Darwin's Tamiya 1942 T-34/76

[LM951]

Hello!

To be honest, this was the only kit that had box art in a winter scheme that was within the price range I wanted to spend. Once I got home and started reading about it, I couldn't believe its history! A quick blurb I found on the "T-34 Variants" section of Wikipedia describes the 1942 version as:

"This was a production model built in 1942, with increased armor protection[citation needed] and many simplified components. It had new 'waffle' tracks, new wheel patterns, a new driver's hatch and a round transmission access cover. Some had the headlight moved to the left side of the hull. Most were equipped with cast two-man turrets although a few welded ones remained."

There are quite a few photos of it in action.







I will be doing my best to recreate the box art winter scheme. It will be a challenge for sure as I've never done armor, and I've never attempted to add dirt and grit to anything so wish me luck!

Obligatory shots for entry:






I pretty much busted it out and got started as soon as I got home. Managed to get a good bit of work done today. As you can see below, I have all the wheels assembled as well as the upper hull and turret. I didn't prime the turret because I'm still touching up some seams here and there.



I haven't decided which decal set I want to use yet. Just focusing on paint work for now!

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking forward to this build mate, I've been looking for that kit for a while now can I ask where you got it from?

[LM951]

Looking forward to this build mate, I've been looking for that kit for a while now can I ask where you got it from?

I bought it at my local hobby shop here in Salt Lake City for $29 US.

[Kevthemodeller]

I bought it at my local hobby shop here in Salt Lake City for $29 US.

Many thanks, after looking at your post I had another trawl about and found one well a couple actually in the UK

[LM951]

This update will cover two days worth of work. I was fairly busy last night and didn't have time to hop on the computer.

This being my first armor kit, I'm surprised how quickly the basic build is going. As you'll see below, if I was going for a "clean" build I would be almost done!

So last night I primed the turret. I didn't take a photo of the primed turret unfortunately, but this morning I began adding the railings and applied the primary green color to the entire hull and turret:




One thing that surprised me was the simplicity of the markings on this tank. The instructions only call for 4 decals (or less depending on markings that you want) so those were applied with some microset/sol. Now the tank will sit for a few days to make sure everything is set before I put a dull coat on it and get it ready for my first ever attempt at a winter wash!




I have made a few mistakes here and there. Mostly in the rear panel. I positioned it about 2 millimeters too high on the upper hull and now I have a gap the same width at the rear. Oh well, you make mistakes and you learn as you go! I'm excited to get started on the winterization!

Thanks for looking!

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking good mate

[Paul]

Great work buddy you've flown through that build

[Stokesy44]

Looks superb mate.

I saw the pic where you had primed the wheels and hull. Great job, looks awesome for a 40 year old kit.

Looking really good now too with the paint and decals on.

[NorthernModeller]

this is coming together a treat mate looking forward to its completion

[Tomcat64]

Really nice clean build so far - looking forward to seeing how the winter wash goes over that

[LM951]

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words! Haven't worked much on it but plan to hit the winter wash stage soon.

[Bissyboat]

Looks very smart and crisp.

[Les]

Hey Darwin, how is this coming along man?

[LM951]

Hey Darwin, how is this coming along man?

Hey Les! It's sitting to the side at the moment. I hope to finish it before I leave but I have been busy with the Stuka and also with all of my pre-deployment training! Going to look at hopping back onto this in a day or so as I'll be on a break from the Stuka for stuff to dry and set.