Does anyone have any information regarding the “8 Part mold type turret” for the T-34/85? I am unable to find any information about it, other than Def models makes a conversion kit for it.

The conversion can be seen here. https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/m/10443069

It looks interesting, but what’s the story behind this turret?

Hi; Jon.

from what I could Decipher from A Russian only Book on the T-34/85, is that the turret was cast in various shapes in there molds and then welded together; which was easier than trying to cast the whole turret in one giant size piece. And if my memory serves Me rite the turret was manufactured in Three different Zavods ! late production 85 turret's were fazed out quickly in favor of the frying pan turrets that came with the 54/55 turrets !!

CHEERS; MIKE.

I think this type of turret is colloquially referred to as "cross jointed" and is a fairly rare variation (I think I have no more than six or eight photos of it, mostly post war).
It's generally associated with Factory 112, Krasnoye Sormovo. So, if you're going to get the turret you should probably get a 112 based T-34-85 kit for it. (I'd avoid the Academy kit. The engine deck is wrong for that factory.)

As an aside, these were a single piece casting as were all cast T-34 turrets. The seams you see are the result of the type of mould used; either a multi part steel "permanent cavity" mould or sand casting that used separate wooden "bucks". I have no idea which technology was used here.

Anyway, I hope this is of some use to you.

Mark
The T-34 Otaku

Excellent info, thank you!

There is a full walkaround of this type of turret in the book "Surviving T-34 tanks in Israel":

I've been meaning to get that book. Any suggestions are to where I should buy it on line? (None of my "go to" sellers have it!)

Mark
The T-34 Otaku

Contact the author for details at: [email protected]

Beautiful! Thank you very much!