T-34/76 STZ Mod. 1941

[RickLawler]

Good Day Planeteers....

Ok, lets just say that I've done 2 German vehicles in a row, so the next won't be German.......that's not to say that it's going to be anything unusual or odd, actually quite to the contrary, just not German.
R


http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CHC63551.jpg

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!!
-Tigermud

So Adam and I will be both building this kit...mini GroupBuild if you will. We are looking forward to having a good time watching and helping each another with our kits...maybe you will enjoy watching us as well.

So lets begin, and that's really all that I can do at the moment. I decided that I wanted to add Aber fenders, so...I'll get a little start now, but the real fun will begin when the FedEx guy shows.

The build begins with the wheels....thus a choice, steel or rubber rims. Adam went with rubber, I just had to be different and am going to portray a latter production and went with steel.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image.jpg

Throughout the build, Awill denote rubber wheel assembly, Bare for those steps particular to steel rims.

Doug and Scott, I had also made note of the absence of the rollers on the drive wheels. I simply cut small sections of plastic rod.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0010.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0018.jpg

...and quickly, the parts and assembly of the remaining wheels...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0021.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0028.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0031.jpg

and there is a small begining. Like I said, I'll do a little messing around with it, cleaning parts and such, but the build will really when I have everything I need on my bench.

Rick

[james84]

Hmmmm... is this the kit which had a NOTORIOUS gap on the back of the upper hull?

[Sturmmann]

Hi Rick,

Well it seems this is fast becoming “Planet T-34” :D Its like if you haven’t build one then you don’t belong here. :p:D

Now seriously, I am looking forward to see your take on this one. I’ll be watching closely.

Dave

[RickLawler]

Hmmmm... is this the kit which had a NOTORIOUS gap on the back of the upper hull?

Giacomo, yes it's my understanding that there are some fit issues with the engine deck/screens. I believe that the solution is to do a little trimming of the photo etch.

Hi Rick,

Well it seems this is fast becoming “Planet T-34” Its like if you haven’t build one then you don’t belong here.

Now seriously, I am looking forward to see your take on this one. I’ll be watching closely.

Dave


Can you believe it? What am I thinking...next thing you'll know I'll be making a Panther!!! It's a slippery slope. :eek:

Rick

[schlichtr]

I have two of these kits but decided to take on the 1942 version first.

Hmmmm... is this the kit which had a NOTORIOUS gap on the back of the upper hull?

No that is the STZ 1942 kit. It has a serious fit problem with the rear plate. I am tackeling it right now and will have an update this evening on my v-bench.

Roy

[greybeard]

There are two:

DML/CH 6355 is the 1941 model STZ kit, and is very nice.
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/T-34_thumbs/chc6355t.jpg

DML/CH 6388 is the 1942 model STZ kit, and has issues.
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/T-34_thumbs/chc6388t.jpg


Both are reviewed on PMMS, where Terry addresses the problems with theh latter kit. Dmitry Kriyakin started a vBuild on another site before Christmas, and was first to raise questions about the latter kit.

Cheers
Scott

[Jan Peters]

Rick! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Excellent choice of subject! There is nothing more beautiful then a muddy T! :D
Jan :)
ps it is just a small step from T-34's towards Panthers.... go for it, you know it makes sense ;) :D

[sharkmouth]

AAaaaaHHHHHhhhh!

Those are NOT the drive wheels!!!!! Those are idlers and do not have rollers!

These are the drive wheels and should have rollers:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0028.jpg

Luckily, not a hard job to remove and sand clean again...

Regards,

[bother37]

I am just finishing this kit up, it is really nice. I added the Voyager p.e. set for the DML model 40/41/ German version, it really dresses up the kit. Can't wait to see these finished!

[RickLawler]

AAaaaaHHHHHhhhh!

Luckily, not a hard job to remove and sand clean again...

Regards,


Saul is my Co-Pilot......thanks amigo. I'll take care of it tonight. I guess that's what I get for talking to Adam while I should be concentrating on my build....!!!!


Rick

[schlichtr]

Hey Rick, may not be the case here but often people get a bit confused with the drive wheel being at the rear on a T-34. They are so used to the sprockets being on the front of vehicles that they just naturally assume thats the way it is on all tanks. I remember a beautiful Tamiya Cromwell some one posted on Missing-Lynx a couple of years ago and at first glance it seemed odd and then someone mentioned that the sprockets on his model were on the front instead of the rear. The modeler got a good laugh out of it because he had assumed they were supposed to go on the front. Like you said it should be an easy fix for you tonight.

Roy

[Tigermud]

Yes Rick, blame the new guy... Hey, what song is that on the radio? "who let the dawgs out..." Sorry that was below the belt. I'll be doing some building at work tommorow and hard core this weekend so we should met again and take some pics. Have you figured out the dovetail joint yet? I have read a few different accounts. First is that only the STZ had it on both front and rear. I have been unable to find a year or production # in which it was produced and at which factories. I have seen many photot with both types of front plates. I'll keep looking around.
Adam

[schlichtr]

According to the "T-34 Mythical Weapon" the dove tail joints on the armor started in the spring of 42. You are building the early version so no dove tail. The Cyber Hobby STZ 1942 has the later upper hull with the dove tail joints. It appears they didn't test the fit of the newer upper hull with the lower hull before putting the kit on the market and hence the fit problems. It has been narrowed down to the hull top being about 2 to 2.5 mm to long. Doesn't sound much been when it causes the fit problems that it does its alot. I am working it right now.

Roy

[RickLawler]

You are building the early version so no dove tail.

Thanks Roy, you're a champ. I have to admit, I'm a huge novice when it comes to the variants..so your help is very much appreciated. ;)

Ok, nothing hurt....but my pride :o:o:o Thanks for catching my mistake Saul. The fix on the drive wheels...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0035.jpg


Later guys.

Rick

[pwranta193]

Actually 2 - but one is almost built :D

I'll whip up some shots this weekend, and add them to the fray. My first T-34... and I really like this kit. Stuke should get one zipped out over the weekend... and then we can look at getting matching jackets :)

[lquah]

Achtung!! We are getting swamped by T-34s!! Where are ze Panthers? :D

Nice start Rick... Always enjoy your builds.

[holmerz]

Looking forward to see an allied vehicle from your hand Rick :thumb:.

\Erik

[Panzergrenadier]

C'mon what is up with the T-34 mania?!?

I kind of like it so it is ok all you builders. similar kits and different people building them...this should be good to watch!:)

Rick, great as always. :thumb:


Achtung!! We are getting swamped by T-34s!! Where are ze Panthers? :DNo worries, I have a certain so to say ''T-34 killer'' on the bench right now. I can tell it has some nice metal tracks, sloped armor and a KWK 43. reinforcements are on their way!

[Stuke Sowle]

Stuke should get one zipped out over the weekend... and then we can look at getting matching jackets :)

Ooh ooh!! Can we get jackets that have "My other car is a Sherman" stenciled on them??? Or how about, "Graduates of the Revell School of Hygiene"??

Seriously Ranta, I'm gonna pretend you never typed that. :)

[lquah]

Or you guys could each buy Tamiya's limited edition 1/16 M4A3 Sherman that comes with a free US Combat tankers winter jacket! :D

LQ

[pwranta193]

The ones that everyone ever to get stationed in Korea have made? With the 6 foot embroidered dragon in eye searing colors :D

Maybe "VanPort 1/35 Panzer Posse"... just think how impressed our wives and children would be to walk in public with us.

How would you do the hand signs for 1/35? I'll bet Andrew would know...

Okay Rick, you can have your build back.

[schlichtr]

O.K. Rick I gave you some bum gouge. Re-reading my references it states that the STZ started the dove tails in the fall of 41 not spring of 42 like I had mentioned. Sorry. I have to take another look at the STZ 1941 kit and see what exactly they (Cyber Hobby) are trying to represent here.

