Kit, Cyberhobby 6486, German Army T-34/76 Mod.1942 Cast Turret Smart Kit

CYBERHOBBY


Product Specifications.

6486, German Army T-34/76 Mod.1942 Cast Turret Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 418 styrene parts (including 18 clear), two bags of Magic Tracks, one piece of braided metal wire, one photo-etched brass fret, one water-slide decal markings scheme and six pages of instructions in 15 steps.


Introduction.

This is the second kit from DML/Cyberhobby to depict a Soviet T-34 captured and used by the Germans as a so-called Beutepanzer (booty, or captured tank). Like the first kit, this one also includes a Pz.Kpfw.III/IV commanders cupola, which the Germans retro-fitted to some of these tanks. German markings are also included, along with a pair of nearly identical paint schemes for the post-February 1943 era on the Ostfront.


Tracks.

The Magic Tracks are supplied as individual links in two bags. These represent the 500mm-wide cast type associated with the Chelyabinsk factory. While no trimming of sprue attachment points is required, these links also have subtle ejector pin marks that the modeler will have to deal with. Although these fit together easily, they must be fixed in place with glue.


Suspension System.

The suspension system features separate road-wheel swing-arms for all stations, as well as Christie-type coil springs and housings for inside the hull. Separate cranked idler wheel axles are also provided; these should not be fixed in place until the track sag and fit has been properly achieved. The road-wheels are the all-steel type with ribs, perforations and the raised rim around each perforation. There are ten of those in the box. Additionally, perforated types with rubber rims are included for the first and last road-wheel station on either side. All-steel idler wheels and a new style of drive sprocket complete the suspension system.


Hull.

The hull pan is typical for every T-34-based DML/Cyberhobby kit. It comes from a slide mold so all details on the side walls and the belly plate can be easily included. The side plates feature openings for the Christie suspension swing-arms as well as their mounting points and various bump-stops; there is also some nicely-rendered bolt detail around the area of the (separate) final drive housings. Mounted just behind the final drive housings are new track pin retainer plates; although not shown in the instructions, two bolts will have to be removed to mount these new parts. Inside, there are separate boxes to hold the Christie spring units. A separate circular access plate unique to this version is supplied as is a second smaller plate, which was seen on all versions; both are attached to the belly plate towards the stern. Molded-on drain plugs, panel lines and recessed access plates complete the area.


There is a separate lower bow plate that fits in a recess at the front end; the same applies for the lower stern plate. The latter also features bulges for the final drive housing and tow hooks that are unique to this version.


Superstructure.

This item features a separate glacis plate that is embellished with tow hooks unique to this version. The head-lamp and a horn are mounted on the superstructure side walls; the former assembly has a clear part for the lens and an optional etched brass mounting bracket. A nicely-detailed cast bow MG mount, with separate internal mantle and delicate machine-gun barrel are attached to the starboard side of the glacis plate. It and the external mantle are sourced form DMLs T-34/85 kit series; one advantage is that the DT machine-gun is slide-molded, so its tiny bore is already opened up for the modeler. A multi-part hatch lid with some internal detail, clear parts for the vision blocks and separate multi-position covers is provided for the drivers station.


Separate engine compartment cooling vent grills with the horizontal pattern are given, while the access hatch lid has been re-tooled and now fits the opening extremely well. There are two included due to the sprue layout, so the extra one will come in handy to upgrade any previous T-34/76 kit the modeler may have in the stash. The main engine compartment access lid comes in two configurations. The first is the original all-styrene part, complete with molded on screen detail. The other option features an opened-up styrene part where the screens and framework are replicated with etched brass, and there are panels and louvers as seen beneath the opening, also in that medium. Other etched brass details include the various clasps seen around the aforementioned access lids as well as an all-styrene or all-brass tail-lamp assembly. Unfortunately, the framework for the screens has rounded corners, when in fact they should be at a 90-degree angle; they will need replacement for the proper appearance.


The superstructure stern plate has the typical mounting bolt pattern and features a separate circular transmission access hatch lid; it will need some tweaking at the hinges to fit into the opening. Slide-molded exhaust pipes are provided, with pre-opened bores. Mounted over these are delicately-rendered armored cowls. There are separate fillets for the areas where the main plates all come together.


The track-guards are molded on to the lower superstructure side plates and feature molded-on tie down loops at their edges (there are optional etched brass replacements in the box). The rear mud-flaps are molded in place and there are optional etched brass replacements for them, too. The front mud-flaps are the type with a rounded end and are also separate styrene parts. Many of the tie-downs feature separate etched brass straps to hold the styrene ice cleats into place on the fenders. Mounting points for the various tool boxes are molded in place, as are some other tie-downs and plate details. Separate hydraulic jacks with etched brass enhancements can be mounted on one track-guard, while a tow cable can be replicated using the provided braided metal wire, styrene end loops, and etched brass straps and tie-down loops. The various tool boxes themselves can be enhanced with the included etched brass parts, while the superstructure side plate-mounted tie down points are given as fine separate styrene parts, or as etched brass options.

