1:35 T-34/85 MOD. 1945. PLANT 112

T-34/85 model 1945, Plant No. 112 (1:35, MiniArt)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Soviet T-34/85 medium tank in 1:35 from the Ukrainian manufacturer MiniArt. The form corresponds to a model 1945 vehicle from the production of Plant No. 112 (Krasnoye Sormovo), which differed in a number of hull and turret details from the machines of other factories. The kit is richly subdivided and finely detailed; the package usually contains individual link tracks, photo-etched and clear parts and decals for several variants. The exact contents are not stated here.

The real subject

The T-34/85 was the ultimate wartime version of the legendary Soviet T-34 medium tank. A new, larger three-man turret carried an 85 mm gun, which markedly increased firepower against German tanks and freed the commander from serving the weapon. The machines of Plant No. 112 belonged to late wartime and postwar production; the T-34/85 then went on being built and serving for decades after the war in a number of the world's armies.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic with thin modeling cement. Finish and paint the running gear, the wheels and the lower hull before final assembly; assemble the individual link tracks patiently. Bring out the characteristic cast surface of the turret with a fine texture under the paint. After the base coat, over primer and with an airbrush, bring the tank to life with washes into the recesses, wear on the edges and dust or mud pigments on the running gear.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Soviet armored vehicles of the Second World War
• Modelers who will appreciate accurate details of a particular plant
• Anyone interested in the late wartime and postwar versions of the T-34
• More advanced builders with experience of individual link tracks

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