MiniArt T-34/85 Sea Star Wheels Set (37033) 1:35

[Mike]

T-34/85 Sea Star Wheels Set (37033)

1:35 MiniArt via Creative Models Ltd

 

 

The T-34 tank was a bit of a surprise for the Germans on the Eastern front, but as is often the case in wartime, the tank's main gun was found lacking when it came to cracking the heavier armoured Tigers, so was upgraded to a bigger 85mm unit.  The vehicles underwent constant minor and major upgrades during the war to resolve problems, provide performance improvements or manufacturing short-cuts.  One such aspect was the design of wheels used in the running gear.  Initial units left the factory with dished wheels in early or late styles, which were joined by the "star" style wheels again with two types.  Very late in the war a new sea-star or starfish wheel set was introduced, but there is very little proof of their use in combat, as they didn't reach factories in large numbers until after the war.  It is fairly common to see different types in use on one vehicle, so this set from MiniArt gives you the option to portray an unusual combatant in very late WWII, or a vehicle from post war operations.  Just take care with the latter that you also update the rest of the details to match.

 

The Kit

Arriving in a shrink-wrapped figure sized end-opening box, there are fourteen sprues in grey styrene within, and instructions printed on the back of the box.  All the wheels are made up in pairs with all but the drive sprocket having separate central caps.  You make up 10 pairs of road wheels, two idlers and two drive-sprockets, leaving all the other little parts on the sprues, which usually form part of the larger kit that these sprues have been culled from.  There is also a two-entry painting guide with Russian Green for the metal parts and rubber for the… well, rubber parts.

 

 

This is MiniArt, so you can be assured that moulding is very crisp, and within the box the parts are cocooned in a shrink-fit bag, with elastic bands further preventing chaffing during transit.

 

 

Conclusion

If you're in need of some sea-star patterned wheels for a T-34/85 then look no further.  Even if the kit you're putting them on isn't MiniArt, they'll probably fit with the possibility of needing to adjust the size of hole or axle a little.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of