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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 3 - Assembling tracks | Feb 8, 2006 |
Although the links supplied with the kit looked fine, I had already decided to upgrade to the Friulmodel ATL-75 metal tracks. The set consists of 270 links, most nicely cast (considering the small size of the links), and as it turns out, much more accurate than those supplied with the kit.
The wire supplied with the set is relatively soft, so I had to drill each link out using a pin vise and #74 bit before assembly. Very few links had any flashing. The wire was "dipped" in superglue first (basically just inserting it into the glue tip to coat it) to secure it in place. Once dry, a quick back-and-forth working of the assembled links broke any residue.
The tracks went together relatively quickly, and for my money, seem as close to the real thing as I suppose you can get in 1/35-scale. The photo shows my sons - who were fascinated by the tracks - comparing the long T-35 track to a much shorter KV-1.
Up next - lower hull assembly |
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