Introduction

At last it seems that the T34 is coming more into the 'mainstream'. It's always been a popular subject with modelers but has not (considering the astronomical numbers which were built) featured all that heavily in the manufacturers lists. However, good as a 'mainstream' kit can be, it's unlikely the manufacturers (for cost reasons) will ever include all the 'extras' which the AM people do.

Curiously enough, the Soviets never loaded their vehicles up with stowage as the British or Americans did. Certainly however, they did carry items such as spare track-links or ice grousers - by comparison, Polish forces (within the Red Army) did tend to load their vehicles up more than their Russian counterparts...

Legend's New Update Set

LF1152 - T-34 Update Set comes in the usual side-opening box and consists of 60 resin parts, a sheet of PE parts, a length of thread, two lengths of different diameter copper wire, a small sheet of lead and an instruction sheet in full-color. All the resin parts are packed together in one plastic bag, the wire etc., in another.

What does it cover?

LF1152 sets out to replace a number of specific areas in almost any T34/76 (and with applications for the -85 as well) these are:

Rear Fuel tanks

Storage Boxes

Spare Track Links

Ice Grousers

Shackles/Tow Cables

Rear Engine Vent

Smaller Details (lights, Klaxon etc.)

Crew Figure

In Detail

Casting an initial look over the set, there were no air bubbles present in any of the resin parts. Casting is good with the blocks easier to remove than other of the company's update sets. The only damage I found was on the large saw - which was missing its handles.

A word about the subject: Going through my plans and due to one of the aspects of the set, I have come to the conclusion, that using the parts as indicated, it's for a T34/76 Model 1942 which was produced at Factory 112 during summer 1942. The conclusion is quite simple, the three (frequently FOUR) large hand rails (for accompanying infantry) were typical of this factory's output (see image below).

As usual, i'll comment on the various items in the set and finish with some conclusions.

Rear Fuel tanks: Two types are provided, the cylindrical type (with PE supports) and the earlier 'square' type which were generally seen on early/mid war variants. These aren't generally seen much beyond 1943 although, as someone said regarding Shermans, never say never! These are dimensionally accurate and correctly provide THREE cylindrical tanks which is again appropriate for a mid-war T34. Attachmnent points for the square tanks are added from the PE set.

Storage Boxes: Two storage boxes are provided with padlocks, hinges etc. nicely cast. Much simpler than PE ones...

Spare Track Links/Ice Grousers: These parts i'm not wild about. In the case of the former, there are some very nice seperate link sets coming out from the manufacturers. Definition doesn't seem too brilliant although they are useable.

Shackles/Tow Cables: These are absolutely superb. Good shape and with the addition of an attachment point (as described in the instructions) will look very convincing.

Rear Engine Vent: Only the very recent T34s are including this as a seperate part - it looks horrible in solid plastic... This is produced in PE and will require some careful bending. The end result should be well worth the effort though.

Smaller Details (lights, Klaxon etc.): Once again, a considerable improvement on the usual kit parts. The main headlight for example, being hollow, will allow the modeler to add a lamp filament inside and use a plastic lens with it. The stowage bundles are the usual high-standard one would expect from Legend. Four are provided to use where appropriate.

The Figure: Unusually enough, a crew figure is provided. Very nicely cast with seperate hands, feet, head and a two-part body. Good detail on the face and the tanker's padded helmet.

Instructions: As I mentioned in the introduction, these are printed in full-color. They are clear and concise - more than one normally expects from update sets! As a nice bonus, three propaganda posters and two maps are also included on this sheet.

Conclusions

A very versatile set indeed, which, although is designed for the T34/76 than the -85 will still find some use in the latter. Very well thought-out with some truly inspired touches. My only real 'gripe' was with the Ice Grousers although they will serve. The attention to detail by the designer is also worth a 'thumbs-up' the choice of fuel tanks gives a lot of possibilities for early/mid-war vehicles I also thought the inclusion of the figure was a good idea. Legend Productions are definitely bringing us some great items..