Dragon T-34 Updates - 1:35 ET Models

[Mike]

T-34 Updates (for Dragon)
1:35 ET Models

Dragon's T-34s are numerous, with eight boxings that I can think of, and that's not even including the orange Cyber-Hobby boxings that pop up from time to time. While the tank's turret and gun might have changed greatly at times, the fenders and track grousers for icy conditions remained the same. The main breakdown is between 76mm and 85mm guns, the latter having a redesigned three-man turret. The /76 or /85 that was initially used by the German tankers to aid distinguishing between the marks has endured, and can be found on pretty much every model box containing a T-34.

Of these three Photo-Etch (PE) sets from ET Models, only the T-34/85 set is specific, while the other two are common to all versions. Do check your references if you are modelling a specific tank though, as there are many confusing variations within production of the T-34, which even get the experts muddled.

T-34 Fenders (E35-147)
This set contains all the parts you need for either early or late style fenders, the early type being suitable for the T-34/76 with the smaller two-man turret. The front fenders for the early type are curved, so a little PE bending will be required to match the side that is part of the piece. These fenders were often battered, so a little deformation won't be too noticeable. The fixtures and brackets are added to the front and the simpler slab-sided rear fender, and these are applied to the upper hull along with the straight fenders and a pair of linking panels that scab to the upper surface, hiding the join between the parts. A pair of strengthening beams run across the main fenders to give added strength, and these are made up from two parts to make an inverted T bracket.

The late fenders have angular front sections, while the rears are the same as the early ones. Construction of the later fenders should be a little easier as a result, with only folds, rather than rolling, which does cause a little bit of stress amongst some modellers. You'll need a couple of lengths of 0.4mm rods to make up the hinges between the two sections of the front fenders, with brass seeming the most likely candidate for strength.

Available soon in the UK from White Ensign Models

T-34 Ice Cleats (EA35-084)
This set is suitable for ANY T-34 model in 1:35 scale, not just Dragon kits, as they're not too dependent upon the exact dimensions of the tracks. The set comes on two sheets of PE brass, one 9.5cm square, the other in thinner brass 4cm x 3.2cm, which contains a LOT of small triangular parts that look like perfect food for a hungry carpet monster. I won't lie to you here, when I tell you that this set will require a lot of work to put together.

Each link is made up from one part from the large fret, which is folded so that the serrations are perpendicular to the flat section, and two small sections are folded to lie flat against the opposite side of the cleat. Each one then has six (yes, I did say six each) of the small triangular parts glued against the teeth and the base. There are 77 ice-cleats, so I calculate 462 triangular webs to be added to the full complement of cleats. When they're attached, you also need to cut some small pieces of 0.6mm rod to portray the bolts that held them in place on the track. Apparently, I understand that these were round-headed bolts, which would make for an awful lots of work if you were to go down that route for the extra accuracy.

It seems that for the most part that ice-cleats were fender queens that were seldom used during the war years due to cost and production concerns, but also because they were impossible to use on anything other than ice or very soft ground. Tarmac or similar hard surfaces would see the cleats ruined within minutes. They were sometimes seen on the fenders, but could also be seen being used by the crew as makeshift barbecues, with four bolted to two lengths of iron to make a cooking surface over a roaring fire. When they were actually in use, they were bolted to every third flat section of track, and as Dragon advise to use 38 flat sections per side, that's 12ish per side, so you'll have a lot of spare cleats to go around your T-34 battalion.

I can't help thinking that these would have perhaps been better made in resin, but if you're willing to put the effort in, the scale fidelity of PE will give attractive looking results.

Available soon in the UK from White Ensign Models

T-34/85 Basic Set (E35-146)
This set is appropriate only for the larger turreted T-34/85 that had the commander's cupola and larger gun. It comprises of one large fret of brass measuring 14.5cm x 9.5cm in thin gauge brass, another smaller one in thicker brass measuring 7.2cm x 6.2cm, a smaller still sheet of steel coloured metal containing an incredibly fine section of mesh, two lengths of braided wire rope and two resin parts on a small casting block.

The turret is detailed with superbly realistic hinges to the two hatches, as well as shrouds for the periscopes, and on the insides of the commander's cupola, detail of the vision blocks that would be evident if you decide to leave the hatch open. On the turret side a pistol port is detailed with retaining bracket and wire or chain, and on the turret bustle, three stowage straps are built up to hang loose or to retain some canvas, tarp or other soft item in place. The engine deck to the rear is given a full new radiator shroud, which is made up from brass that is formed to match the integrated sides, detailed with extra parts including hinges on the rear, and completed with the very fine mesh mentioned earlier and a framework. Underneath that, two louvers are added from PE, and various brackets, and inspection hatches are added, which with careful painting of the mesh above, should be visible beneath it in the right light. The side louvers are also built up from fine rod that you must source yourself, a framework and outer panel, and as there are four of them that are broadly similar, you will need plenty of rod. They are installed in the hull after the boxed in section beneath the horizontal grille is removed and replaced by a large brass panel that is formed to depict the area underneath these grilles and prevent them being see-through. A lot of work, but a serious improvement in the look and realism of the kit.

A tool box and stowage straps are built up for the fenders, and the additional fuel tanks have retention strapping added, plus a carry-handle on the ends of the tank itself. A pair of straps for smoke canisters is rolled up and attached to the rear bulkhead minus the tanks in the diagrams at least. The large shovel on the side of the tank is also detailed with realistic tie-downs, a new blade that is rolled around the shaft like the real thing, and retained with a long bracket, while a two-man saw is constructed from brass parts and finished off with some scratch-built handles. The driver's hatch is extensively modified with detailed inner latch mechanism, plus the long arm that allows it to be propped open, and here again some 0.5mm, 0.8mm and 1mm rod will be needed to complete the task. The last items are some C-shaped brackets dotted about, and brackets for the driving light and horn. I couldn't believe a tank needed a horn, so I double-checked!

Available soon in the UK from White Ensign Models

Conclusion
Some great sets that require commitment from the modeller in order to achieve the best results, but with care and attention they will improve your model substantially. Don't forget to have some rod of varying thicknesses nearby, and above all, take it slowly and be patient - this type of technical Photo-Etch is best constructed slowly.

Highly recommended.

Review Sample courtesy of