1:35 Soviet Tank Destroyer SU-85

Soviet tank destroyer SU-85 (1:35, Zvezda)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet self-propelled gun - the tank destroyer SU-85 - in 1:35 scale from Zvezda. It is a richly broken-down model of more than 300 parts; a decal sheet and instructions are part of the package.

The real subject

The SU-85 was a Soviet self-propelled gun of the tank destroyer class from the period of the Second World War. It came about on the proven chassis of the T-34 medium tank, and into its fully armored superstructure (the casemate) it received the powerful 85 mm D-5S gun. That gun could destroy German medium tanks at a range of over a kilometer and at shorter ranges punch through the frontal armor of heavier types as well. The vehicles were built by the Uralmash works; they went into action from the autumn of 1943 and proved themselves right up to the end of the war, before their role was taken over by the more heavily armed SU-100.

Building and painting tips

On a tracked vehicle, first finish and paint the running gear and the lower hull, and only then close the superstructure up - they are hard to reach later. Assemble the tracks and the road wheels carefully so that they sit properly. Apply the base color (typically the Soviet protective green) with an airbrush over a primer, and seal the surface with a varnish after the decals. For the weathering, use washes that flow into the recesses and pigments for mud and dust effects on the running gear and the fenders.

Who the model is for

• For modelers with an interest in Soviet armor of the Second World War
• For collectors of 1:35 scale who want the iconic tank destroyer on the T-34 chassis
• For more advanced modelers and skilled beginners who can handle the tracks and the detailed superstructure

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.