Would the Maquette T-34 early tracks (#MQ-35025) be appropriate for the Zvezda T-34/76 1942?

Rob--If those links are what I think they are the answer is no. From every thing that I have read on T-34s (and variants) there were only 2 different types of track throughout WWII and maybe even beyond. There was the 1940 version and then the next version which started to appear on T-34/76 Model 1941s and was used from there on out. I am guessing that the Maquette "early" tracks are the 1940 tracks (otherwise why would they call out the fact that they are early ) and therefore only appropriate on a T-34/76 Model 1940.

Yeah, I figured as much. The package the tracks come in has the same picture as the Osprey New Vanguard T-34/76 book of the T-34 Model 1940. I wonder if back dating the 1942 to a 1940 or 1941 variant is a bridge too far? There are many photos of the model 1941 with the early tracks. I do have a set of the Maquette late type tracks. It includes 200 track links, any idea how many are required per side or tank?

Rob--As far as back-dating the Model 1942 to a Model 1940 or 1941 you would be better off just buying the Armo hull and turret. There are significant differences between the 1940/41 and 1942 versions. The turrets are VERY different and the hull is QUITE different. That being said, if you are interested in having an early T-34 the Armo stuff is superb. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a bit of experience. The instructions for the hull show you how to convert the Tamiya, Zvezda, and DML hulls and will allow you to make an interior if you desire. The turrets (he does both a welded and cast version) come with complete interior.s as well Both hull and turrets come with PART PE and are some of the best resin conversions that I have ever seen. They are very affordable if you order direct from Jadar Models (he is the one that makes Armo and PART). There are also tons of shots of the conversions if you are just curious to look at them.

I looked up some info. on tracks in my Squadron T-34 In Action book and found out that there were actually 4 types of track. The names given are "Early 'Waffle' Track", "550mm 'Waffle' Track", "'Plate' Track", and "550mm Plate Track." Let me know if you want some scans of the drawings of these different track types and I will scan them and email them to you. As far as links per side, it doesn't say. I will look at some of my other references tomorrow and if I find anything I will let you know.

What T-34 kit are you planning to build?

If you're interested in early T34s, DML is supposed to release a 1940 T34 sometine...

had to jump in here hope you all don't mind. I ordered the Armo 1940 -1941 version upper hull to go with the Tamiya lower hull and the Fruil tracks early. plus the cast turret Armo. Okay question is this for the Contest in June as I am going to shoot to build one also? The early are 550 MM wide for the first run of tracks . Then the 450 MM 1941 version as compared to 500 MM for the 1942 version which did not enter until mid 1942 and was known as the Waffle tracks. But as the Russians were in dire need of stuff they mixed and matched all kinds of wheels and tracks.
Anyhelp

To me, it really doesn't matter. I do not have a T-34 in my collection and the closest thing to one I have is the old Tamiya SU-85. Someone offered me the Zvezda T-34/76 Model 1942 on eBay. I wasn't high bidder, but I guess the highest bidder may have backed out. Price was decent (about $11) and the AMPS kit review site says: "Soviet T-34 Model 1942 STZ Tank -- Good. At last, an accurate T-34 kit! This kit is a basic T-34 Model 1943 and is called an ""STZ"" tank as it comes with the pressed steel wheels rather than disk wheels. The tracks are a very tight fit, and replacement with an after-market set is recommended for peace of mind." I was looking at the Maquette "Rudy", but it was running $25.

Here's a good article on T-34 variations:

http://www.battlefield.ru/t34_76_4.html

I know there used to be an article somewhere, thought it was tracklink, that went over the different tracks available for the T-34. Can't seem to find that article though.

Thanks Mark, how's everything down in VA? The tracks I picked up were the 2nd set, referred to as 500mm smooth tracks. I do have a set of the waffle tracks for my SU-85. I don't recall if they are the 500 or 550mm style.

One of these days I'll get around to building some of the T-34's in my stash. I have quite a few different types of track; Marquette, Anvil, Fruil.

Pretty good Rob. We had our meeting last night and displayed some of the winners from the show earlier this month. I don't recall seeing if you were able to come down for the show or not?

Hi,

An article in spanish about the T-34/76 versions at PanzerNet. It has diagrams with the diferent types of tracks, turrets and so on.

HTH

That was the one I was thinking of.

Someone on Missing-Lynx says that he has photographic evidence of a later tank with smooth tracks. So the plot thickens. It's almost as bad as Sherman tanks.

Rob--Actually, the "STZ" in the Zvezda model means that it was manufactured at the Stalingrad Tractor Factory. The thing that "STZ" model 1942 tanks are most known for is the Barrikady mantlet which is the one with the pointed chin. Besides coming with steel road wheels the Zvezda Model 1942 kit comes with this style mantlet while the Tamiya Model 1942 kit comes with the standard mantlet.

Rob,

Never chimed in on this thread until now. How is the job coming along?

Dave