Like so many of you, I rushed out to buy one of the fantastic Trumpeter 1/16 T-34s. I opted for the 1942 model, and like it so much I’m thinking about adding a 1944 as soon as there’s some slack in my household budget. Anxious to get started, but before rushing in, I felt it would be profitable to do some homework.
To this end, I’ve been pouring over lots of period photos of both the exterior and interior. On close examination of the latter, I’ve noticed that the crew seats were upolstered with what appears to vinyl of the cheapest quality, probably selected as an afterthought, and no doubt a reflection of the principles of Soviet proletarian austerity, with little thought for durability (unlike the vehicle itself). In nearly every photo in which the seats are visible, the upholstery showed signs of severe wear in the form of deep creases, wrinkles and split seams.
I’d like to try and duplicate this effect in scale, but am at a loss on just how to go about it. Any suggestions?