1:35 Soviet WWII 85 mm Tank Ammo (Early)

The Soviet 85 mm

The 85 mm caliber meant a decisive step forward for Soviet armored vehicles. The D-5 gun in tank form went into machines such as the KV-85, the IS-1 and the first T-34s with a large turret, and the ZiS-S-53 gun then became the main weapon of the production T-34-85. Both weapons fired the same rounds, so the ammunition was not distinguished between the types. Against the earlier 76.2 mm caliber, the 85 mm brought a markedly heavier projectile, with which a crew could deal even with an opponent that the older gun was not enough for.

Where the ammunition came from

The round for the 85 mm tank guns was derived from the ammunition of the antiaircraft gun of the same caliber, which speeded the whole weapon into production. A high-explosive shell for infantry support was available as well as an armor-piercing shell; later a sub-caliber projectile for fighting at shorter range was added. The set is listed as the early form, and the late form is its counterpart for the same gun.

On the model

• The rounds suit the ammunition stowage in the turret and on the walls of the fighting compartment, into which there is a view on an open model.
• Cut the surplus material away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder off.
• Wash and degrease the parts before painting, otherwise the paint will not hold on them.
• Choose the glue according to the material of the parts and apply it drop by drop from a toothpick.
• Separate the case and the projectile by color and tone the shine of the metal down with a darker wash.

Who the set is for

For builders of Soviet armored vehicles in 1:35 scale, especially for models with open hatches and for scenes with ammunition being replenished. The package holds the parts of the ammunition. The model, figures, paints and glue are not part of it, unless stated otherwise.