1:35 T-34/85 SEA STAR WHEELS SET

Sea star type wheels for the T-34/85, scale 1:35

This supplementary set from the Ukrainian maker MiniArt holds road wheels with the characteristic spoked pressed disc that modelers call the sea star. It serves for replacing the wheels on a model of the T-34/85 tank in 1:35 scale and makes it possible to capture a machine with precisely this type of wheel. The number of pieces and any further parts of the running gear are on the packaging and in the instructions.

Why wheels are dealt with separately

The running gear of the T-34 changed during production according to the plant and the period. The type of wheel is therefore one of the few features by which a particular machine is recognized at first glance, and builders who care about credibility commonly change the wheels. The wheels are at the same time most visible from the side and from below, so it pays to do good work on them.

Building and painting tips

Cut the parts off with a margin and clean the parting lines on the circumference of the wheel up carefully, as once the paint is sprayed on every plane shows. Set the rubber tires apart with a shade: a dark gray with a brownish cast looks better than pure black. Glue the wheels on only after the hull has been painted, so that you can reach between them and under the fenders. Finally add muddy and dusty effects, because it is precisely at the wheels and tracks that every convincing weathering starts.

Who the set is for

• builders of T-34/85 tanks in 1:35 scale who care about a particular production form
• modelers completing older kits with newer parts
• anyone interested in the running gear and its weathering
• creators of dioramas where the wheels are well visible

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