I want to build a T-34/85 factory 112 in 35th scale as used by the North Koreans in the Korean War. I know the major difference is the turret and I have found that the RPM / Maqueete sell the turret as a spare from their otherwise poor kit. I have seen one very nice example done by using the upper turret on a Dragon T-34/85 lower and modifying the Dragon Hull in some way to represent the 112 hull, however the article did not say what needed doing.

So, apart from the Turret, what else do I need to do ?

Also, any suggestions for North Korean markings.

Thanks

Hi Ian.
Markings were quite simple. They had big white numbers on the turret sides, but sometime they were just painted in Russian green with any symbols

Here some interesting pictures about North korean and Vietnamese tanks

http://skaramanga-1972.livejournal.com/67576.html

http://www.o5m6.de/korea.html

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g64/PoorOldSpike/sub1/Korea1950.jpg

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Korean%20War%20Weapons/Korean%20War%20Tanks%20and%20Fighting%20Vehicles_files/t34bom.jpg

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Korean%20War%20Weapons/Korean%20War%20Tanks%20and%20Fighting%20Vehicles_files/Road%20to%20Seoul_files/road1.jpg

As you can notice, these exemplars carried "spider web" or "solid" wheels, but they may also had the later "starfish" wheels. It depends on the particular exemplar which you'd like to depict

Thanks Mauro

Those are some good links, with some photos that I have not seen, although others have been in print on the few books on the war.

The Chinese Volunteer No 215 would be an interesting one to do, as it still exists, although I believe this was one of the subjects of Tamiya's model.

I think all were marked with large numbers, however most met a fiery end which would destroy the markings.


My understanding is that the "starfish" wheels where part of the 1960s rebuild programs thus two late for my models, however after market wheels are available to backdate the Orange Box T-34/85M I have in hand.

So getting back to the factory 112 project, would the Dragon T-34/76 be a suitable starting point, I understand that that is a factory 112 hull? Ok a new Turret Ring would be needed, but anything else to work with the RPM turret ?

Ian

T-34/76 had different hull from T-34/85, and the larger turret ring is not the only difference. If you really want to build a correct vehicle I would recommend to start with something like Dragon #6319 and work on it by using Korean war photos as a reference. There was also an upgrade kit of the post-war production T-34/85 turret from CMK. You may be able to find it.

I agree with Alex. There were lots of differences between the 76 and the 85 version (Turret aside, you can find different details on the engine deck and the suspensions). It would be better to start with a DML kit. Otherwise you can also une an AFV club full interior kit with a resin turret. Otherwise cheap kits which are good in shape (but they need to be improved) are the Maquette and the Zvezda one




As far as I know, there were exemplars with starfish wheels even before the 1960. After the 1960 they become the standard wheels for all the exemplars.
Anyway, as you know, it's better to use the original pics to decide what were the rght details

cheers

Hi Ian,

Here's a helpful article on the subject
http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/russia/rpt34/rpt34.htm
also
http://armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/WWII/T34_85/alexfoto/
Note how back armor plates on hull go together, that is characteristic for Factory 112 only

Good luck, man