Roy

[RickLawler]

Hum :confused::confused: Roy, if I'm reading T-34 Mythical Weapon pgs. 150-152 correctly, it seems that Fall 1941, likely November, was the transistion period to Dove tails, and rubber to steel wheels.

So, does the Cyber kit most accurately represent an earlier 1941 production?

Rick

The ones that everyone ever to get stationed in Korea have made? With the 6 foot embroidered dragon in eye searing colors


Okay Rick, you can have your build back.
__________________
Paul


I wear a Large...!

[schlichtr]

Hum :confused::confused: Roy, if I'm reading T-34 Mythical Weapon pgs. 150-152 correctly, it seems that Fall 1941, likely November, was the transistion period to Dove tails, and rubber to steel wheels.

So, does the Cyber kit most accurately represent an earlier 1941 production?

Rick



I wear a Large...!

Yes Rick those are the pages I got the info from also. I must say this but I really hate the lay out of this book. The illustrations are great but other than that I really hate trying to find info in it. But this is just my opinion.

Roy

[greybeard]

p.46 of Top-2-Bottom-1 shows the second variant of overlapping-plate construction, which seems to correspond to DML#6388. The caption dates it as January 1942. Note only the starboard auxiliary episcope is fitted by the front hatch, the late-style intake grilles, the transmission hatch sits proud of the rear plate, seven bolts on the exhaust shrouds, 27 bolts on the rear plate, and the single stopper above the front swing-arm. The next page shows the third type, with 24 bolts and eight on the exhausts.

[panamadan]

Thanks Roy, you're a champ. I have to admit, I'm a huge novice when it comes to the variants..so your help is very much appreciated. ;)

Ok, nothing hurt....but my pride :o:o:o Thanks for catching my mistake Saul. The fix on the drive wheels...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0035.jpg


Later guys.

Rick
Better late than never! Glad to see that it was caught quickly. Dan

[Tigermud]

Also the second part of my question about the dove tailing was did the STZ have both the front and rear plates this way. I have seen a couple pics with only the front, is this a different plant? Maybe someone could rework the references and come out with a well documented and clear format.

[schlichtr]

Also the second part of my question about the dove tailing was did the STZ have both the front and rear plates this way. I have seen a couple pics with only the front, is this a different plant? Maybe someone could rework the references and come out with a well documented and clear format.

Yes Factory 112 dove tailed the front only. That is according to my references (T-34 Mythical Weapon).

[greybeard]

Yes Factory 112 dove tailed the front only. That is according to my references (T-34 Mythical Weapon).

Top-to-Bottom pt.1 pages 48-51 shows hulls from Krasnoe Sormovo (Zavod № 112).

[RickLawler]

I've tallied fifteen different modifications to take a (Kharkov) 1941 pattern hull to a late 1942 pattern STZ hull:

"How much is enough" depends on the date of the model being built.

Just wait until we get to the three major types of turret . . .

Cheers
Scott


Great! :rolleyes: ...well, with this in mind I'm going to use my hall pass and build what's in the box. I still have the Aber fenders on the way, and I'm doing a little scratchwork for the turret interior. So, I guess at the moment I'm more interested in working on my painting/weathering than re-scribing hull joints.

With that said... I'm thinking something along these lines. Don't know why, it just looks fun.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/inspiration.jpg

talk to you guys soon,

rick

[RickLawler]

GoodDay All....well, if I follow the directions (already up to step #2!), the next step was to remove these little stops and begin work on the suspension...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image-1.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0027.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/cut.jpg

Well, that was dramatic!!!! :D I'm actually kinda stuck and don't want to work on the hull until the Aber/PE fenders arrive, so I decided to look ahead and see what kind of trouble I could get into.

Since I'm thinking of leaving the roof hatch open I thought that I could keep myself occupied by making a few things for the turret, just enough to busy it up in there a little bit. These were all made form bits of Evergreen rod and strip, while the kitbag was formed from Milliput.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0097.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/DSC_0094.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0099.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0102.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/CSC_0107.jpg

It's not much......:rolleyes: Later guys,

Rick


PSSSSSS--- To the Voodoo Boyz...guess what what used to make the round disks? :rolleyes:;)

[Kreighshoer]

maybe not much but very much ace! :thumb:

[pwranta193]

And here I was sailing along - and now you have to up the ante on the turret guts...

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/pwranta193/T-34%20STZ/DSCN2106.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/pwranta193/T-34%20STZ/DSCN2103.jpg

Nice little bit of window dressing - now I have to go back to the white styrene drawers :D

[schlichtr]

Nice job on the turret. I too plan on having my turret hatch open but also have two crewmen sitting there so no need to do all the work on the inside. The gun breach was all that I thought would be neccessary. Great job.

Roy

[Flak]

Great scratch build...Rick :thumb:

[Striker]

very good work, i like the bag in the turret :thumb:

[RickLawler]

Ben, Marco, Roy and Paul...thanks. Hey Paul, your hunk of steel is looking good as well. You are obviously further along than I am. I see that you did a little fender bending...it looks good.

A couple more photo's to finish this sequence...a little basic paintwork to fill-out what will be viewable in the interior.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/DSC_0007.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/14.jpg

see you later,
rick

[Evan August]

Nice work Rick. I've been toying with the idea of putting some parts from a CMK interior into my Panzer IV turret, your work is making the idea all the more appealing now.

[Gopher]

looks great Rick!

[Sturmmann]

Great scratch and interior paint work Rick!!

I really like the look of the interior, very nice. :thumb:



PSSSSSS--- To the Voodoo Boyz...guess what what used to make the round disks? :rolleyes:;)

ehhh something like.....this??

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Miscelaneous/PunchDie.jpg

Dave

[holmerz]

Great scratchwork Rick :thumb: and nice painting/chipping/wheathering too.
Keep up the good work, and hurry up your a** postman.

\Erik

[RickLawler]

Keep up the good work, and hurry up your a** postman.

\Erik

I hear you Erik...I just learned that the PE won't be available until Feb 10, then they promised to ship it ASAP. :yell:

Anywho...I've still been trying to keep moving forward where I can. So I've switched-up the build a little from my usual routine. Since the T34 and the groundwork are going to be fairly integrated anyway, I thought that I might as well get crackin' with the base.

Carved the contours from styrofoam (ya I know, it's the crappy type styrofoam but it was what I had) then covered with plaster/paper strips.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/200.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/201.jpg

Back to the model, one thing iI did is to shoot some black into the hull, just to get it ready for later ( yep, that's how desperate I've been trying to find things to do!). Then I went ahead and and set the suspension to the contours of the base.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/203.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/204.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/17.jpg

worked the tracks around the articulated suspension...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/18.jpg

Now this part can get a bit messy. I wanted to make sure that the groundwork (made from plaster and RR ballast) was really tucked in around the wheels and hull. So to keep the suspension and surfaces of the model clean I wrapped it in Plastic wrap. I was then able to really work the plaster in without totally messing up the surfaces.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/202.jpg

Final groundwork with the unwrapped T34...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/205.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/206.jpg


So, while I wait for the PE I guess that I'll finish-up the base.

later all,
Rick

[Instructorrob]

Nice stuff Rick,

I use plastic wrap too when fitting the vehicles to the groundwork, but mostly when the vehicles are all ready. Which makes it tricky to wrap it with plastic as things will break off for certain. So I only lay out some plastic over the groundwork. Perhaps I should change some of my sequences in the building process.

Robert

[RickLawler]

Well, the PE is on the way, so I'll be able to get back to this one in the very near future. I had done a little more base work while waiting, so I thought that I might as well show the pictures now to keep the base-building photos more-or-less together.

