For your perusal, the absolutely horrid Alan kit of the Soviet SU-76 "Suka" -- this is the same kit reboxed by DML, Maquette and maybe some others.





This was a near scratch-build -- only major parts like the hull and the road wheels were relatively untouched. Everything else was modified or replaced. Even each indy link in the tracks had to have a little shaved from the inside of each guide horn to allow them to fit the roadwheels.

Why did I do it if it was such a chore?? Well, the SU-76 was a pretty important weapon in the Soviet WWII arsenal -- more were built than even the T-34. I had to have one in my collection... #:-)

I know nothing of this vehicle so a critique in the way of the build can't come from me.
I do notice, with thanks to the camera, that the lower hull needs a bit of dusting to match the upper's dirt.
Is the breech supposed to be silver like that?
I would also like to add that it is kits like this that help us hone our skills. From repairing broken or missing parts. To scratching all those missing details. I think everyone should have to work through one "horrid" kit at least once.
Well done.

Hey, the breach looks a little silvery. Maybe paint it the same color as the body and add wear through to the bare metal. The ammunition looked great. The decals look good as well. Very nice model, Steve

I have this very same kit...its been sitting on my model desk in some fashion for over 8 years!!! I have attempted to start it again but have a problem that perhaps you encountered as well. The main gun does not sit properly on the vechile...its hard to describe. Did you encounter any problems with mounting the main gun?

Sean

Brother, I had trouble with everything. I pulled out an old Italeri kit of the 76mm Soviet AT gun to use for guidance. I thought about using it in the Suka, but decided it was better to try to make due with as much of the original kit as possible (probably to justify the cost of the kit in my own simple mind ... ). Sorry, but I can't remember any details, except lots of filing and sanding and checking and filing and sanding and checking and filing and sanding and checking ...

I replaced the barrel with a piece of tubing. Muzzle brake is kit, breech is much modified, but under all it is stock.

BTW, it's not as silver in real life -- it is bare metal, but not nearly as bright as the photos indicate.

You guys have just made my day. I have bought this Maquette SU76M recently with an eduard PE set as well. There was me thinking it might be an interesting build. Looks like I have my work cut out.

No matter how much work it took, it certainly has paid off! I love the look of this beast. Did you have good references? Anything available on the net for this??
I have only built one, easy to build kit so far .... Tamiya´s JSIII ... and it was so easy it was almost boring. I love all the older Italeri and eastern european kits with loads of clean up, fit problems and that need a supply of plastic form to fill gaps.
Looks like this the baby Ive been looking for! #:-)

I love the decal on the first picture. How did you achieve that worn look?

Well, this kit is certainly no Tamiya. Mentally prepare yourself for a struggle and frustration.

AFV Interiors has a nice page on the SU-76 that wasn't around when I built mine: http://afvinteriors.hobbyvista.com/su76/su76.html

Most of my references came from books. Squadron's old "The Eastern Front" book has several photos of SU76s in action, including the one with the markings I used (they were kit decals).Steve Zaloga and James Grandsen's book "Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of World War Two" was also a useful reference -- especially a four-view drawing and one shot that looks into the rear fighting compartment.

When I was about 3/4 done with this, I found a reference article in an old issue of FSM that would have been an outstanding resource if I had started the project with it on my desk. It had detailed drawings, including an interior layout drawing.

That Eduard set should be helpful. I used lead foil, and a few pounds of sheet, rod and strip stryrene, plus -- on the gun travel lock -- a screw from an old pair of eyeglasses.

About the finish. I painted it overall with MM Dark Green. Once it had cured about a week, I applied the decals and they snugged down very nicely -- a great surprise after such a tough build. Clear flat went over all before I began final finishing. The final finish was using an artist oil technique that I have been experimenting with fior a while. On this one it came out pretty good, I think. The worn look of the markings is due to the weathering being done after the decals were emplaced.

Here's another great page on the SU-76: http://www.battlefield.ru/su76.html

Enjoy!