Tamiya 1/35 T-34/85 or How I Survived the Great Hiatus

[Joe Rix]

There are many of us who share a similar modeling history. We were modeling fools when we were young. Then seemingly it all came to a halt when we went to college, got married, had children, joined the military, started careers etc... Then as we passed through these adulting responsibilities and obtained that elusive gift of time we returned to our beloved hobby and began to model obsessively again.

I, like many, modeled prolifically through high school and then left for college where it came to a standstill. Then I entered my career with the US Forest Service as a firefighter where I spent a great deal of my time living in remote guard stations or on assignment. It wasn't until I left the USFS and settled in with my wife that I had the space and time to fully resume my passion for modeling.

But, what kept us in touch with our hobby during what I call "The Great Hiatus"? What kept the fire burning? For me it was staying in touch with the hobby. I visited hobby shops whenever I had the opportunity. I would buy the occasional kit and some paints and things. I maintained a subscription to FSM magazine since 1987. And then lastly, I did dabble in some minor modeling here and there. In the early 90's I had a semi-permanent residence I stayed at on weekends and in the off season. During this brief time I set up a small bench and over short periods slowly built a 1/35 Tamiya T-34/85. It would be the only model I completed until 2009 when I fully got back into the hobby.

All this brings me to the completed T-34. I was inspired to share this by Stik and his sharing of past builds. Especially his T-34's. I used what reference and  techniques I had read about in books and magazines. It was all paint detailing especially drybrushing. I believe I used some shade of Model Master green. I completed this somewhere around the mid 90's and it has traveled with me ever since. Kind of a reminder to get back at it I guess. The bottom line is that this particular build helped maintain the love for modeling. 

With that, here are some pics of my efforts at the time.

[kyledehart5]

Very cool Joe and a good story.

For me it was modeling all through high school and then the great hiatus. Didn’t stay in touch with the hobby much at all, then I found my old modeling supplies at my parents. Then went to hobby lobby with the wife one day and it was 40% off day. Bought a Revell P-47 and a Revell Ford F350. But what really drug me back in was my first Tamiya kit ever. Ferrari f2001. Picked it up, built it mostly with my ancient paint and supplies and I haven’t stopped again since. Been 5- 6 years now.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 3, 2023 22:31:14 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Very cool Joe and a good story.

For me it was modeling all through hodge school and then the great hiatus. Didn’t stay in touch with the hobby much at all, then I found my old modeling supplies at my parents. Then went to hobby lobby with the wife one day and it was 40% off day. Bought a Revell P-40 and a Revell Ford F350. But what really drug me back in was my first Tamiya kit ever. Ferrari f2001. Picked it up, built it mostly with my ancient paint and supplies and I haven’t stopped again since. Been 5- 6 years now.

Thanks Kyle. And thanks for sharing your experience. Do you still have the Ferrari?

[stikpusher]

Looks great! Funny how us modelers keep the fire lit one way or another under “austere” working conditions. Your build here sure shows definite devotion to the hobby and great attention to detail. Very nicely done Joe! 👍🏼👍🏼

[kyledehart5]

Sept 3, 2023 23:10:39 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Sept 3, 2023 22:31:14 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Very cool Joe and a good story.

For me it was modeling all through hodge school and then the great hiatus. Didn’t stay in touch with the hobby much at all, then I found my old modeling supplies at my parents. Then went to hobby lobby with the wife one day and it was 40% off day. Bought a Revell P-40 and a Revell Ford F350. But what really drug me back in was my first Tamiya kit ever. Ferrari f2001. Picked it up, built it mostly with my ancient paint and supplies and I haven’t stopped again since. Been 5- 6 years now.

Thanks Kyle. And thanks for sharing your experience. Do you still have the Ferrari?

Indeed Joe. It has traveled with me and will stay with me. To that point it was not only my first serious attempt at a model since high school, but also my best work ever to that point. I’ll have to dig it out and post it. I’ll post the other 2 builds I did before that one too. They’re bad but it tells a story

[Leon]

I'm like you guys! After i got married the modeling stopped and the honey do list started.   After a 6 year hiatus and divorce i slowly got back into building again and haven't stopped.

