Tamiya T-34-85

[mel]

This is an old Tamiya kit that I bought pretty cheap. It is still a work in progress. I added a few upgrades (Aber set for the engine grills, metal barrel) and did a little scratchbuilding just to improve things a bit.

I'm trying out a few techniques from FAQ2 and also some AK products (AK Green set, Streaking Grime, etc,).

As you can see there’s plenty of mud and muck – tanks just look better to me full of mud and dirt. I almost “mucked-up” the built trying some muck concoction I saw some place. Luckily I was able to pull things back from the brink and save this beast. Next time I’ll try a formula that Scratchmod posted this website. Too bad I did not see it before I went on with my experiment!

One side of the tracks installed. They are a set I had in the spares from Dragon. The installation was epic. I needed a stiff drink afterwards. Still one side to go. The weathering is mostly done – I think. Except for the tracks and the obligatory oil spill in and around the wheels. Some small details still to be installed: tow cables and fuel tanks, etc.

Guys please feel free to provide comments and suggestions – they are always welcome.

[eastrock]

the kit looks good, Mel!!!

[TRM]

LOL...Looks pretty darn good to me!!

[modelfreak72]

I'm liking what see!

[spud]

Very nice mel

[armorguy]

Good one mel !

[wbill76]

Looks like it's seen a fair share of miles and fightin'!

[stevereid]

Mel-
this illustrates (yet again!) that great paint is KING!

You made this look fabulous!

Steve

[gert]

Hello Mel,

Are you shore this is a T34-85...
I see some strange things at this 'Panther'...
Well done !
When the tracks are on it the look will change completely.
Keep posting !

Greetings,
Gert

[mel]

Good eye! According to Adam Wilder he has seen pictures of T-34/85's with Panther wheels (I have not). He built a T-34/85 with similar modifications and I decided to follow suit. I also thought it would make this model unique - so why not give it a try?

[bigjohn]

Very NICE mel!!!! I love the weathering on this one.

[406 Silverado]

Very nice use of an old kit, and actually it's painted and weathered so good it's hard to tell it's an old kit. Very impressive weathering.

[wouter]

Lovely T-34 Mel, fabulous weathering mate!

Cheers

[mel]

Thanks guys. I've been procrastinating building the remaining tracks. I'll hopefully give it a go today and finish this puppy.

[406 Silverado]

LOL...guess I'm not the only one who puts off doing the tracks.

man I really dig the weathering on this model...top notch my friend

[mel]

Thanks, I appreciate that. I just finished the top part and I need a break! If you get the time please take a look at my T-30 on this forum - I would really appreciate your feedback on it. Take care.

[406 Silverado]

will do

[mel]

Well, this one is done! I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement and kind words. I learned a lot and can really recommend the various AK Interactive products I used during this built. FAQ 2 was also a great reference.

The tracks were some I found ii my spares box. They were challenging to install as they were not made for this kit.

[panzerman75]

Great job Mel spot on with the weathering looks great.

Phil

[mel]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

[armorguy]

I love the depth you've reached in the green, so many tonal differences, good job !