Once the vehicle is competed, I plan to really snuggle it down in the dirt, especially the front area.

Base colors are combinations of Vallejo and Tamiya acrylics sprayed on, then washed with Oils/Mig's slurry.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/207.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/208.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/209.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/210.jpg

Of course there is still more to do with the base, but that will need to wait till later so that I can integrate the colors with the vehicle.

thanks for your patience,

[Anders Heintz]

Nice work Rick!!

The base looks awesome, going to be sweet once there is some paint on the tank and the mud fest can begin. Love dirt and mud!!

[Panzergrenadier]

SUPER!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

[Driver]

As always, great work!!

Ruben

[Larry Bates]

Freekin awesome Rick dude:thumb:

Laz

[MikkoH]

Veeerrryyy Niiceee!:D

[Kreighshoer]

wonderful rick - just wonderful groundwork!

somehow when i look at it i have to think of the western front in ww1 ... makes me want to finally do a long unrealized dream ... some ww1 tanks :)

cheers

[Jan Peters]

Rick, this is one hell of a base! Excellent stuff :thumb:
Jan :)

[RickLawler]

Thanks guys....glad that you liked the dirt.

[mic bradshaw]

Love the ground work looks very nice.

[skeletondude]

The base looks ACE, Rick! :thumb:
It reminds me of pictures of WWI tanks crossing no-man's land.

Marek

[Instructorrob]

Funny one can get excited by seeing mud without the female wrestlers in it :cool:
Come to think of it......I'd rather look at this anytime.

So, what I really want to say....that's an awesome looking base Rick.
Very inspiring stuff. Very well done.

Robert

[Radek Pituch]

Hey Rick
Great idea with such a base like this. I love it. The finished tank will look perfectly there.
Radek

[Gopher]

outstanding!!

[Flak]

Great work always...Rick :thumb:

[Sticky]

top flight!

[Jan Peters]

Funny one can get excited by seeing mud without the female wrestlers in it :cool:
Come to think of it......I'd rather look at this anytime.

That's not what I heard.... :D
Jan ;)

[Larry Bates]

Sooooo Rick,

Are you up to sculpting? :D wrestlers?:D:D:p

Laz

[Instructorrob]

Jan,

don't say you heard that story about me participating.
Read my lips......"I did not share mud with these women"

Robert

[Jan Peters]

Jan,

don't say you heard that story about me participating.
Read my lips......"I did not share mud with these women"

Robert

http://www.snrclan.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_lolhit.gif

[RickLawler]

Jan,

don't say you heard that story about me participating.
Read my lips......"I did not share mud with these women"

Robert

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/swindon_mud_wrestling_8471_350x4701.jpg

Sorry Robert, but a picture is worth a thousand words....did you win?

[Larry Bates]

ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick, those Photoshop skills are really coming along.......:D
Laz

[Jan Peters]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/swindon_mud_wrestling_8471_350x4701.jpg

Sorry Robert, but a picture is worth a thousand words....did you win?

WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ROFL!!
Jan :D

[Instructorrob]

Thanks Rick, you just blew my chance to become your next president. Come to think of it, maybe just as well.

On the other hand...this is what I call an extreme make over :thumb:
Glad to have that dream figure after only one weekend of dieting :D

But frankly........I deny everything. I have no recollection of being there. Don't even know where "there" really is. :rolleyes:

[Radek Pituch]

Nice haircut you got there Rob:)
Rick you sure know how to cheer up people :)

R.

[RickLawler]

Well, that was fun...Aye Robert? :p So, the brass has arrived...3 frets from our friends at Aber....so lets build - finally!

As the turret interior was ready to go, I moved ahead in the sequence and completed the turret. As you can see it's a pretty straight forward process, with brass replacing or adding some of the smaller features.

I also decided (just 'cuz) to try my had at enhancing the welds...I've never done this before! For this I rolled milliput into very thin "snakes", moistened the surface with a little water, layed the snakes over the seams, let them dry for a little while to get tacky, then tapped the pattern with the back of my trusty #11 blade. They turned out...OK?

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/20.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/21.jpg

:)
:)

[Evan August]

Looks alright to me Rick. I tried doing some welds on my King Tiger turret, got similar results. I masked the area first then applied Mori putty, which was then textured with a #11.

[Sticky]

Looks Super Rick, I really Like the welds.

[schlichtr]

O.k. Rick, two questions. What Aber set did you order and what is that stuff splattered all over the front of your turret? Welds look good.

Roy

[RickLawler]

Howdy Evan, John, and Roy...thanks.

Roy, the splatter stuff is overspray from doing the interior. As for the Aber set, here are the directions: Aber#35136 T34/76 1940/1941 Vol.1 basic set.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image-4.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image-5.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image-6.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/image-7.jpg

Also Roy, it looks like some of us will be heading to Seattle on 4/17...me, Adam, Ranta...see you then.

[Panzergrenadier]

I like the welds, coming along great.:thumb:

[greybeard]

Roy, that Aber set is hands down the best set for early / mid T-34s. I have the sets from Lion Roar, Voyageur, OTM and of course the PE from the DML kits, and none of them come close to the Aber metal. This set is also the only one to supply a decent representation of the louvered air intakes for the engine cover that were used on T-34s built at Kharkov (KhPZ) and at STZ before mid-autumn 1941.

Cheers
Scott

[Totenhosen]

Gotta love aber...that set looks sweet.

[RickLawler]

Roy, that Aber set is hands down the best set for early / mid T-34s. I have the sets from Lion Roar, Voyageur, OTM and of course the PE from the DML kits, and none of them come close to the Aber metal. This set is also the only one to supply a decent representation of the louvered air intakes for the engine cover that were used on T-34s built at Kharkov (KhPZ) and at STZ before mid-autumn 1941.

Cheers
Scott

Well, perhaps those louvers are the best, but I'm doing my damnest to "F" them up! I think that they are going to end-up looking a little "rough" :yell:.

Anyway, before all of that, here is a little progress. This is a little surgery which needs to be done in order to place the insides of the vents.

have a good day everyone,

cutting out the vent slots...from the top

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/29-1.jpg

making room from the underside....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/30.jpg

some of the parts for the vent plates...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/28.jpg

soldered together, about ready for installation...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/29.jpg

installed...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/31.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/32.jpg

Not too flashy, and end the end it's all pretty much hidden...oh well.

Like I said I've had a go with the louvers that Scott was mentioning. They are (would be) very nice, very delicate, and somewhat complicated (for me) to get the hang of getting them together. I'm afraid that I'm not doing a very good job on those. So at the moment they are just sitting there on my bench. I'll fiddle with them some over the weekend and hopefully will have something decent to look at next week.

[schlichtr]

Looks like a great set. But for a STZ 1942 shouldn't the exhaust screens be squared off instead of rounded. I know I Rick is doing the 41 version but I am doing a 42 and the kit supplied ones will not work (if they indeed should be squared). I ordered a two Eduard t-34 sets that both contain squared screens. One for e Dragon T-34/85 and the other for the Zvezda T-34. I am going to try and see if T-34/85 one will work. Great job so far Rick. Will this be in Seattle?

Roy

[greybeard]

The louvered intakes do not apply to the STZ-built tanks, except a few of the very first ones (built from parts supplied by KhPZ No.183). The vast majority of STZ production had the style with the lateral rods that became standard after 1941. Check your photo references!

[Larry Bates]

Looks good Rick......:thumb:

Laz

[RickLawler]

The louvered intakes do not apply to the STZ-built tanks, except a few of the very first ones (built from parts supplied by KhPZ No.183). The vast majority of STZ production had the style with the lateral rods that became standard after 1941. Check your photo references!


Hi everyone. Thanks Scott for the information...it's all so confusing, but I'm trying!!! :confused: I went ahead with the kit parts as I really wasn't pleased with my attempts using Aber's...I think the build will look better in the end.

