AFV Club T-34's

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Just ordered a pair of the T-34’s, 76 and 85 versions, from AFV Club. Everything I’ve read about them tells me these are very well made kits. My question is this…

Are there any errors in detail that I need to be made aware of with these models? Any glaring mistakes that I’ll need to correct? My research ttells me no but I’d like to hear from some folks that have actually built these kits.

I also picked up and Academy Tiger 1 and am aware that there are several small issues with that kit. I like the tiger enough that I’m willing to overlook any problems the kit may have.

Thanks for your advice.

Steve

2

I’ll also add that these are the limited edition T-34’s with the clear hulls and turrets.

3

I wrote a review of the T34-76 clear hull kit. It thought it was pretty nice w/no real errors. You can see it here: www.armorama.com/modules.php If you read the postings on it, one person disagreed with me, but I still think it is a good kit.

4

That’s a great review. Not sure how I missed that one. I’m not sure how I’ll like the clear hull. If not, I’ll paint it and do a cutaway. The details I have seen look very nice though.

5

Hi ssrc30,

I do not have the AFV T-34 myself but I would agree with Gino that the concept is a bit odd.

I got myself the Trumpeter SBD-5 with clear hull and engine cowling but I must admit that I am struggling - the trick seems to be to leave open large selected areas avoiding attachment points.

The Academy Tiger builds up nicely, no real issues apart from the known accuracy ones.

Did you get the Interior version here as well?

I have used parts of the Academy interiors with some success in Dragon kits allowing me to open some of the hatches. 1 Academy can be butchered up nicely for 3 Dragon :slight_smile:

If you enjoy your Tigers

Hi Gino - thank you for the link. Excellent review!

The rest of the thread probably made sense at the time.

Very Best Regards

Johan

6

I’ve got the clear hulled T-34, but have not built it yet. I’m still trying to decide how to build it (clear, cut away, just regular). It does look like a nice kit.

7

I think I’m gonna build them clear and then do a cutaway with my trumpeter T-34/85. It’s much larger so it’ll make a better subject for such a project, I think.

8

If one was to paint the clear hull,how would you go about it ? regular paint and primer ? I might be interested in the T-34/85 the interior is alluring as an alternate to the dragon kits

9

It’s just clear plastic, the type they use for windows and cockpit canopies.

10

I imagine that if you were to prime it you’d be good to go. Shouldn’t need any more than that.

11

Painting it shall be. I got my kits the other day and I’m really not crazy about the whole transparent hull idea. The small size of the tank kind of defeats the purpose.

12

The clear turret and hull on a tank model does not work good as a traditional cut-away in my opinion.

One thing about a T-34 is the simplicity of its construction on the 1/1 vehicle. Light items like the fenders and grab handles are easily scratch built, if damage on these items is required its the best way to go.