1:48 T-34/85 1944 Angle-Jointed Turret (HOBBY BOSS)

Hauler 1:48 T-34/85 mod. 1944 - photo-etched set for the angle-jointed turret

This is an aftermarket accessory from the Czech maker Hauler, not a kit. The set is etched from thin sheet and is cut for a specific Hobby Boss kit, namely for the variant with the turret whose casting joint is angled. For 1944 Hauler also offers a set for a different type of turret, so check which turret your kit has before you buy.

The real subject

The T-34/85 was the final stage of development of the Soviet T-34 medium tank. Compared with the older versions it got a larger three-man turret and an 85 mm gun, which improved both firepower and the work of the crew. It was built in several factories at the same time and the individual batches differed in the execution of the turret casting, the hatches, the grab handles and the stowage of equipment. It is precisely these differences that decide which photo-etched set will fit a model.

Building tips

Photo-etch is degreased with alcohol or detergent before gluing and sprayed with a thin primer, or the paint will not hold on the smooth metal. Separate the parts with a sharp scalpel on a hard surface, not with nippers, which draw the edge out. Make the bends in a bender or between two blades, so that the edge is sharp and straight. It is bonded with super glue; on small parts a drop applied with a pin is enough. Cut the plastic originals off only once the fit of the metal part has been tried dry.

Who the set is for

• modelers who build military vehicles in 1:48 scale
• those who already have experience of bending and gluing photo-etch
• builders who are bothered by the thickness of injection-molded plastic parts
• collectors who build a series of T-34 versions and want to keep the differences between them

The set is an accessory for a kit. The model, glue and paints are not included in the package.