I'm getting a T34/85 for christmas, one of my favorite WW2 tanks, and I want it to look the best it possibly can, but I've never used photo etches, which obviously bring out the detail. Does anyone have a tutorial, pointers, tips, yays or nays on hacking your basic out-of-the-box model using a photo etch set/kit/thingie ?

Eduard's web site (www.eduard.cz) has a tutorial on using PE, just click on the "INFO" tab. Which brand of T-34/85 are you using and which PE set? Aber gets a little ridiculous in the amounts of PE they include in a set (like mulit-piece working hinges), but their stuff is superb and you don't have to use it all. Eduard has the widest range of PE sets, but since they are the biggest manufacturer, people like to take shots at them.

When doing complex bends and curves, sometimes heating the PE and letting it cool makes it easier to bend into curves. I also try to "scuff" up the mating surfaces where two PE parts will be joined with glue.

Have acetone based fingernail polish remover to remove any glue residue or unstick any errors. Have CA glue accelerator (zip kicker) handy to quickly set pieces that might be tricky to place.

I made a handy CA glue applicator by taking an ordinary sewing needle and cutting the top of the eye off. This leaves a Y shape at the end. I use the Y portion to place the CA glue where I want it. I also made a handle for the needle by taking an appropriate sized piece of straight sprue and I drilled a hole in the end of the sprue and inserted the pointy end of the needle into the hole. I secured it with CA glue.

A Hold & Fold or Etch Mate PE bending tool is handy but expensive. I have the 4" H&F and use it quite frequently.

Good luck and remember, you don't have to use all the PE they include.

T-34 Photo Etch,
Well I think SABOT pretty much has it covered. Good tips Sabot.!!!!
Now.......The best tool I ever bought was the Hold & Fold. For many a year I did its job by
hand w/ various pliers and clamps that had been EXSTENSIVELY modified. Why didn't somebody think of Etchmate & Hold/Fold 10 yrs ago.

also get a new Jordi Rubio barrel for the t-34
http://www.discountmodels.com/jordi.htm
i know they make a barrle for the T-34 cause isaw it some where.
and get Friulmodel tracks for the t-34

On a scale of 1 to 10 how difficult is it to use these? They sound easy enough, but they look intimidating when you've got just a sheet of brass!

Thank you Sabot for the nice post!

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/21104&page=1

Ther is my Dragon T-34 with Aber PE on it. PE isn't too hard to work with it's just that you have to think abouit it.. the bends and whatnot. also be careful how you glue.. i use CA glue. don't feel like you HAVE to use every pice of PE on the sheets b/c you won't be able to especially if it's your first time. You'll probably loose pieces to the carpet monster as well, prevented you from using every piece.

I prefer Aber over Eduard.. Eduard just seemed to break too easilly-- that brings me to another point make sure you KNOW which way to fold. b/c if you mess up and fold too many times, you'll break the piece rendering it useless.

That's just my advice from personal preference and experiance.

Don't get intimidated by the sheets. Like has been said....you don't have to use all of it. Frequently, I use all the large pieces (which is probably the main reason I bought the set) and some of the smaller. Just build the kit with the pe directions alongside the kit directions and you'll be breezing along nicely

You are welcome. Aber PE is about a 9 or 10 on the scale. Eduard is about a 6 or 7 (with 10 being the hardest). There are a few others out there. I have used Part from Poland in 1/35 and 1/72 scale. They nave nice stuff without having a whole bunch of little PE stuff on the fret.

As you can see, Eduard is already starting to take hits, but if you want PE for modern armor (or many other areas), Eduard probably makes PE for it. Their quality is not up to Aber or Part, but they have the widest range of vehicles and scales.

Eduard does have "zoom sets". These are bare bones sets that add just a little exterior detailing like grills, headlight guards and such. These are quick and easy, might be better for a beginner if they offer the vehicle you want to make.

Sabot, I'll definitely look into the "Zoom Sets". I may buy both and make a firm judgement then.

You guys are a ton of help!