I have a question about the T-34/76 ChTZ variant. I started the old Tamiya kit (#35149) a while ago, but never quite finished building it. Unfortunately, I have since lost the tree with the cylindrical hull-mounted fuel tanks (I did glue one on the right side in place). MY QUESTION IS: What was visible on the surface of a T-34 hull when the fuel tanks were NOT attached? Should I fill the attachment slots on the hull and sand them smooth? Or were there mounting "things" (retaining straps, etc.) visible when the tanks weren't mounted? Any reference pix or clear descriptions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jim Naveira

HI

When you remove the fuel tanks the only extra detail you see are the fuel tank brackets. If you want you can buy PE brackets fuel tank brackets and leave them empty as if the crew had removed the tanks. For the photo etch try lion-roar or Royal-model, they are excellent.

Cheers

Very early on the tanks were held on with straps using the grab handles. Many tanks did not have the added tanks at all. So, if you do not want to spend money on the EP sets, just leave the tanks off. To fill the slots in the hull, use scrap peices of resin cut to size. The resin will not shrink like plastic or filler and is easily sanded smooth.

Walkaround of a T-34 with the Uralmash turret, showing just about everything

http://legion-afv.narod.ru/T-34-76_Sambatuksa.html

David

Thanks to all for responding. Not sure what I'll do but now I have some clear options (and MANY clear reference photos).

Jim Naveira (Labiche)

I noticed from the photos that the tanks on each side are mounted differently and the straps are different on each side.

Which is correct?
Does someone make the correct PE straps and mount?

Thanks ahead of time!!!