So, anyway...when I ordered the Aber set, I was thinking that I was also going to get the fenders, but I was mistaken. So I mentioned this to Ranta the other evening while looking over his damaged T34 fender, and he just said off hand something to the effect that with all the bending that I was doing lately, why don't I just make my own fenders.

So Paul, thanks for the kick in the pants...Baz if you're out there...I was thinking of you, thanks for your inspirations. So here they are, my first attempt at fabricating fenders...

Using the kit parts as a pattern.. the brass is .05 sheet.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/36.jpg

pretty basic, only two parts needed...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/37.jpg

all done...comparision with the kit part....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/38.jpg

so originally I was only going to build one, and leave the other off, but I thought "why not try for another, just to see if I can do it"...now I have both!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/40.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/39.jpg

Dryfit just to see what it will look like. Before you ask...of course I'll be banging them-up!!!!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/41.jpg

All in all, not a difficult endevour...the first one took me about 1/2 hr, the second took about 5 minutes. I've since also formed one rear fender....this is fun!

Take aim - TargetRange is open. :D

[greybeard]

So Paul, thanks for the kick in the pants...Baz if you're out there...I was thinking of you, thanks for your inspirations. So here they are, my first attempt at fabricating fenders...


That's inspiring, Rick. I've been agonizing about what to do for fenders for my own STZ. Cheap bugger, I am, I didn't want to spring for replacement fenders and wasn't sure of the best way to make replacements. I think I know now — I just have to learn how to solder better!

As for the intakes, yeah, STZ tanks are very confusing. They started building with parts supplied from KhPZ. That's how they were supposed to be built. Once Kharkov was evacuated, they started making it up as they went along, and practically every week brought new changes. The intakes were among the first to go, followed shortly by the the towing cleats and driver's hatch.

Anyway, your fenders look great. I found some very good photos of how they were attached, if you're interested. This tank, in particular shows the brackets that propped them up:
http://www.tvksmp.pl/~kjanczarek/index.html
http://www.tvksmp.pl/~kjanczarek/t34/foty/087.jpg

Cheers
Scott Fraser

[RickLawler]

Thanks Scott the pics are great, very helpful..

Check your PM"s plz. :)

[sharkmouth]

HALT!

Those props are exactly that, props for the display piece. In actual use, the tracks tightened up on turns and would tear each of those skinny brackets off..
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k247/sharkmouth/T-34/T34MGbrackets.jpg

The side fenders (mud guards) were tack welded at intervals.

Regards,

[sharkmouth]

Hi Rick,

Sorry for coming to the thread late. I like the welds on the turret but you need to add some more. The recuperator armor is made from two halves and there is a prominent weld seam on the top centerline. Also, where it fits the rotor shield, the gaps were covered by using THREE weld beads. The areas in question are in red in the photo below:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k247/sharkmouth/T-34/Turret.jpg

See these photos as well:
http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps231003/23100399.jpg

http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps231003/23100375.jpg

http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps231003/23100370.jpg

Now compare to a hex turreted T-34 produced in 1943 where the bottom has a plate covering the seam:
http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps231007/2006_23100705.jpg
yet, the top seam is still there:
http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps231007/AO23100716.jpg

Regards,

[pwranta193]

Nice front fenders... oh, and as I recall, I told you that you might be a bit close to the glue bottle when you took on those rear fin assemblies :D Those look like they need to be sent out to the pros in Singapore for assembly. The P/E instruction sheet should be stamped with "Flee your Villages and Abandon all Hope!"

As I said, love the self bashed fender - now get to bashing them...

Saul - where were you a month ago on that barrel assembly weld issue? Something else I have to go back and fix on mine. After working that seam out of there :)

[RickLawler]

Gotcha, Saul. Thanks!

[sharkmouth]

Saul - where were you a month ago on that barrel assembly weld issue?

Three things kept me away :o...
work :thumb:
sleep :(
Time Bandits (wife and 4 year old) :rolleyes:

Hopefully it is not too late otherwise, I am sure it is not your last T-34-76...

Regards,

[greybeard]

HALT!

Those props are exactly that, props for the display piece. In actual use, the tracks tightened up on turns and would tear each of those skinny brackets off..

The side fenders (mud guards) were tack welded at intervals.

Regards,

Hmmm, thanks, Saúl. That would explain why these don't appear anywhere else. There are hardly any photos of this area — no surprise — and I'm still not sure how these wouldn't be torn off from weight on top. There's not a lot of 'meat' there.

Cheers
Scott

[sharkmouth]

... I'm still not sure how these wouldn't be torn off from weight on top.

Not the weight on top but the movement of the tracks. T-34 tracks are not kept taut. As such, accelerating cause the tracks UNDER the wheels to be pulled backwards and propel the tank forward. The drive wheels also PUSH the tracks over the wheels to the front. This normally causes slack until brakes are applied (either for stopping or turning).

Now, the tank rolls on the tracks until the top run tightens and is stopped by the idlers at front (both idlers to stop or one to turn in the direction of the stopped track). When the track goes taut, it is known to slap the bottom of the sponsons once in a while. Looking at the photo, you can see that if the track went taut, that in itself would cause the diagonal rods of those braces to be torn away.

The mudguard design has stiffeners (vertical and perpendicular to the mudguards longitudinal axis at certain intervals. Another design 'feature' is what appears to be sloppy weld work with some gaps. This is intentional to drain water and keep it from collecting. Other Soviet tanks have holes drilled into the mudguards for that purpose.

Please notice that the upper sides of the hull tub are clear of protuberances where the track normally travels. These 'dead' tracks (not the early ones which had secured pins) had pins which loosened and were struck back in place by a track pin bump slightly forward of the drive wheels. However, if a track pin was too loose, it could hit the hull rear and be torn out thereby breaking the track.

It is a nice feature one of you modelers can add, pins loosened from the track and exposed (just not too much as to cause a broken track). Sorry, I do not have any photos of this to show.

Regards,

[Flak]

Great work on the BRASS FENDER...Rick :thumb:

[schlichtr]

Nice work. Keep it up.

Roy

[Totenhosen]

Nice scratchbuilding. I pretty much scratch build all of my fenders now, even the pressed ribbed type found on Marders, etc. The kit gives you templates, so why not? And if you louse them up like I normally do, you're only out a couple bucks and 30-40 minutes.

[RickLawler]

Great job so far Rick. Will this be in Seattle?

Roy

Hey Roy, when you asked I really wasn't sure if it was going to be finished in tme...but now I think that I've got a pretty good chance of getting this one done in time to bring. I'll keep plugging away at it and see how it turn out.

Just a bit of an update....added the weld seams on the gun as per
Saul's advice and have been adding lots of brass bits here and there.

Here is a quick looks...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/22.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/42.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/43.jpg

Need to add some smaller details, then it's getting to be about time to put it all together - then paint.

Later,

[skeletondude]

Nice work, Rick, I like it! :thumb:
Can't wait to see the finished masterpiece!:thumb:

Marek

[canjuaan]

Cool stuff. Bring on the paint :)

Johannes

[schlichtr]

Hey Rick, You going to the Vancouver show tomorrow? I wee you also used the plastic hull tie downs. I think they are much better than the brass ones. Looking good.

Roy

[MikkoH]

Nice work Rick!!

[Flak]

Looks COOL...Rick

[Jan Peters]

Looks dilicious, Rick, makes me wanna start on a T34 too ;)
Jan :)

[Minesweeper]

looks very nice, good welding texture:cool:

[Larry Bates]

Looks SICK Rick!:thumb:

Nice job on the fenders. :thumb:

Laz

[Panzergrenadier]

Man....what more can I say -- super!:thumb:

[RickLawler]

Hi guys, thanks for the very nice words of encouragement. Well, here we are....I think that I have a T34 pretty much ready to go...!

