Just in from Moscow is Zvezda's latest kit, a T-34/76 Model 1941/42 Soviet medium tank. Molded in a medium olive green styrene with metallic grey tracks, the detail in the kit looks very crisp in the box: certainly on a par with current Italeri offerings.

Step 1 involves assembly of the wheels for the tank which are the all-steel type used when rubber was scarce in Russia.

In Step 2, the hull is assembled. It is the standard Eastern European style with side walls and floor plate as separate pieces. The hull's rear plate also is separate as are the tow hooks. Each is provided with a separate piece for the hook's locking mechanism.

Step 3 is assembly of the upper hull. The rear hull plate is separate from the rest of the hull as is the screened engine ventilator access hatch (one solid piece). Stowage boxes, radio pot, spare track links, exhaust pipes and armored exhaust covers are attached in this step.

In Step 4 the four-piece driver's hatch is assembled.

Step 5 tackles the front of the hull, with the light, its lens, horn, towing hooks, tow hook locks, saw, and another stowage box being attached. A hint of a forthcoming kit of the T-34/76 Model 1940 is given in that the co-driver's MG mount and MG are separate pieces. The earlier style hull MG bulge would be a drop fit in the Model 1940 kit when it's released.

Step 6 sees assembly of the 76.2mm gun. A rudimentary breech is provided. The mantlet is the standard type, not the sloped Barrikady style.

In step 7 the lower portion of the commander's periscope sight is attached to the inside of the turret roof.

Step 8 mates the gun assembly with the turret's two side walls, roof, ventilator cover, lifting eyelets, and crew seats.

In step 9 the tracks - four lengths of vinyl/two for each side -- are joined with the familiar heated blade/melt-the-pins method.

Step 10 joins the upper and lower hull halves with the assembled turret

Markings are provided for four vehicles: "For Soviet Estonia," "For Stalin," a plain white "71," and a red star with "07." Paint schemes are given for standard Russian green and winter white camoflage.

Despite rumors earlier, there is nothing to indicate this is an STZ style turret vehicle. Perhaps Zvezda will offer the kit later with the Stalingrad-style turret. As it is, the model fits into a much broader range of dioramas and displays.

Price on the new kit is $13 + $2 postage per order via Eastern Front Hobbies. http://www.easternfronthobbies.com