1:345 T-34

The real subject

The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank of the Second World War and one of the most influential machines of its day. It made its mark by combining sloped armor, wide tracks and simple construction that even a hastily relocated factory could manage. That is exactly why an enormous number of machines were built, and why individual examples differ noticeably from one another according to the production plant and according to what the crew welded onto the hull themselves.

What the set offers

These are photo-etched parts, that is elements etched into thin sheet metal. Etching allows a material thickness that cannot be reached in plastic, so it suits fenders, grilles, brackets, loops and other thin sections that otherwise look disproportionately thick on a model. What exactly this set covers and which kit it is cut for is given by the manufacturer's instructions; photo-etched sets are made for a particular model and may not fit another.

• photo-etched parts for a model of the T-34 tank
• thin sheet metal replaces plastic sections that are too thick
• the extent of the set and the target kit are given by the manufacturer
• check the scale before you buy, as it is not stated here reliably

Building tips

Separate the parts from the carrier sheet with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with scissors, otherwise they will bend. Make the folds over the edge of a ruler or in a bending tool, always along the whole length at once. They are glued with cyanoacrylate applied in a minute amount, for instance with the tip of a pin. Degrease the sheet before painting and apply a primer, as otherwise paint holds poorly on smooth metal.

Who it is for

For modelers of Soviet subjects who already have experience with photo-etched parts and want to take some of the coarseness off a model. The kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.