As they might say on the Target Range... "Shoot!" :eek:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/45.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/46.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/46-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/46-2.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/47-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/47.jpg

Once I get though the shooting gallery here....next-up will be to get back onto the base and really snuggle this gal down into the crater....then Paint!


thanks everyone,

[Jan Peters]

SSSSAWEEET! :D
Jan ;)

[sharkmouth]

Hehehe,

Not bad at all! Aside from thinning the exhaust pipes, add a drain bolt:
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k247/sharkmouth/Dragon/T-34/35th/STZ/MissingTrannyBolt.jpg
Is the insert also stating the hammerhead tow clevis is upside down? Nope, must be my tired eyes.

EDIT: Sorry for bringing this type of news. I should have caught it earlier. :(
http://www.ww2models.com/refs/T34_76_42/pages/DSC_1842.htmlhttp://www.ww2models.com/refs/T34_76_42/pages/DSC_1842.htmlhttp://www.ww2models.com/refs/T34_76_42/pages/DSC_1842.htmlhttp://www.ww2models.com/refs/T34_76_42/images/DSC_1842.jpg

Regards,

[Panzergrenadier]

Not being a T-34 expert, all I can say is that it is a really ugly one, that being in a good way. :thumb:

[skeletondude]

I can't give any criticism on this, it's just too perfect! :thumb:
Great work, Rick!

Marek

[RickLawler]

Saúl, gotta love it...give me a 50/50 chance to install something upside down, and I do...! Changes and additions made...thanks.

[Gopher]

looks great Rick!

[greybeard]

Shoot, he says . . .

DML's kit is such a schmozzle, and there were so many variations in STZ T-34s, that almost anything goes. What bugs me most about the kit is that the all-metal wheels were introduced well after the introduction of the late driver's hatch, and it's rare to see the KhPZ hatch with metal wheels (I know of only one photo).

That said, check the position of the bolts on the rear turret plate — the kit part is wrong. There are several good shots of the rear turret here:
http://pblinov.narod.ru/galleries/tanks/3476/stz42/bondarevka.html This is the tank at Bondarevka, built at STZ in the spring-summer 1942.

Also, the turret ventilator no longer had the flip-up cover typical of KhPZ tanks. It should be welded to the turret roof, parallel to the roof and not the ground. Here is another link to the tank at Medyn, which is STZ production from the autumn of 1941:
http://pblinov.narod.ru/med3476/STZ.html

The hull looks good, although the hole in the transmission cover for the locking wrench should be gone. FWIW, jacks were in short supply, and not that common on tanks built after summer 1941. That said, in the late summer and autumn of 1941, STZ was still building with parts evactuated from Kharkov, so there's nothing absolute about these tanks.

One improvement that would be very obvious (now that it's too late) would be with the air intake louvers. The PE parts are awesome, but real torture to assemble. I've found that the kit parts actually don't look half-bad if you cut the back of them off and sand them down until they're about .015" thick.

Other than those few little things, it looks very much like an STZ T-34. Put some paint on it!

Cheers
Scott Fraser

[RickLawler]

That said, check the position of the bolts on the rear turret plate — the kit part is wrong. There are several good shots of the rear turret here:
http://pblinov.narod.ru/galleries/ta...ondarevka.html This is the tank at Bondarevka, built at STZ in the spring-summer 1942.

Also, the turret ventilator no longer had the flip-up cover typical of KhPZ tanks. It should be welded to the turret roof, parallel to the roof and not the ground. Here is another link to the tank at Medyn, which is STZ production from the autumn of 1941:
http://pblinov.narod.ru/med3476/STZ.html


Scott...as for the rear plate..what I"m seeing is that they are not evenly spaced top to bottom, but rather more to the top and hex pattern vs. DML roundhead.

And for the ventilator??? Is this a pic of what you are talking about?

http://pblinov.narod.ru/galleries/tanks/3476/stz42/target116.html

Shucks on the rear screens...I didn't even think about sanding them down..too bad also as it would have helped appearances. It is too late unfortuanately this time.

[greybeard]

Scott...as for the rear plate..what I"m seeing is that they are not evenly spaced top to bottom, but rather more to the top and hex pattern vs. DML roundhead.

Yup — regular flat bolts (on this tank) with unequal spacing. The bottom bolt has to move . . . Photos of the back of the turret aren't that common, and some seem to indicate conical bolts, but this one at least has flat ones like the preserved tank:
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/images/turretbolts.jpg





And for the ventilator??? Is this a pic of what you are talking about?
http://pblinov.narod.ru/galleries/tanks/3476/stz42/target116.html


Yes. Initially the ventilator cover was hinged from inside, so the commander could reach out and flip the periscope cover off. They started welding them at STZ to simplify production, and all T-34s after late 1941 had them welded.

Here's what I mean:
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/images/[2007-01]p22.jpg

The original KhPZ style is on the left. The first variation, on the right, had an external hinge at the front. Bottom right is the welded version.

Here's a photo of the top of the turret on 'white 85', the one and only STZ tank I've seen with cast wheels and the early hatch:
http://thmp.hobby-site.com/images/white_85-top.jpg

You can see the periscope cover has been left open — a chance to use that Aber part! Another interesting detail is that the two screws that were supposed to hold the flap over the turret episcope are missing.


Shucks on the rear screens...I didn't even think about sanding them down..too bad also as it would have helped appearances. It is too late unfortunately this time.

LOL! It happens! File it away for the next one.

Anyway, very nice model, Rick. Put some paint on it! Then I'll stop.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

[sharkmouth]

Rick,

If you paint it as '85', don't forget the aerial recognition marking seen in the top view Scott provided.

Regards,

[greybeard]

Rick,

If you paint it as '85', don't forget the aerial recognition marking seen in the top view Scott provided.

Regards,

Oh jeez, Saúl, that particular tank is a real oddball! The front fenders are wonky for one thing. I have three photos of the beast, and they all show features that could be described as "non-conforming". If I didn't know better, I'd say it was patterned after the Tiger in Kelly's Heroes!

Cheers

[panamadan]

Love the big wheel look! Dan

[schlichtr]

Rick, your T-34 looks awesome and I wouldn't hold it against you one bit if you paint it as it is. Most people would have no idea what most of us are talking about here or what to look for. With that said there is alot of great info flowing here though. I need to get with you and discuss your ground making techniques as I think they are terrific and I want to be schooled on it. Great job.

Roy

[MCR]

"DML's kit is such a schmozzle, and there were so many variations in STZ T-34s, that almost anything goes."

Noooot completely true. There are a number of variations from the beginning to the end of production there BUT they tend to be very predictable and identifiable (with the exception of very early production tanks which are tough to tell from KhPZ made T-34s).

"What bugs me most about the kit is that the all-metal wheels were introduced well after the introduction of the late d driver's hatch, and it's rare to see the KhPZ hatch with metal wheels (I know of only one photo)."

Again not necessarily true. Though not as common as tanks with the later hatch there are a number of good photos showing the combination of all steel wheels and early hatch (White 85 of course, pg 15 top of "Soviet Tanks in Combat 1941-1945" from Concord also reproduced on pg 5 of Tank Power XL "T-34 vol II", pg 35 of "T-34 vol II", pg 34 of "Soviet Panzers in Action", pg 23 of Ploygon magazine No3 2002, and so on.
Rather than being introduced after the newer style cast driver's hatch my guess is that the changes were more or less concurrent.

