FineScale Modeler – September 2019

54 FineScale Modeler September 2019

U

p-arming the successful T-34

with an 85mm anti-aircraft gun

gave the Soviet Union a tank

capable of taking on German

Tiger Is and Panthers.

While Italeri has previously re-boxed

Zvezda’s T-34/85, this is an all-new tool

that replicates the Zavod 183 Mod. 1944

variant. Features include interior details for

the engine, fighting compartment, and tur-

ret, optional link-and-length or vinyl tracks,

photo-etched (PE) screens and straps, and

markings for four vehicles.

The build starts with the lower hull. I

painted the interior and exterior before

installing walls and suspension.

The engine comprises just the upper half

with valve covers, intake, and radiator tops.

Since it will be visible on the finished tank

through the screens, louvers, and posable

hatches, I painted it and applied a dark

brown wash. Next came the transmission

and starter, which went together easily. The

clutch and brake assembly came in two

pieces with a large seam that needed to be

cleaned up.

The fighting compartment’s seats, driver

controls, and ammo storage boxes were

painted and set aside. After consulting my

primary reference, T-34 Mythical Weapon by

Robert Michulec and Miroslaw

Zientarzewski (Air

Connection, ISBN 978-0-97810-910-3), I

strayed from the directions and painted the

air cylinders blue instead of black. No

ammunition cans or racks are provided for

the bow machine gun.

Several locating holes need to be drilled

and louvers attached from underneath

before the upper hull is attached to the

lower section. The axles for the nicely-

molded half-spider pattern road wheels

were too big, so I bored out each wheel’s

mounting hole for fit.

Italeri T-34/85

WORKBENCH REVIEWS

Kit: No. 6545 Scale: 1/35

Mfr.: Italeri, italeri.com Price: $79.99

Comments: Injection-molded, 422 parts

(27 PE, 2 wires, 2 vinyl) Pros: Optional

link-and-length or vinyl tracks; relatively

low parts count for a tank with an interior;

simple assembly Cons: Link-and-length

tracks do not fit; no clear headlight; axles

too big for road wheels