in a dark green color. Thanks for the tip about drilling holes.
I agree, have two Academy T-34’s, both in dark green plastic. Thanks for the tip, I’ll pay closer attention to the build steps when I get to the Academy kits.
My start pics.
The majority of the T-34/85 has been built and armor texture added now time for all the smaller bits and PE.
I really like the look of T-34’s with bedspring armor and since I don’t have any I may have to resort to scratch building.
Looks nice. Scratch building that armor will look better than PE anyway - the PE I’ve seen looks too flat. In real life it’s a mesh or expanded steel welded behind a frame. Easier and better lookin g to do by making a frame from Evergreen strip and gluing tulle into it from the back side. PE doesn’t replicate this look. At least not what I’ve seen.
I’ve got a boat load of Tulle.
Just thought that everyone should know that.
@Panzer_modeler Ezra, that DML T-34-85 Prem is looking fantastic!
I suppose I could join in for fun, not officially mind you, as I am not much for deadlines or rules. I do have a couple of old war horses that could use some attention. First remove the ugliness where appropriate…
Of course the part is too thick - the mesh in reality fits underneath that strip:
So it just need to be thinned out a bit. Then the aforementioned tulle gets added.
Just a few swipes with the file and it’ll be just right.
Who are you, attempting to join what?
Does look good, unofficially of course.
The T-34-85 build is really a 5th column infiltration, got to stay off the grid and keep on the down low.
starting on the upper hull on the T34/D30… a few fiddly fits but mostly it is just falling in to place
Basic assembly on Dragon and Academy kits done. Academy kit on the right side with the dark tracks. Dragon kit has more crisp detail and molding. Academy has better fit.
I added a fourth fuel tank on the dragon kit (although highly uncommon or even impropable) and will add the smoke drums at the rear. Academy is missing all the photoetch details and some extras. I will add stowage to both kits. I will also try to work a bit more on the surface detail of the academy turret.
Looking good Nikos.
If anyone needs some references, here is handy link. T-34 Reference - #2 by Tank_1812
They both look excellent!
Looking forward to more.