I generally build 1/25 scale trucks, but while looking through Great Models Webstore I saw the Tamiya 1/25 scale T-34/85. Can anyone tell me a little about this tank model?

Jim

It's a very old kit and not very good. The hull is simplified, the tracks too narrow, wheels poor, turret pretty "iffy", and detail is lacking.
It's not a joke to say you'd probably be better off scratch building one at least if accuracy is your thing.
Sorry to be the barer of bad news.

Mark

James,

This may help.

Not the pure Tamiya kit, but a Toystar Kit based on the Tamiya kit in 1:25 scale.

Comes with motor and spring loaded suspension.

With some TLC and scratch building it turns out to be not a bad kit, it also stands out because of the scale.



Keith

The biggest problem is the tracks are way too narrow, which throws off the look of the whole thing.

It's also a very old kit (late 60s IIRC) and in those days the development of the T-34 was shrouded in mystery - as a result the Tamiya kit is based on a post-war Czech built tank (probably captured by the Israelis in the 6-Day War) and, as such, it has lots of features that don't appear on WW2-era -85s. As this includes the turret casting, getting an accurate WW2 -85 takes a load of work.

David

Thanks for the help, guys. This seems a little beyond my abilities right now.

Jim

The 1/24th & 1/25th scales are strictly targeted at the toy market. With a little work you can acheive a nice large scale model to satisfy the 'big look'.

A member here offers the correct tracks in resin (PITERPANZER) and they do work wonders on making the finished project enjoyable. I myself need to get a set for my Tamiya SU-100.

I wouldn't pass it up just for the reasons above. If you can get it for under $25.00 then it's worth the money. It just doesn't have the detail a true model in 1/35th will have. Besides, it'll work well with your 1/25th scale trucks!

HTH

Under $25? Great Models Webstore is offering it for $55. I thought that was a little steep, but then again I'm cheap. The idea was to have the T-34 chained to a low-boy being transported to a museaum or something. Should look interesting if I can pull it off: a modern Kenworth W900 with a low-boy hauling a WWII T-34.

Jim

Yeah, Hobbyland once had them but not anymore. There's one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamiya-1-25-Russian-Mediun-Tank-T-34-Type-85-89569_W0QQitemZ370036623441QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370036623441 (no connection with seller) that looks cheaper if offered a best offer.

I have a Tamiya kit that I'll never build if you're interested. Eventually it and many others are going to find they're way onto ebay. Just a thought.


Jeff

Interested? Heck yes! My wallet says otherwise, though, so I'm not going to be able to take you up on your kind offer. How much were you thinking?

Jim

P.M. sent on details.


Jeff