Scale Plastic & Rail

1/72 T-34/76 and T-34/76 1943 Tanks from Armourfast

1/72 T-34/76 and T-34/76 1943 Tanks
Armourfast
Kit Numbers 99005 and 99022
Available direct from Armourfast for £7.50 for a pack of 2 vehicles

The surprise and shock that the invading German troops rushing into Russia experienced when they first met the Russian T-34 and KV-1 tanks has been endlessly documented. With excellent cross-country performance, ability to operate in all temperatures and with armour immune to the standard 37mm Pak 36 anti-tank weapon (due to either its thickness or sloping nature) and, in many cases, the newer 50mm Pak 38 weapon, these tanks caused major problems for the Germans. If they had been used effectively, unlike in the 'pocket' nature in which they were initially employed, even greater damage and disruption could have ensued.

The T-34 variants initially encountered were the T-34 1940, with its low slung main gun barrel and the standardised 1941 T-34/76, a vehicle which remained in production with only minor changes for nearly 18 months (below)

Credit to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-219-0553A-36,_Russland,_bei_Pokrowka,_russischer_Panzer_T34.jpg
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:T-34-76_RB8.JPG

In 1942, the standard turret with its large single upper hatch was replaced with a hexagonal cast turret, variants of which remained in production until the arrival of the upgunned T-34/85 in early 1944. The T-34/76 1943 model (above) was the most produced model with this turret.

The first ever Armourfast kit I reviewed was their T-34/85 last year. Now, I have in front of me models of two earlier T-34s, the T-34/76 and T-34/76 1943. There are many common pieces contained in these kits which, as is standard with Armourfast, come as a pair of kits in a box. Taking the T-34/76 first, the parts are presented on a single green sprue (below) with a nice texture, particularly on the turret. In the first kit I examined, the T-34/85 turret was the weak point of that kit; thankfully, the shape of this turret is much better and is really accurate, even in cross-section, according to my plans.

The aforementioned texture is clearly visible on the close-up photo above. The second kit, the 1943 model is shown below. The differences in the sprues can be easily noted, particularly the presence of the twin-hatch hexagonal turret. No flash is present in either kit and the quality of moulding is crisp and well defined. Of course, being aimed at wargamers and less experienced or younger modellers, the tracks, suspension and wheels are single piece mouldings as usual with Armourfast. Quality of the smaller mouldings, such as the mantlets and fuel tanks is really good.

The instructions are printed on the rear of the boxes: that for the standard T-34/76 is below

and that for the model 1943 above. It can be seen, when comparing these diagrams to the sprues, that there are some errors on the T-34/76 instructions, particularly with reference to the engine deck.

These kit offers very good value for money as ever; Armourfast's approach in this area should always be recognised and acknowledged.

So What Do We Think?
A good pair of models from the Armourfast stable, both more accurate than their T-34/85 offering. My choice would be the earlier T-34/76 with its single hatch turret, despite the below standard instructions.

A pair of good value Russian tank kits

Our thanks to Armourfast for the review samples.

Robin Jenkins.