Russian T34/76 1941

[Tigermud]

Here is the beginning of my build. Rick ordered two kits so we could do some side by side building. Hope I can hold my own!!

The Kit

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/chc63551.jpg

Lower hull. The rear plate needed a little help staying in place but other wise straight forward. The front suspension arms will have to wait, as there is no positive locator pins.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0004.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0003.jpg

Next are the road wheels and sprokets...

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0005.jpg

Both sets of wheels. I choose the early version as seen on the right. Rick is doing the later version on the left.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0010.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee258/adam_medic/russian%20T34/DSC_0007.jpg

That is all for now.

[DAK66]

I chose to build the steel wheel version so far so good i'm about at the same step you are also i will be following this one :thumb:

[Flak]

Nice strat...keep it coming.

[greybeard]

Beware — one of the "undocumented features" (a phrase usually used to describe Microsoft products) is that the drivers lack any "drive". DML would have us believe that there actually were drive sprockets without the rollers, but I have never seen anything to that effect from any other source. An easy work-around is to use the back half from the early drivers — they won't be visible once the model is assembled, or add short lengths of sprue between the halves of the later style. Other than that, and the omission of the STZ-style periscope for the top starboard side of the turret, it is a very nice kit.

Terry Ashley's review is very good:
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/cyberhobby/chc6355.html

I'm looking forward to this, too.
Cheers
Scott Fraser

[DAK66]

Beware — one of the "undocumented features" (a phrase usually used to describe Microsoft) is that the drivers lack any "drive". DML would have us believe that there actually were drive sprockets without the rollers, but I have never seen anything to that effect from any other source. An easy work-around is to use the back half from the early roadwheels — they won't be visible once the model is assembled, or add short lengths of sprue between the halves of the later style. Other than that, and the omission of the STZ-style periscope for the top starboard side of the turret, it is a very nice kit.

Terry Ashley's review is very good:
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/cyberhobby/chc6355.html

I'm looking forward to this, too.
Cheers
Scott Fraser


I added plastic rod to mine but honestly once everything is together you wouldn't know, i mostly added the rod on the drivers to aid in placing the track.

[schlichtr]

Hey Adam, nice to see you building this kit. I am doing the 42 (yes with all the problems) but haven't updated in a while as I am finishing up another project. Mey have an update tomorrow though. Will be watching your build here.

Roy

[James Tainton]

Excellent update- thanks for sharing and keep it up!

[greybeard]

Beware . . . the drivers lack any "drive". DML would have us believe that there actually were drive sprockets without the rollers, but I have never seen anything to that effect from any other source. . .

What's that expression? Speak and ye shall find?

I was hunting for some information yesterday, and was able to download a very good monograph on the T-34 from Frontline Illustrated, 2006-6 entitled "T-34 Bottom to Top - Part One". I highly recommend this little book — it includes many items that "Mythical Weapon" left out. I haven't had the chance to read it, but it is chock full of detailed drawings and photos covering different aspects of the T-34, mainly the running gear, fuel stowage, hull components and different stowage options. Presumably Part Two covers the different turrets and other items. It is in Russian, but the photos and drawings more than make up for the lack of English text.

http://thmp.hobby-site.com/T-34_images/[N 6-2006] T-34-76_Top-to-bottom-1.jpg

Фронтовая иллюстрация № 6 - 2006 г. "Т-34-76: сверху донизу" (часть 1); ISBN 5-901266-1-3

Anyway, about that elusive drive sprocket, here is an illustration:
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/T-34_images/[6-2006]rollerless_driver.jpg

The caption is "Cast rollerless drive wheel, 1943 pattern". Note it lacks the hardware at the end of the rollers, i.e. has no resemblance to the DML part.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

[schlichtr]

The caption is "Cast rollerless drive wheel, 1943 pattern". Note it lacks the hardware at the end of the rollers, i.e. has no resemblance to the DML part.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

Perhaps that is because the Dragon sprocket it an earlier type. The caption says "1943 Pattern". Dragon's (which there are two different types in the STZ 1942 kit) are 1940 - 42 types for the most part. Maybe I am just misunderstanding the point of your quote.

Roy

[greybeard]

Perhaps that is because the Dragon sprocket it an earlier type. The caption says "1943 Pattern". Dragon's (which there are two different types in the STZ 1942 kit) are 1940 - 42 types for the most part. Maybe I am just misunderstanding the point of your quote.
Roy

No misunderstanding — there was a rollerless drive sprocket, but in 1943 (after STZ ceased production) and it looks nothing like the DML part.

Cheers

[sharkmouth]

No misunderstanding — there was a rollerless drive sprocket...

Slightly misleading :o

The drive wheel you saw still had the rods between them to drive the tracks but they did not roll since they were welded to both disks. So, one would still see thick rods between them but no hardware on the outside of the disks which were to mount rollers.

I am not sure if I was clear but wartime photos (and a monument which has one) bear out the facts.

Regards,

[Tigermud]

Gosh guys thanks so much for the input. This is my first time posting and I'm glad to see such an out pouring of thoughts. I don't have to worry about the "large diskie thing that propels the tank" as I'm doing the early version and DML got that one right. Rick is the poor sucker that wanted to be different, and started hacking away at his kit.
As for the rollerless sprocket, I would have to agree that the "rollers" are welded and not free rolling. There would be no way for the tank to move unless you had an Army full of Arnolds who would just push it into battle.
Anyway I'm looking forward to more input, questions, or suggestions.
Adam

[sharkmouth]

...I'm looking forward to more input, questions, or suggestions.

And I am waiting for an update to continue with inputs, questions, or suggestions! ;)

Regards,

[Stuke Sowle]

Any progress on this Adam?