Oh, yeah, as noted several posts back the rear towing pintles were attached upside down but that isn't the only problem with them. DML/CH missed the fact that the design of the front and rear hooks was different, like this:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL283/10741093/19142103/309218950.jpg

[schlichtr]

[QUOTE=MCR;61838
Oh, yeah, as noted several posts back the rear towing pintles were attached upside down but that isn't the only problem with them. DML/CH missed the fact that the design of the front and rear hooks was different, like this:
[/QUOTE]

Surely you don't mean that all T-34s had that style of rear tow pintles because there are alot of pictures with the other style. Or do you only mean STZ T-34s?

Roy

[greybeard]

Hi Mark. Good to see you.

It is a schmozzle! The whole question of STZ tanks at the end of 1941 is a giant grey area, but DML mixed and missed a number of features peculiar to STZ tanks.

According to Lagutin's Stalingradskaya '34 (FI 2006-04), the introduction of the cast roadwheels dates from November 1941. Approval to switch to tenon-jointed hull contruction came on 5 December, the transition was made during that month, and tanks with the new hull began entering service in January. I have no monthly figures after October, when production was suspended due to shortages of rubber, optics and electrical components, but I would speculate that production for November-December (with the new wheels and old hull) was no more than 300 tanks — a relatively small number that would have the early hull with steel wheels.

According to Lagutin, the cast driver's hatch was also introduced in December, although it is clear from photos that it was installed on many tanks with the early hull, so it may have come earlier. That makes me believe that the number of tanks with the early hatch in the early hull and with late wheels would be very small.

As for the towing cleats, they were designed and tested at Kharkov, although because of the approach of the Germans and subsequent evacuation it is unlikely they were ever used there. STZ started replacing them in the summer of 1941 with hammerhead cleats of different types on the front, and simpler, very beefy hooks at the back.

http://thmp.hobby-site.com/images/[2006-06]-2_Page_19.jpg
— from Frontline Illustrated 2006-06 "T-34-76 Snizu doverkhu, chast' 1" (T-34-76 Bottom to Top, Part 1) p.70

They are illustrated here, in more or less chronological order. Again, there is no hard data on when each style was introduced, but the hammerheads were typical of STZ tanks and were later adopted by Zavod No.112, and by Zavod No.183 when they were re-established at Nizhnii Tagil. The rear hooks disappeared in 1942, replaced by hammerhead cleats. Except for the last style (illustrated at the bottom of the page) they could be either welded or bolted in place. FWIW, white '85' (early hatch) had the style with the fixed post ahead of the cleat.

There are some excellent images (photographed and posted by Krzystof Janczarek) of the rear hooks here:
http://www.tvksmp.pl/~kjanczarek/t34/page_02.html photos 59 - 67.
(This is the third of six STZ T-34 hulls known to survive. It is an STZ hull from late 1941 with a turret from Zavod No.112, and is on display at Gdansk, Poland.)

A final note about hooks — it's not really noticeable, but the towing cleats on the DML hull are set too far apart. They match the plans in the AjaKs books, but not those in the FI series or in Mythical Weapon. It's not obvious untill you make the mistake of trying to fit appliqué on the hull front, as I did (oops!).

Cheers
Scott Fraser

[MCR]

Surely you don't mean that all T-34s had that style of rear tow pintles because there are alot of pictures with the other style. Or do you only mean STZ T-34s?

Roy

No, no. Just this particular type of pintle on these particular STZ's.
Also, wouldn't you know it, I published the wrong illustration. Fortunately the only difference between the one I wanted to post and the one I did is the presence of rivets (STZ had them and the drawing doesn't)
And don't call me Shirley ;)

Mark

[sharkmouth]

... the only difference between the one I wanted to post and the one I did is the presence of rivets (STZ had them and the drawing doesn't)

Mark's illustration shows a later variant after the fasteners were not used. I have found these welded on items on tanks with welded on (makes sense) additional armor.

It looks like we are doing all of Dragon's research for their next release. :thumb:

Regards,

[Larry Bates]

It looks like we are doing all of Dragon's research for their next release.

Cool......I'll buy that one :p

Laz

[Jan Peters]

Cool......I'll buy that one :p

Laz
Hehehehehe :D
Jan :)

[RickLawler]

Howdy everyone! What an excellent discussion and feedback...I really appreciate it.

It looks like we are doing all of Dragon's research for their next release...I couldn't agree more. ;)

Well, having asked for it, I took some of the suggestions to do the final tweaks on the T34. The towing hooks are turned uprite, I added weld seams on the turret vent, thinned the exhausts, and upon looking at the references from Scott, especially this photo;
http://pblinov.narod.ru/galleries/tanks/3476/stz42/target20.html
I redid the bolts on the rear plate. I also took a little liberty (as per the photo) and decided to depict one missing bolt...just a little added interest?

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/50.jpg

So now, I'm ready to incorporate the tank into the base...here is a quick test fit before I do any additional work...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/49.jpg

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I intend to really snuggle the vehicle down into the crater...so in preperation, I've decided to add some of the dirt (plaster) at this time directly onto the tank. Here are some "walk around" shots.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/51-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/53.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/53-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/51-2.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/54.jpg

As for the base, I've gone back and built it up some more with plaster, actually making a sort of mold within which the tank is placed. Once everything is done all I will need to do is touch-up the seams between the base and the vehicle...Here's a look.

First, just a reminder of the inspiratioin for the base....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/inspiration.jpg

Here is the base and T34 WIP....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/58.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/59.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/60.jpg

One question I have...in the reference photo the interior of the turrent hatch is painted white, somewhat unsual I believe; so should I paint it white as in the photo or green?

Thanks again for all of the extra help...

[sharkmouth]

did you notice that the exhausts are shorter in the photo than on the kit?

I say you should paint it white as you have proof!

Regards,

[greybeard]

One question I have...in the reference photo the interior of the turrent hatch is painted white, somewhat unsual I believe; so should I paint it white as in the photo or green?

The interior of the hatch and the breech were normally green with the remainder of the innards off-white . . . but like everything else with these tanks, there were exceptions. Use your creative judgement (and don't forget the wires leading to the headlight).

Cheers

[Totenhosen]

I would say white, because I like the contrast.

[James Tainton]

One question I have...in the reference photo the interior of the turrent hatch is painted white, somewhat unsual I believe; so should I paint it white as in the photo or green?


Since you are trying to match the photo for the most part -go with white. It would add visual interest... but maybe try doing something different with it to again add interest.
Something like this but not to the same degree of distress. That is, leave more white in place, but not bright white either...
Photo of Chema Cabrero's burnt out T-26 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/thread/1205754030/Burned+T26)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e77/proyectos/t26067.jpg

[skeletondude]

Look's great, Rick, it just looks like an artillery shell exploded in front of it! :thumb:
Any man who can model that good, is a hero in my book! :D

Marek

[Jan Peters]

I love it!! Are you going to paint it in situ?
Jan :)

[RickLawler]

Look's great, Rick, it just looks like an artillery shell exploded in front of it! :thumb:
Any man who can model that good, is a hero in my book! :D

Marek

Marek, thanks for the very nice thoughts, I certainly appreciate them. The fact of the matter is, however, that I only glue little bits of plastic together....the REAL HERO'S are those fought and died with these weapons.

I love it!! Are you going to paint it in situ?
Jan

No Jan, that's the beauty of this. If you look at the 3rd pic, you will see how the tank "slides" into the cavity. I placed the T34 in place, then formed the plaster around the front of the tank. When the plaster had set, I simply was able to slide the tank out of the cavity, or shell, and now I will be able to paint it as usual. The bits of plaster/dirt on the vehicle has been adheared with with white glue and will be painted/weather as they are, attached. I believe that I have a shot of the base without the tank in place I can post if you are interested.

did you notice that the exhausts are shorter in the photo than on the kit?

No, Saul I hadn't noticed the exhausts....looks like a little more work. :rolleyes:

I say you should paint it white as you have proof!.....It would add visual interest... but maybe try doing something different with it to again add interest.


