I've been a lurker around here awhile, and have been building aircraft for a few years, but my summer schedule has me traveling a lot and armor holds together better in a suitcase than 1:48 scale planes.

So, here's my first attempt at armor. I know that the kit is old, and from what I've read a bit inaccurate, but it was cheap, and I didn't want to jump in over my head!

Tried working with the vinyl tracks, but they started shedding their "mud" when I tried to attach them, so I stuck 'em on there, and will maybe one day replace them with something better.

Anyway, I'm sure I missed a lot of things here and there, and since I'm wanting to learn, please post and help me out. All criticism welcome!

Nice build!

I started one of these, but got side tracked by a Trumpeter KV1. Hope mine ends up this nice when I get around to it again.

A very good completed model and excellent paint job, where did you get your painting skills if this is your first model? I really like the colour changes you have here and subtle weathering. I should also add very good pictures of your finished model, and I suggest you send some pictures to Keith ([email protected]) for entry into the DMOM and/or for an On Display feature.

Good job Justin! I really like it.

Is that some pre-shading with black I see?

Good job. I like it simple. No need more.

Thanks, everyone.

Lone-Ronin- a KV1 is on my list of things to do!

Darren- I've been building model aircraft for a few years, so some of this stuff translates ok to armor. Not all of it though, it seems! I've got to learn the dust/rain trick that I see around here so much. What a cool effect! I'll look into the DMOM, though I think I'm far from wanting to show anything off!

Richard- Yep! I did do some pre-shading with black, but honestly I don't think that I will on my next build. I will simply use the base color to provide the darker shade, and spray a lightened mix of the base color as a highlight. I seemed to lose most of the preshade under all the weathering.

Thanks again!

Justin,
Overall, you have done a remarkable job on your T-34 (it's a hell of a lot better than my early models). The Tamiya kit is great first or early armor kit, not being too complex, but building up into a really nice model. However, there is one glaring error: the front tow shackles on the point of the hull. If you look at ANY pictures of T-34's, save 3 or 4 these lugs will be absent. The reason for this is that the T-34's at Aberdeen Proving Ground have them. The tanks in question have no engines. When the Tamiya people went to measure the vehicles way back when, nobody mentioned these were added by the U.S. Army to allow U.S. recovery gear to used on them. I recommend clipping them off, sanding them down and adding a little mud to cover the surgery. Again, congrats on your build, you should be proud of it.
Regards,
Georg

You did fine.

Yeah, the tow lugs are a common mistake, we've all done it.
I can't fault your finishing and weathering abilities at all. They're superb, actually.

The only criticism I have isn't really one, but something to keep in mind-- even later in the war radio equipment was an uncommon sight on Soviet tanks. There might be a fixture, but often no radio, and no antenna.


Addendum--- there should be a .060 rod across the straps inboard each of the fuel cells.. easy to add even now.

Thanks, guys-- I'm definitely short on reference material, and still trying to figure out all the good places on the net to get my info. I may pull that thing back out and do a little surgery, or just be done with it!

Do you ever get to that point? "I'm DONE!" I'm definitely there with the T34.

Kevin - No wonder I couldn't find any shots of the antenna!!

Thats a nice build for your first afv better than the stuff I produce. Ive heard a lot about that old Tamyia kit but it sure looks like a T34 to me.

Just a quick historical point: Aberdeen added these extra towing points when the transmission failed on their Model '42 flat turret during testing in 1943.
The T-34 still has its engine.

The model looks great though!

Mark