Hey all,

I’m looking to get a WW2-era Russian tank as my next project, and I’d like your opinion on what is a good kit to build. Preferably I’d like a T-34/85 or even an IS-2. I’m also not necessarily looking for an interior.

Thanks a bunch,
Kurt

Seems Dragon scores high on this.

They have one kit out, Dragon 6266 which seems to give you the most bang for your dollar.

That Dragon kit is a very nice T-34/85 kit,comes with lotsa extras.The AFV Club kit with the interior is nice also,not the one with the clear hull though.

For an IS-2 I would look at the tamiya kit.

My disclaimer is that I cant speak for any inaccuracies in shape or details on these kits.

You probably meant AFV Club series. Academy kits have no interior...

Dragon's T-34/85 kits are very well done. They have been reissued several times with different stock numbers, so pay close attention to what's included. You want one with Magic Tracks and photo etch in the box. The best IS-2 is Tamiya's. Excellent link and length track and photo etch engine screens are included.

Yes,thank you

If you want the early IS-2 the Trumpeter kit is the best. And it's the first kit in plastic to get the wheel diameter correct. For an IS 2 M I would go with Tamiya and replace the wheels with a resin set. DML is probably your best bet for a T34/85,reasonably accurate with good detail. And you can usually find them for a good price.
Hope this helps.
Regards,Bob

You might want to hold off on a T-34. I have a very strong feeling that MiniArt will be releasing one.

Hey Bob, how off is the wheel diameter of the Tamiya JS kit?

All, how are Maquette or MSD's T-34/85 kits? I see them being much more affordable than Dragon's. Is it worth the trouble or so bad that the bargain is not really there?

AFV Club : One kit has clear plastic chassis & turret, the other has regular both full interiors.



or this kit without the clear...full interior. I have this one.

Lotsa good answers already here, but I'll throw my hat into the ring

Dragon is probably the most established maker of the T-34/85 out there. If you opt not to use the PE save for the essentials (engine deck cover), their T-34s almost build like Tamiya fit wise. Small part counts too! Way different than their German line of kits. Unfortunately, if you're a sticklier for accuracy, the T-34/76 line have a few details that got mixed up or are lacking. Aside from that, they are well detailed. I think I have 3 copies of the DML 6266 T-34/85 premium with optional bedspring armor that I got for around 22 USD a pop (prices were good back in the day). It's based on their older T-34/85s from the 1990s but has been drastically improved and updated.

Here's their older 6066 kit that was slightly revised when reboxed into the Orange Hobby Boxing back a few years ago. Still a WIP.

Here is what I know. Any Maquette etc kit is a nightmare. I have no less than five and they are brutal. Tamiya's are a bit old and soft on detail...incorrect tow hooks, hollow sponsons, RC slots etc. Italeri and Zvezda are about the same. AFV and most of the DML ones are good. One caveat - check reviews of the DML ones before you buy. Some early DML ones are borrowed moulds and also mix different factory elements in the same kit. I have the DML T34/76 German one and the T34 1941...I like both. Really nice.

The Academy T-34/85s are also worth looking into if you can get them for cheap. They retail for around 22 USD here while the restocks of the DML ones come at over 40 USD. Andy's Headquarters does a good video on a couple of them.

I'd go with the Dragon kit. ICM is also fragged to release a 1/35 T-34/85. However, it likely will have the solid engine grill like their T-34/76 kit. In my opinion T-34s just don't look right without PE engine grills.

Hi!

Please, forget Maquette kits! Stick to Dragon or AFV T-34's.

Forget the Maquette kits. Back in the 1990s they were a good alternative to the Tamiya but time has moved on and their molds have worn out.

Their pierced road wheels usually come out solid and mal formed. If you can get it super cheap try to find the RPM "Rudy " release as it has a decal sheet with over 20 markings variations including a few for the T-34/76 like the Czech "janosik"

The plastic is awful and needs lots of tlc.

Agree with others that AFV or Dragon are your best options. Just remember that Dragon sometimes has poor instructions. The Maquette kits are useful only if you want to depict a burned-out wreck.