1:48 T-34/76 FENDERS (HOBBY BOSS)

The real subject

The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank of the Second World War, the version with the 76.2 mm gun being designated the T-34/76. The fenders over the tracks were in fact made of thin sheet metal and took a real beating in service: in period photographs they are often bent, torn or missing altogether along part of their length.

What the set replaces

Replacement fenders of thin metal for a model of the T-34/76 in 1:48 scale, intended for the Hobby Boss kit. For the sake of strength a plastic part has to be far thicker than the real thing, and the thickness of the edge shows on the model from every angle. The metal replacement gives the edge the right profile. The extent of the set and the fitting procedure are given in the maker's instructions.

Building tips

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, as scissors would bend the metal. They are glued with cyanoacrylate glue applied in droplets from the tip of a pin, because plastic cement has no effect on metal. Metal takes reshaping, so you can bend, dent or shorten a fender to match the photograph you are building from. Fit the fenders before you start painting the hull so that you can sand and fine-tune them. Degrease the metal before painting and spray it with a primer.

Who it is for

For modelers who build the T-34/76 in 1:48 scale and want a vehicle with convincing fender edges or with damage matching a period original. Check in the instructions for the set whether the parts fit your particular release of the kit. The kit, the paints and the glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.