KIT:

UM 1/72

KIT #

 3207

PRICE:

 $10.98 ($9.96 at Squadron)

DECALS:

 Three options

REVIEWER:

 Scott Van Aken

NOTES:

  

HISTORY
Most armor fans will know that the T-34 was the Soviets most successful tank of WWII. Designed for ease of maintenance in the crudest of conditions by semi-skilled mechanics, its ruggedness  and ability to withstand a lot of damage helped to keep the pressure on the Wehrmacht.

However when the Germans upgraded their tanks to more powerful versions with larger caliber guns and thicker armor, the T-34 had to follow suite. It changed out its 76mm gun for an 85mm version. Initially this was the D5-T gun, but though being good enough, it was rather complex and prone to breakdown. This was changed over to a more simple and reliable piece after 255 of these tanks were built.

The T-34 chassis was quite adaptable and even into the 1990s, was being used by some armies around the world.

THE KIT

Once again, one is confronted with five medium green sprues and two vinyl ones. The parts are well molded without flash, but with some sink areas and ejector pin marks. The tracks are in sections with single links for going around curved areas of the sprockets and road wheels. The road wheels each have separate vinyl 'tires', which eliminates the tiresome painting of road wheels that goes along with many tank kits. Some of the parts are not used in this version, which is pretty well standard with kits for which there are multiple variants. This one seems to have four sprues of 'standard' T-34 with a separate sprue for the new turret and gun. Each of these kits includes a small etched sprue to help dress things up a bit.

Since UM is doing a series of vehicles based on the T-34 chassis, it is understandable that there would be some common sprues. Those are shown in the left thumbnail while those peculiar to this version are on the right.

Instructions are very well done with well drawn construction sequences. Color information is provided where needed and references Humbrol paints. The small decal sheet gives options for three tanks, all in overall green. First is #110 from the Ukraine Front in 1944, This is followed by one with a patriotic slogan on it from the South-Western Front during the winter of 1944, so has a whitewash finish. Finally, #244, from the Byelorussian Front in early 1945.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Overall a very nice kit. It is quite detailed for its scale and provides an excellent 'bang for the buck'.

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