Hi everyone! I am making my first foray into the world of 1/35 tanks. Up to now, I have only built a few 1/72 armor kits though I have been collecting a few of the large Russian tracked and wheeled missile vehicles. I have been asked to build a T-34 as a gift for someone so I ordered an Academy T-34/85 112 Factory kit based on a few reviews. My question is should I also order aftermarket tracks like those from Fruimodel or are the tracks in this kit pretty good. As it will be a gift, I would like this to look as decent as possible.

I plan on putting this on a relatively simple base and would like some crew to go along with it. My preferred plan would be to have the tank and crew at rest and relaxing. Ideally, some maintenance would be shown as the gift recipient was an armor/tank engineer I believe. Any suggestions on figures?
Have fun modeling
Mike

Mike,

I cant speak on the quality of the Academy tracks, but I do have some recommendations for the accompanying crew:

Miniart 1:35 Soviet Tank Crew at Work WWII Plastic Figure Kit #35153 -- This includes some crew doing maintenance and even some 85mm shells w/ ammo crates. Ebay link:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Miniart-1-35-Soviet-Tank-Crew-at-Work-WWII-Plastic-Figure-Kit-35153/113385204336?hash=item1a6648ea70:g:8b0AAOSw2rhb848Q

Or,

MiniArt 1/35 35131 WWII Soviet Tank Ammo-Loading Crew Set (Special Edition) -- This includes 76mm ammo, but you could easily switch it out with 85mm ammo. Ebay link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MiniArt-1-35-35131-WWII-Soviet-Tank-Ammo-Loading-Crew-Set-Special-Edition/141064975791?epid=1639921966&hash=item20d820b5af:g:33kAAOxyyvRSOHp~

Or,

Master Box 3568 Soviet Tank Crew 1943-1945, Ebay Link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Master-Box-3568-Soviet-Tank-Crew-1943-1945-WWII-5-Figures-Plastic-Model-1-35/302536892408?hash=item46709a9ff8:g:1Q8AAOSweJ1ZyAvV


Hope that helps!

Wow Shawn, your recommendations are perfect!! Being more of an aircraft and real space modeler, I did not know figures like these existed. You just gave me some really cool options, thanks!
Have fun modeling
Mike