[handiabled]

Great build and a great story to go with it. Ending up on disability got me building again. Most of the builds I did at first were donated to a veterans museum.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 4, 2023 0:46:12 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Looks great! Funny how us modelers keep the fire lit one way or another under “austere” working conditions. Your build here sure shows definite devotion to the hobby and great attention to detail. Very nicely done Joe! 👍🏼👍🏼

Thank You Stik. Not only was I keeping my finger on the modeling pulse but, at the same time trying new techniques for me. In the past few years I had considered giving this model a facelift and/or redo but, I resist due to the nostalgia of this particular model. 

Speaking of austere environment, I also put together a small bare minimum modeling kit that I would be able to fit on our fire engine for when we reported to our guard station each week. I'd do a little modeling by Coleman lantern in the evenings on occasion. Helped while away the time.

[deafpanzer]

That's great looking T-34! Yeah I went thru exactly same phase that you have gone thru and it went on for nearly 25 years until I found boxes of built model kits while helping my parents move out of the house I grew up. The discovery totally sparked my interest to model again despite having few lengthy breaks in between for last 15 years. I am glad you are back among us old men now!

[Joe Rix]

Greatly appreciated Andy. Glad you found those stash of kits. Funny how it all gets jump started.

[M1Carbine]

Awesome Joe. Great story, can definitely relate.

[Joe Rix]

Thank You Bob. Greatly appreciated. Indeed, we all seem to share a common thread.

[Real G]

Joe,

My modeling story is a bit different, as I only stopped building models between kindergarten and 4th grade. Dinosaur and monster toys took precedence during that time.

A friend bought a Revell B-17 from the drug store when we were in 4th grade, and it started me on 1/72 WW II aircraft. And then I got my first Tamiya tank in 6th grade, which started the Tamiya armor phase. Then Star Wars came along when I was in middle school, and it was that and Vietnam jets through high school.

Girls and cars failed to keep me from modeling in school, though I liked both! When I saw the DeLorean for the first time, it felt like when I met my first crush. It was love at first sight. Full disclosure - this was 1982, three years before Back to the Future.

College brought the anime robot kits, and once I started working, Luftwaffe 1946 caught my fancy. I think this was when I started tilting towards weird kits.

I didn’t join the military (Uncle Sam can thank me), as I realized I would not be a good fit. I’d end up being like Hudson from Aliens. Or I probably would have backed my M60 over some civilian’s Jetta in West Germany.

Today I still like all that stuff I went through while growing up, except for the glow-in-the-dark monster kits.

[kyledehart5]

Sept 6, 2023 2:29:51 GMT -5 Real G said:

Joe,

My modeling story is a bit different, as I only stopped building models between kindergarten and 4th grade. Dinosaur and monster toys took precedence during that time.

A friend bought a Revell B-17 from the drug store when we were in 4th grade, and it started me on 1/72 WW II aircraft. And then I got my first Tamiya tank in 6th grade, which started the Tamiya armor phase. Then Star Wars came along when I was in middle school, and it was that and Vietnam jets through high school.

Girls and cars failed to keep me from modeling in school, though I liked both! When I saw the DeLorean for the first time, it felt like when I met my first crush. It was love at first sight. Full disclosure - this was 1982, three years before Back to the Future.

College brought the anime robot kits, and once I started working, Luftwaffe 1946 caught my fancy. I think this was when I started tilting towards weird kits.

I didn’t join the military (Uncle Sam can thank me), as I realized I would not be a good fit. I’d end up being like Hudson from Aliens. Or I probably would have backed my M60 over some civilian’s Jetta in West Germany.

Today I still like all that stuff I went through while growing up, except for the glow-in-the-dark monster kits.

Pretty darn cool that you've never stopped modeling. Great story

[Joe Rix]

Sept 6, 2023 2:29:51 GMT -5 Real G said:

Joe,

My modeling story is a bit different, as I only stopped building models between kindergarten and 4th grade. Dinosaur and monster toys took precedence during that time.

A friend bought a Revell B-17 from the drug store when we were in 4th grade, and it started me on 1/72 WW II aircraft. And then I got my first Tamiya tank in 6th grade, which started the Tamiya armor phase. Then Star Wars came along when I was in middle school, and it was that and Vietnam jets through high school.