Well, looks like white it is... that was my vote as well for all the same reasons. :D James, I like the idea of some sort of distressed appearance, you're right it could add some nice visual interest. It looks like Chema used the hairspray method to achieve his effect on his T-26. I followed his build with great interest on Panzernet over the past months; that's some fancy scratchwork!

Thanks again everyone for pushing this thing forward.

[Jan Peters]

Now there's some clever enginering! Well done :thumb:
Jan :)

[Panzergrenadier]

I see you are keeping yourself busy. It is progressing nicely and oddly enough I just love the way every detail is discussed and little fixes noted, it just makes for a finer result in the end.
Anyway keep going with it and keep it innovative and fun!

:thumb:

[Larry Bates]

Rick,

It's looking fantastic bud :thumb: I love the damage you have brought on this victim. I ESPECIALLY like the missing bolt on the rear of the turret.:thumb::thumb::thumb:

Oh, and my vote for the interior of the hatch is WHITE!!!!! Man, it's in the pic!!!!!!!!!! :p and yeah, like JT said, mess it up some.:)

L

[MCR]

I was re-reading the blog and noticed one more thing that you may want to fix if you have time. The housing for the PT-4-7 should stand straight up, The PE part that was used is a little thin and doesn't have the wedge shape of the kit part or the real deal.
Like this:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL283/10741093/19142103/309670056.jpg


Mark

[MCR]

I have found these welded on items on tanks with welded on (makes sense) additional armor.

Hey Saul,
As an aside; if you see these welded in place with no rivets you're probably looking at a Factory 112 made tank. STZ seems to have used rivets + welding right to the end (or very near the end) of production.
Just more T-34 trivia. BTW, if you've seen exceptions let me know!

Mark

[RickLawler]

The PE part that was used is a little thin and doesn't have the wedge shape of the kit part or the real deal.


Thanks everyone for all of the help and info...as for this part it's one of those times when the kit part is better than the PE replacement. I realized that after the fact!

So here we go.............PAINT!

Base color....mix of Tamiya XF-73 Dark Green with a touch of XF-57 Buff over a Primer coating of Krylon Ultra Flat Black.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/61.jpg

Highlight colors for base; Added XF-4 Yellow Green and XF-13 JA Green to original mix. And I started the base for the dirt; XF-52 Flat Earth and XF-57 Buff.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/62.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/63.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/64.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/65.jpg

And per my usual, everthing gets shinny with a coating of Future..

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/66.jpg

Here we are; base coated, shinny, and ready for weathering....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/67.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/68.jpg

Once again, thanks to everyone for all of the help on this, my first T34....I guess that I can see how these would become addicting!!!


Later,

[skeletondude]

A masterpiece, Rick! :thumb::thumb: I'm eagerly awaiting the final touches. :)

Marek

[MartinD]

Shiny happy models giving fun :D ...
Great start Rick! This one will be a good one to watch! :thumb:
I always think the beginning stages look too flat, monotone and uninspring. They make you want to dash, scramble and get out all the weathering gear. But that's when you (read: I;)) need to slow down and take everything step by step

Cheers, MartinD

[Gopher]

Wow!!!!!!!

[schlichtr]

Rick, This is looking awesome. I definately will be looking for this at the Seattle show. I probably won't have anything as I am the slowest model builder in the world.

Roy

[Flak]

Cool...

[RickLawler]

Rick, I definately will be looking for this at the Seattle show. I probably won't have anything as I am the slowest model builder in the world.
Roy

Roy, yep it looks like I'm going to get this one done in time! It was nice to run into you the other week, looking forward to seeing you in a few...see you then.

Ok, here we go...mostly lots of process photos.

First off...the Hatch. I followed James' suggestion and protrayed it with some good wear-n-tear. For me, the hairspray method is ideal for this type of effect...here are the steps.

First, a base of the green was applied. Then a spray of hairspray, then a coating of white. Now, a little scrubbing with water and a brush...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/90.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/91.jpg

The scratches and chips auto-magically appear...:D

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/92.jpg

Lastly, a wash with Raw Umber/Paynes Grey wash, and a light buffing with graphite to bring-out the highlights.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/93-1.jpg

Lets move onto the vehicle. I spent a good deal of time going around the tank with various shades of green making small scratches and scrapes. I took sequence photos of this one panel on the rear deck which will hopefully show the process...

Lighter shade of green for the light scratches...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/71-1.jpg

Darker green for deeper scrapes...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/72-1.jpg

Additional layers of scratches....some light washes are also being applied

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/73-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/76.jpg

Ok...TIME OUT! At this point the scratches are looking a little harsh, so now I use the oil dots (around the entire vehicle) which does a nice job of toning everything down and tying it together...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/80.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/81-1.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/81.jpg

Now, back to the rear deck after the oils...you can see that I'm also begining to add the base for dirty areas, these are done with various acrylics and oil washes..

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/76-1.jpg

Time to break-out the pigments. I'm still kind of unsure with these, so I'm going slow.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/76-3.jpg

A few overall WIP shots.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/79.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/78.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/77.jpg

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look. I've still got a lot ahead of me, mostly details and fine tuning, but it's getting there....I'll post more overall shots soon.....but now it's your turn....Please, take aim and Shoot!

[Major Becker]

Hi Rick,

Very nice job...The result after the paint job is perfect...:thumb:
I Like it...Thanks for the wip ;)

rey

[Ropi]

:thumb:

[Gopher]

Rick!
Your painting job is simply great!
I think it'll be a great dio!

[Sticky]

Super chipping !

[Flak]

Great Step by Step chipping chapter :thumb:

[James Tainton]

That's a good start Rick:thumb:......











:D

[louisuni]

Fantastic ! Waiting for more update. :)

[Panzergrenadier]

Rick'n Roll!:thumb::cool::cool:


:)

[ECLIPSE]

Its amazing just how good a dirty, beaten up behemoth can look.:)
You da man Rick. Love it.

[RickLawler]

Good Day Everyone!

One little piece of trivia to get us started. I came across another photo taken from different angle of my inspiration vehicle which places it at Voronezh, 1942....now we know. :rolleyes:

Ok, here we are, coming right down to it. First, thanks to Paul and Adam who took some time the other evening to give the model a good once-over. After looking at it they presented me with about a page worth of small suggestions of things which could be improved or I'd overlooked.....thanks guys. ;)

So, after a couple of days fiddling with their suggestions, here are some shots of the vehicle, pretty much complete and ready to be placed on the base. A little additional weathering will be done once it's set in place.

Please, take aim and fire....thanks everyone.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/100.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/101.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/102.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/103.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/104.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/106.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/107.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/108.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/109.jpg

take care,
:)

[Major Becker]

Hi Rick,

One word gorgeous!!! the paint job is perfect and the details ...

I 'm wiaitn g to see it on the scene..:thumb:
rey

[Andrew Hall]

And this Rick, IMHO, is the best painting I've seen from you. Very studied and not too much of anything. Much better photos too.

Andrew

[exhaustfumes]

hi rickie! pretty!

[James Tainton]

Please, take aim and fire....thanks everyone.
Well from the looks of it not too much ammo will be fired on this one.
Rick- I gotta say it looks pretty well done. You are getting dialed in alright.

One thing - and a common omission, the lens on the headlight seems to be pretty pristine compared to the rest of the vehicle- maybe age it or better yet knock the sucker out, break the glass.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/100.jpg

[Sticky]

Just fab Rick. I agree with James - SMASH the headlite.

[hoolyahn]

Rick, nicely done. Like James said, a smashed/missing lens would better fit the scene. Great work pal !

Waiting to see the base, groundwork painting.

