Hello, I have just got back into models after a long hiatus and you guys at this sight have been a huge help with all the tips and techniques the I didn't use when i was 12. I am starting my first tank, an Italieri T-34/85mm and wondering if anyone has any tips. Glad to finally be a member!!!

Welcome back to the fold Bison. I don't remember if there are any photos of the T-34/85 on our illustrious web site But I'd check the gallery regardless and do a site swearch for the T-34/85 . next down the list is checking the usual places Yahoo, google and such You should find more than you bargained for. IF you need something specific post the question here and "one of our Maven's will be along shortly" :-) Haven't seen much unanswered here, good luck.

Josh Weingarten
aKa shiryon

There is a very good research article about the T-34/85 in World War II that may be of interest.

I haven't built it, but it's on my to-do list, so I've picked up some points.

The tracks suck, replace them if possible.
The lower hull is accurate and fits well, but requires care and time
Overall it is pretty accurate.

It is sold under Italeri and Zvezda, so if you serch for reviews under both brands it may turn up more hits.

In-box review by Cookie Sewell

Cheers,
Linz

I've got a whole bunch of T-34/85 reference photos on my site. You can find them here:

http://www.pcmodeler.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=My_eReference&file=index&do=showgall&gid=73

and here:

http://www.pcmodeler.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=My_eReference&file=index&do=showgall&gid=63

You guys are excellent. The links will take me a while to go through but they have more than enough info for my meager skills. I can't wait to tear into that thing now!!! CHEERS!!

Bison--If you do choose to get some after market parts for the kit (like tracks or photoetch) these are two Canadian online stores that you can order from, in case you hadn't seen them before:

http://www.bentbutnotbroken.com/ - Based in Alberta, they have a lot of aftermarket stuff, including tracks, barrels, photoetch, resin kits, and figures.

http://www.militaryhobbies.com/ - From Ontario, they specialize more in selling the actual kits, but I think you can get aftermarket parts from them too.

Have fun with the T-34 and post pics when you're done

Nic

Another place you might want to look.http://www.sura.ru/~tam/ENGLISH.asp. Also welcome aboard Bison44 I like that name. The last T/34 I built was from Zvezda was not a bad model I think a little soft on details but still a good model. With indi track links would look all right never really compared it to any other T/34 as to measurements.

Hi All,
The Zvezda T-34 is a little soft on the detail, but it is dimensionally correct and the angles are right! I built their T-34/76 and SU-100 and found the tracks poor and the roawheels on the SU-100 a bit devoid of detail for my taste. While the wheels in the T-34/85 kit are accurate (they have the same wheels in the SU-100 and are the late dished wheels), I personally prefer the spiderweb wheels or the Tamiya-style perforated roadwheels as they have more detail on the surface. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck
Georg
PS- make sure the hull is completely square or you will have major porblems getting it all together!

I just received the Tamiya T34/85. Has anyone built it and have some comments for me before I start construction?
thanks
DJ

DJ,

Since I'm sure that you have built older Tamiya armor before you know what the fit will be like (good), but you also know that the dimensions are wrong (thanks to battery compartment) and that the detail isn't up to today's standards. Overall, it looks like a T-34/85, but if you want a good T-34/85 kit I would suggest the DML kit. Also the Italeri/Zvezda kit is nicer than the Tamiya one. It is dimensionally accurate and the detail is a bit better. I just got rid of all of my old Tamiya armor because I am sick to death of filling in the motorization holes and the hull sponsoons.

Adam--now I know why I got the Tamiya T34/85 for a steal price!
thanks
DJ