1:35 T-24

The Soviet medium tank T-24 in 1:35 scale from Hobby Boss

An injection-molded kit of a very early Soviet medium tank that appears in plastic only exceptionally. The tooling captures the tall angular hull, the riveted construction, the turret with the mount for a machine gun cupola and the period running gear with its protective rail. For collectors of interwar equipment it is a piece that stands out at once in a display case among later Soviet tanks.

The real subject

The T-24 was built in 1931 and was the first tank made at the Kharkov works, that is, at the plant from which the T-34 and the T-54 later came. Its main weapon was a 45 mm gun, supplemented by 7.62 mm DT machine guns, of which one sat in the hull, another in the turret and another in the cupola mounted on the main turret. For its time it was decently armored, but it suffered from trouble with its engine and transmission. Only a few dozen were built and the type never appeared in combat. The significance of the T-24 lies elsewhere: without it the Kharkov design school would not have gained the experience that a few years later led to the T-34.

Building and painting tips

The riveted surfaces are the main visual theme on this type, so avoid a heavy coat of paint that would drown them. Even, thin coats from an airbrush will keep them crisp. Finish the running gear before you close up the hull. The Soviet green 4BO looks more interesting when you bring it to life with lighter transitions on the upper surfaces and darken the depths with a wash. A dry brush will bring out the rivet heads and the edges of the hatches.

Who the model is for

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

• Collectors of interwar Soviet equipment
• Modelers looking for a rare type outside the mainstream
• Anyone interested in the development line of Kharkov tanks up to the T-34
• Builders who enjoy riveted surfaces and dry-brushing