Girls and cars failed to keep me from modeling in school, though I liked both! When I saw the DeLorean for the first time, it felt like when I met my first crush. It was love at first sight. Full disclosure - this was 1982, three years before Back to the Future.

College brought the anime robot kits, and once I started working, Luftwaffe 1946 caught my fancy. I think this was when I started tilting towards weird kits.

I didn’t join the military (Uncle Sam can thank me), as I realized I would not be a good fit. I’d end up being like Hudson from Aliens. Or I probably would have backed my M60 over some civilian’s Jetta in West Germany.

Today I still like all that stuff I went through while growing up, except for the glow-in-the-dark monster kits.

Thanks for sharing your story Neal. I have to say that I am impressed that you managed to keep the mojo rolling without interruption. Kudos to you.

[406 Silverado]

That's a really good story there Joe and I like how that T/34 turned out given your skillset at the time. You're right about an ice breaker to help us get back into the groove.

I built from the time I was 12 years old till about 19 years old. After I left home in 1987 it was pretty much the same deal for me as I would go in and out of the hobby for the next 23 years. I built an AMT 1968 GT500 Mustang in 1994 (not that well either), a Hasegawa 1/48 scale Dauntless in 1998, then a 1967 GT Fastback in 2004 ( again not that great BUT....I would come back to this kit again in 2021/2022) , an 87 Buick GNX in 2005 and then a Hasegawa Bf109G-10 in 2007.

The first all-out build for me was my 1/24 scale Trumpeter Bf109G-14AS in 2011/2012 and from then it's been constant to date. I'm slow but I love what I do and since 2011 have had the benefit of getting to know a good number of you in modeling communities abroad who have helped me get better and better at it. I'd like to thank you all for the journey through this hobby together and a special thanks to Joe Rix as he's pretty much the first person I bumped into on the forums 12 years ago. He's helped me through more things than just modeling. Thanks brother......YOU are tha man.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 6, 2023 21:04:52 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

That's a really good story there Joe and I like how that T/34 turned out given your skillset at the time. You're right about an ice breaker to help us get back into the groove.

I built from the time I was 12 years old till about 19 years old. After I left home in 1987 it was pretty much the same deal for me as I would go in and out of the hobby for the next 23 years. I built an AMT 1968 GT500 Mustang in 1994 (not that well either), a Hasegawa 1/48 scale Dauntless in 1998, then a 1967 GT Fastback in 2004 ( again not that great BUT....I would come back to this kit again in 2021/2022) , an 87 Buick GNX in 2005 and then a Hasegawa Bf109G-10 in 2007.

The first all-out build for me was my 1/24 scale Trumpeter Bf109G-14AS in 2011/2012 and from then it's been constant to date. I'm slow but I love what I do and since 2011 have had the benefit of getting to know a good number of you in modeling communities abroad who have helped me get better and better at it. I'd like to thank you all for the journey through this hobby together and a special thanks to Joe Rix as he's pretty much the first person I bumped into on the forums 12 years ago. He's helped me through more things than just modeling. Thanks brother......YOU are tha man.

I immensely appreciate the kind words brother. And Thank You for adding your story. It's a tribute to you that you still built occasionally and kept the interest alive.

I joined the FSM forums in 2009 and Joe, 406 Silverado, was the first person that I really connected with, got to know and became close friends with. I cannot overstate the influence and support he has given me in my modeling growth. As well as maintaining healthy life skills. I will always remember you building that Trumpeter 109. It was quite entertaining listening to you cuss like a dock worker over the over engineering involved. Lol!

[chromdome35]

Thank you for sharing your journey in modeling. I hope the T34 has a place of honor on your shelf, it certainly deserves it.

[handiabled]

Sept 6, 2023 21:04:52 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

The first all-out build for me was my 1/24 scale Trumpeter Bf109G-14AS in 2011/2012 and from then it's been constant to date. I'm slow but I love what I do and since 2011 have had the benefit of getting to know a good number of you in modeling communities abroad who have helped me get better and better at it. I'd like to thank you all for the journey through this hobby together and a special thanks to Joe Rix as he's pretty much the first person I bumped into on the forums 12 years ago. He's helped me through more things than just modeling. Thanks brother......YOU are tha man.

