Can somebody recommend resources for scratchbuilding a T-34 interior in 1/35 scale? The kit is an early T-34 1940 from Dragon. I would appreciate any and all blueprints and stuff like that.

I do realize Verlinden makes expensive interior sets but I would rather try this as a scratchbuilding project. I have a bag of styrene sheets, tubes and rods in all kinds of sizes.

I feel I could draw the parts in Photoshop on my computer and print them out but then how would you transfer the images to sheet styrene? Just trace around the paper masters with a pen?

Any ideas?

This may help you, look at tsome of the builds of the Trumpeter 1/16th kits, I know it wont give you dimensions but it will help with lay out.

Trumpeter's interiors are not your best bet if you're looking for a truly accurate interior of a Model '40 or '41. Frankly, they are not particularly good regardless of which variant you're speaking of.
Traks makes a pretty good set for the early T-34s (I helped a little with the research for the thing).
But if your heart is set on scratch building (and the more power to you!) I can share some of what I have. Let me know.

Mark

If you can print them out it is then just an easy matter of using spray adhesive to stick the paper to your styrene and then to trim the parts out.

Hello Mark

I agree with Mark R..
I used the TraxKs Resin T-34/76 set as a basis for an ongoing scratchbuilding project ,which is an interior in 1/72 scale..there are still issues to fix of course, but I would suggest getting your info printing/photocopying directly onto styrene sheet instead of paper.

most photocopies or laser printers will let you print on styrene sheet...but print out a test page on paper first..because you'll still need to ajust and measure as you go..

Mark Rethoret is one of the great guys of modeling ALWAYS helpful and he's knowlage of the T-34 is staggering!..
hope these photos help you get an idea what is involved...anything else please don't hesitate to get back to me.

NicK Cortese

Hey Mark, what about the Verlinden interior sets? Could you give your opinion on them? Thanks for your time.

Nick, if that is 1/72...well then I guess I hate your guts!

Hi, what types of styrene sheets are you referring to specifically? Where do I obtain them? I imagine the thickness of the sheet is a vital factor because printers can be jammed by ordinary paper sheets, not to mention a piece of plastic stuck in the rollers. That could possibly damage the printer.

Hi Mark,

I would recommend trying some 0.05 and 0.10 sheet from either plastruct or evergreen.
you can get these at most good Hobby Train modeling shops.
I've used these types on photocopiers and haven't had a problem...just make sure you ajust the paper setting for "heavy".
But to be honest, if you just want to add an interior without the fuss and work ..and there is alot of work,...it would be easier to just get the Traks set....yet,if you want to push your scratchbuilding skills, it is definitly a good project!
Yes, it is in 1/72 scale...I also detailed the transmission area as well a many other items...It still not finished,but I hope to get back to it at one point.

Nick

IIRC, the Verlinden interior is really just a copy of the less than completely accurate Trumpeter interior with a couple of added details for the -76. Heck, they even included the T-34-85’s dished side walls and, like Trumpeter, omitted the eighth floor ammo box. Worse, you get even fewer ready rounds (you should get nine and I think Big V only includes three!).

Funny story; it looks to me as though Trumpeter to some extent copied Jaguar’s old interior for DML’s T-34-85 kits (with a nice added detail here and there), certainly they made many of the same mistakes including closing in the driver’s side of the sponson and, I believe, putting the caps over the projectile end of the ready racks (it’s been a few years since I’ve seen the Jaguar set in person so don't credit me too much on this). Subsequently Verlinden and a few other manufacturers copied Trumpeter! Sort of a ‘circle of life thing” I guess.
(I can’t prove this of course but the similarities seem fairly damning to my eye! )

Mark

Along the same lines... not wanting to hijack your thread mark but this answer will surely help us both... if there is an answer.

Ac couple of years back I won a Trumpy 1/16 T-34/76 in a raffle. I found a site... tanxheaven.com. I know it gone but has the content turned up anywhere else? There were a couple of 1/16 T34 that were beyond belief.