Julian

[FINbuster]

Nice model! I agree with James that the broken headlight would bring eaven more intrest to the scene. The top of the left side tracks are not touching the wheels? Probably just because its still a WIP tho.. I really like the oil(?) stains next o the turret!

[Sergionex]

SUPERB!!! :thumb:

[holmerz]

Great work Rick :thumb:.

Looking at these pics really makes my fingers itch.

btw. you got a new camera right? a Canon eos 400?

\Erik

[Panzergrenadier]

I'm am feeling the T-34 buzz right now. It is very realistic and pleasant to look at. :thumb:

Thumbs up for being a stable poster, I am really feeling guilty for not contributing enough.

[Stuke Sowle]

I have got to get my PC fixed and back on-line so I stop missing work like this.

Absolutely amazing work Rick. The scuffs, streaks, discoloration, chips: all remind me of my time spent on armor. When looking at a model takes me back to those times, I know I am looking at some special work.

Can't wait to see the finished product.

[RickLawler]

And this Rick, IMHO, is the best painting I've seen from you. Very studied and not too much of anything. Much better photos too.

Andrew

Thanks very much, Andrew.


One thing - the headlight - maybe age it or better yet knock the sucker out, break the glass.


Done! :D Thanks James.

As always, thanks to all of you for the help...it's better than I could ever do on my own. :)


I have got to get my PC fixed and back on-line...
Hi-ya Stuke. I wondered where you'd been hiding.

Have a good day,

[pwranta193]

I'm hoping you delicately removed it with loving care, and inserted into an envelope with my address on it - as those are darned nice little lamps. Grind up some clear sprue with a coarse emory board and sprinkle a bit in the cavity and around the base along with one or two select "shards" (depending on how long it has been sitting there).

Really a great final product - best of luck at the competition, mate.

Stuke - hope things are good for you, good to see your smiling avatar around again :D

[DOJO]

no love for a poor little headlight 8(

[RickLawler]

I'm hoping you delicately removed it with loving care, and inserted into an envelope with my address on it - as those are darned nice little lamps.


:o:o Sorry Paul, too late !!! :yell::yell: Unfortunately I "experimented" with both of them...

Grind up some clear sprue with a coarse emory board and sprinkle a bit in the cavity and around the base along with one or two select "shards" (depending on how long it has been sitting there).


Now you tell me!!!! :mad: That's a neat trick, thanks. :)

Hey Ruslan, thanks for stopping by.

[DOJO]

Hey Rick, I'm always here. Just lurking 8-)

[RickLawler]

G'day folks. With one day to spare before this weekends show, I do believe that I'm ready to present this build to the world.

I'd like to give a particular thanks to Scott (greybeard) who gave me a lot of extra technical help behind the scenes.

The final shots.....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/121.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/124.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/125.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/126.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/128.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/129.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/130.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/131.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/T34Hillside.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/fieldcopy.jpg

Thanks to you all,
:)

[Sergionex]

Oh yeah Rick! I love it!

Cheers!
Sergiusz

[Jan Peters]

http://www.snrclan.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_groupcheer.gif
Way to go Rick!! The T turned out great!
Jan :)

[pwranta193]

Great finish - knock 'em dead this weekend. Nice photo shopping, BTW. I'm trying to figure out where the low scrub shot came from. Oh - and the addition of the grass completely changes it from a moon scape. :thumb:

[Gopher]

Speechless!
Great work, Rick!

[camokid]

Most excellent Rick. Very impressive !

[ECLIPSE]

Sensational Rick:thumb:

[Evan August]

Frickin' Sweet! Will you be adding any figures? The scene is great without them though.

[schlichtr]

Can't wait to see it in the flesh. Looks great. See you there.

Roy

[exhaustfumes]

Whatever...la di da!!!

[Ropi]

WOoOW! I like the paintjob! If you made the last photo look a bit "older", I'd think it's a photo from the war! very nice

[panzermatt]

Rick,what brilliant and amazing work,WOW:thumb:

[Flak]

Awesome...

[canjuaan]

Awesome! Not only that your tank is looking like the real thing, no, you also copied mother nature in 1:35!

Johannes

[RickLawler]

Thank you all very much, once again your encouragement and support are unbelievable.

WOoOW! I like the paintjob! If you made the last photo look a bit "older", I'd think it's a photo from the war! very nice

Well, my friend Dmitry Kiyatkin must have had the same thought. He was kind enough to do a little work on the image. This was waiting in my email this morning...a nice way to start the day....Thanks Dmitry. ;)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k200/RickLawler/T34/modfieldcopy.jpg

[hoolyahn]

One hell of a job Rick! This is my favorite of your dioramas. Not bad on the integration of background and foreground.

Have a good one this weekend. Talk to you soon.

Julian

[Driver]

As always, another great model for your collection! :D

Ruben

[Panzergrenadier]

SUPER COOL!:thumb::cool::thumb:

Any ideas what your next model will be?

[Uruk-Hai]

Joining the choir here. Lovely piece. I especially like the ground and gravel. One of the most realistic representations Ive seen.

Cheers

[skeletondude]

I echo what the others have said, awesome work, Rick!
I too have to ask, what's next?

Marek

[Ropi]

Hoooolly sh*t! The b/w pic is very... uhmm, like real

[Paccus]

I have to be honest here, but your T34/76 is truly the best one I've seen so far. It's like the key to all answers of what a T34 model should look like :thumb:.
I'm about to build one in a near future and yours is what I'll use as reference.

By the way. Been looking at your SdKfz. 222 as well. I'm a bit (read very) jealous. Have one on the shelf but with the Royal Model etch-set instead. Not shure if I have the nerves to get in to it.

Anyway. Your models are really a great source for inspiration. Keep'em coming !

Cheers / Mattias Larsson, Sweden

[PSYOPTAnker]

Rick,

Awe inspiring!! Take it to 'em at the show!!

Michael

[NAS]

Hi Rick,

this is really an awesome model and base!
I can hardly tell what nice details I like more, the base, or the oil stains, or, or...;)

You did just an outstanding work!

Best regards,

Notger

[Sheeds]

Best of luck with the weekends comp, Rick. You've produced a real winner here, well done mate! :thumb:

Sheeds.

[Tigermud]

Great job Rick! Looking forward to seeing it at the show this weekend. By the way I think the headlight on that version was actually...

Bright and early!
Adam

[Radek Pituch]

Hi
Rick great model as always from your workbench.
I especially like the effect with the black and white photograph. Looks like a real one from 1942 bought on eBay :d
Radek

[Tigermud]

Another congrats for this one! First place in the Allied Armor at Seattle. Great job!
Adam

[James Tainton]

Another congrats for this one! First place in the Allied Armor at Seattle. Great job!
Adam

Congrats Rick on this and your other award-any chance you took some pics?

[Sticky]

Congrats! Don't let your head swell too much!

[Stuke Sowle]

Congrats. Was wondering if you took this up there.

[RickLawler]

Congrats Rick on this and your other award-any chance you took some pics?

James (and everyone else)...I'm sorry, but I got so caught-up looking at all the entries and chatting with friends that I didn't even take my camera out of it's case...:yell:

Congrats! Don't let your head swell too much!
No way, John...I'm still spending too much time awestruck by builder like yourself! ;)

Thanks again guys...:):):)

[Striker]

wonderful work

[greybeard]

Extremely extreme, Rick. Well done.

Cheers
Scott

[Sturmmann]

Simply amazing stuff Rick! Congratulations!! :thumb:

Dave

[RickLawler]

Thanks Benjamin and David.

Scott, glad to see you back...hope things are well with you. Thanks again for all of the help that you provided during the build. ;)

[skeletondude]

Rick, I have NO WORDS to describe such awesomeness...That B&W shot with the vegetation looks so real!
Another great model by Rick, you da man! :thumb:

M

[Gopher]

Congrats Rick!