I remember that 2012 BF109 GB like it was yesterday.......

[buddho]

Quite the story, Joe, and I applaud you and each and everyone else who kept the fires lit for this wondeful hobby. In high school, I used to throw models together as quickly as possible. The kits and supplies were cheap, and the hobby shops plentiful.

Then came Verlinden and aftermarket stuff...and mail order! But it wasnt til much later in my career in aerospace that my modelling took turns for the better. The internet showed up and I had a much broader supply of stuff to purchase.

But with change came the closing of my favorite local hobby shops, but I kept at it. Ive had many lulls and currently am in one with my current situation, but my interest never ends. Plus, I can live vicariously through the magnificent builds I see on here.

And your T34 is a fine example and inspiration of why we do what we do.

[brandonk]

Great builds, Joe. And yes, we do share similar history with our in and out of the hobby lives.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 7, 2023 0:31:39 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Thank you for sharing your journey in modeling. I hope the T34 has a place of honor on your shelf, it certainly deserves it.

Thank You Brian. Yes, the T-34 is always prominently displayed.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 7, 2023 3:42:02 GMT -5 buddho said:

Quite the story, Joe, and I applaud you and each and everyone else who kept the fires lit for this wondeful hobby. In high school, I used to throw models together as quickly as possible. The kits and supplies were cheap, and the hobby shops plentiful.

Then came Verlinden and aftermarket stuff...and mail order! But it wasnt til much later in my career in aerospace that my modelling took turns for the better. The internet showed up and I had a much broader supply of stuff to purchase.

But with change came the closing of my favorite local hobby shops, but I kept at it. Ive had many lulls and currently am in one with my current situation, but my interest never ends. Plus, I can live vicariously through the magnificent builds I see on here.

And your T34 is a fine example and inspiration of why we do what we do.

I appreciate your kind reply Dan. Thank You for sharing a bit of your experience.

[Joe Rix]

Sept 7, 2023 9:42:57 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Great builds, Joe. And yes, we do share similar history with our in and out of the hobby lives.

Thank You very much Brandon. Indeed, so much in common we all have.

[moparmadness]

Great story behind that nicely weathered T34 Joe!

[Joe Rix]

Thank You Chad. Greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to weathering my Panther using new techniques and materials.

[406 Silverado]

Sept 6, 2023 23:43:22 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Sept 6, 2023 21:04:52 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

That's a really good story there Joe and I like how that T/34 turned out given your skillset at the time. You're right about an ice breaker to help us get back into the groove.

I built from the time I was 12 years old till about 19 years old. After I left home in 1987 it was pretty much the same deal for me as I would go in and out of the hobby for the next 23 years. I built an AMT 1968 GT500 Mustang in 1994 (not that well either), a Hasegawa 1/48 scale Dauntless in 1998, then a 1967 GT Fastback in 2004 ( again not that great BUT....I would come back to this kit again in 2021/2022) , an 87 Buick GNX in 2005 and then a Hasegawa Bf109G-10 in 2007.

The first all-out build for me was my 1/24 scale Trumpeter Bf109G-14AS in 2011/2012 and from then it's been constant to date. I'm slow but I love what I do and since 2011 have had the benefit of getting to know a good number of you in modeling communities abroad who have helped me get better and better at it. I'd like to thank you all for the journey through this hobby together and a special thanks to Joe Rix as he's pretty much the first person I bumped into on the forums 12 years ago. He's helped me through more things than just modeling. Thanks brother......YOU are tha man.

I immensely appreciate the kind words brother. And Thank You for adding your story. It's a tribute to you that you still built occasionally and kept the interest alive.

I joined the FSM forums in 2009 and Joe, 406 Silverado, was the first person that I really connected with, got to know and became close friends with. I cannot overstate the influence and support he has given me in my modeling growth. As well as maintaining healthy life skills. I will always remember you building that Trumpeter 109. It was quite entertaining listening to you cuss like a dock worker over the over engineering involved. Lol!

Good times.....definitely good times!!