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Modeller Build Logs
Building the Soviet T-35 |
| By Daniel LeClair | | Started: | Jan 30, 2006 | | Updated: | Feb 23, 2007 |
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Tanks have always fascinated me, and the more exotic the better. So, when I saw the ICM "Battle of Moscow, 1941" kit, which features the multi-turreted T-35, in a hobby shop recently, it was a no-brainer to buy it. Despite the fact that I knew nothing about the manufacturer, or hadn't done an armor model for nearly 25 years!
As it turns out this is an excellent kit, loads of nicely-cast parts with very little flashing. And, since I'm a glutton for punishment, I thought I'd blog my efforts at building it. Although it looks like it would finish nicely straight out of the box, I intend to detail it with some of the aftermarket parts that are available:
- Friulmodel ATL-75 metal tracks (the kit comes with separately-molded track links)
- Eduard 35316 photo-etched detail set
- Replacement barrels - Armo, Jordi Rubio, and Model Point all make them
As reference, I will be ordering Militaria 159 - T-35 (book). If anyone knows of other references for this unusual vehicle, please let me know.
I expect this project will take some time, so bear with me. Meanwhile, since this is my first project here on Track-Net, feel free to check out my website for a little info about me. |
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| Chapter 12 - 2 - Fitting the Turrets - Part Two | Feb 11, 2007 |
With the upper hull and turrets painted, time to put it together. I'd heard there were fit problems with the turrets, so now was a good time to make sure everything went together properly.
Bad move, space cadet.
If you take nothing else away from reading this blog, this is important: test-fit all turrets as early as possible in the build process. All of the secondary turret rings are too tall and need considerable work.
The main turret wasn't difficult, just a bit of sanding around the top of the race ring. But not only did I have to ream out the inside of the secondary turrets, but I had to sand - and sand - and sand - to get a good fit. And in the process, I nicked the paint in a couple places, and broke the OTHER barrel off the second MG turret.
Rather than risk any more damage, I ended up cutting the retaining lugs off of the rings. Which means rather than movable turrets, I'll have stationary ones. Not exactly what I wanted.
But the snapped MG barrels...now that was a problem. |
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