I've just started this. This is DML's Premium Edition T34/85 (Mod 1944) which i've started building and modifying. First stage is the turret..

First stage was replacing the attachment points on the rear turret and re-positioning them. Checking photos they are incorrectly positioned in the kit instructions - they seemed to have varied quite a bit in form - some are rectangular, others i've seen are rounded:





Also added was the 4-digit casting numbers which DML didn't include. For this I used the 1.5mm numbers and letters from Slater's Plasticard. No, they are not badly poaitioned - all images I have show the casting numbers all over the place....

Another of my contentions was that the surface of the turret (cast) was far too smooth to be convincing. I've started building up a roughre texture using Squadron Green Stuff mixed with Tamiya Putty and thinned with Acetone:







Tomorrow, I start on the running gear and hopefully finish the turret. The original kit review, can be seen: HERE...

Off to a good start Jim, look forward to watching this one progress as it's on my definite "buy next" list.

He Builds Again!! Nice...

Agreed, you are indeed off to a good start. The randomness of the casting numbers adds a nice touch.

Question regarding the putty mix: though the pictures are somewhat blurry, the texture appears to be quite rough. Will this be toned down (i.e. sanding)? Not a armor/Russian expert that's for sure, but seems rather "bold."

All in all, looking forward to watching this one progress!

Keep it up o' Mighter Writer!

Mike

Mike, the problem with Sov. armor is that if you actually were to reprodoce the roughness of the finish in 1/35th scale, no one would actually believe it... Last year in Poland, (Pawel) Vodnik and I were wandering around a tank museum in total disbelief at just how badly finished Sov tanks actually were. So essentially, the problem is balancing what is 'scale' against what is believable....

That bad? About the only Soviet armor I've seen recently were items brought back from the first Gulf War....mostly T-72's, BMPs, et cetera. Realizing that those would be considered modern and your T-34/85 is not, that would explain the finish "quality" and the difference in what you are portraying versus what I've seen.

Looking forward to seeing this one continue.

Thanks,

Mike

I agree Jim Ive seen a T34/85 in the "flesh" as to speak and I was quite shocked at both the rough texture of the castings and the cutting of the armour plate


Ian

Hi Jim. I really like it!

Question: When you used Acetone to thin down the putty, what exactly is this? A book I read used 'thinned' putty to prime figures before painting. Would this be the same technique you used?

Thankyou!