The superstructure side plates have mounting points molded in place for the rectangular fuel cells. These must be removed as per the instructions. Many extra detail parts are provided for the superstructure. In addition, there are a total of six early rectangular-style external fuel cells provided in the box; these also feature optional etched brass or styrene mounting brackets and hooks. Finally, a set of cylindrical fuel cells is also provided, with mounting brackets. All are marked as not for use, so they can be used to enhance other kits where necessary; otherwise, the spare parts bin will get another feeding.


Turret.

This is of the cast type with the so-called soft edge on the bottom rim; it comes from a slide mold and includes view-port slits and casting details molded in place. It appears to be a typical UTZM type as produced in the latter part of 1942; separate grab handles are provided for the turret sides and rear, comprised of styrene and etched brass. The new roof plate is separate and features fine weld bead details as well as the panel seen between the two hatch openings. The roof plate has been modified to accept the German cupola and there is a partial hatch lid included for the side of the roof plate that stayed in its original configuration. This was done so that there would be clearance around the new cupola. The cupola itself is very well-detailed inside and out. It has split hatch lids, the option for opened or closed view-port covers, and clear styrene parts for the internal glass vision blocks. A separate dome vent cover, lift rings and a periscope head are also included. The turret front mounts a multi-part external mantle to which can be attached a slide-molded styrene gun tube. Internally, there is a nice multi-part breech assembly.


Molding, Fit and Engineering.

The fit of the parts in this kit is good-to-excellent. No sink marks are apparent and with the exception of the tracks, no ejector pin marks are visible on any external surface of the complete model, including the interiors of the various hatch lids. Flash was non-existent, while mold seams are quite fine and easily dealt with using traditional modeling skills and tools. When fitting the superstructure part to the hull, some attention in the areas of the track-guards will be needed for a tight fit. Super glue and a few moments of manual clamping will do the trick.


Accuracy and Details.

References show the kit to be quite well-done in this regard, with major components matching published 1/35th-scale plans extremely well. The engine decks etched brass frame for the screens will need replacing and it would have been handy if DML included some other German tools and fittings, such as Notek lamps, etc. Including the original turret roof plate would also have been nice so that modelers would have more of a choice.


Instructions.

These are in the less desirable CAD photo style, with several line drawings for detail areas. Quite frankly, this reviewer cannot understand the hostility modelers show regarding this style of presentation. I noted that the lower bow plate is shown as not for use and that nothing is shown being installed in that area any place in the instructions. It is part B-10; use it! Colors are keyed to Gunze and Testors paints.


Decals and Markings Information.

Water-slide decals are given to mark a total of two specific vehicles. These high-quality decals are printed by Cartograf in Italy. They are crisp and in excellent registration; carrier film is thin, matte and cut close to the design edges. Both vehicles are finished overall in Dunkelgelb with Rotbraun and Olivgrüun stripes; the markings consist solely of three large Balkenkreuze, which was typical of the type.


Conclusion.

This is a fine kit and it is certain to have some cross-over appeal to modelers of everything German. It has at least one major vice, but otherwise it should satisfy most modelers with an interest on operations that took place on the Ostfront.


Highly recommended.


Frank V. Curly Stooge De Sisto


References consulted for this review included, but were not limited to:

1. T-34, Stalins Warhorse; AJaKS Military Press, by P. Skulski & J. Jackiewicz.
2. T-34 in Combat; AJaKS Military Press, by Z. Lalek, R. Sawicki & J. Jackiewicz
3. T-34 in Action; Squadron Armor 20, by S. Zaloga.
4. Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of WW 2; Arms and Armour Press, by S. Zaloga & J. Grandsen.
5. Russian Tanks and Armored vehicles 1917-1945, An Illustrated Reference; Schiffer, by W. Fleischer.
6. Russian Tanks 1900-1970; by J. Milsom.
7. Soviet Tanks in Combat 1941-1945; Concord 7011, by S. Zaloga.
8. Russian T-34; AFV Weapons Profile 47, by J.M. Brereton & Maj. M. Norman, RTR.
9. Camouflage of the Tanks of the Red Army 1930-1945; Armada, by M. Kolomiyets & I. Moshchanskiy.
10. T-35/76 Camouflage & Markings; Mushroom Model Publications/Stratus, by P. Skulski & M. Filipiuk.
11. T-34; Wydawnictwo Militaria 259, by M. Baryatinskiy.
12. T-34, Vol.II; Wydawnictwo Militaria 265, by A. Lagutin.
13. T-34, Vol.III; Wydawnictwo Militaria 268, by S. Kirsanow.
14. T-34, Vol.IV; Wydawnictwo Militaria 269, by S. Kirsanow.
15. T-34/76 Medium Tank 1941-45; Osprey New Vanguard 9, by S. Zaloga.
16. T-34 Mythical Weapon; Armageddon/Airconnection, by R. Michulec & M. Zientarzewski.
17. Modelling the T-34/76; Osprey Modelling 33, by J. Alvear, M. Jimenez, M. Kirchoff & A. Wilder.
18. T-34 Medium Tank (1939-1943); Russian Armour Vol.4, Ian Allan, by M. Baryatinskiy.
19. Beute-Panzerkampfwagen; Panzer Tracts 19-2, by T. Jentz & W. Regenberg.
20. Armored Vehicles and Units of the German Order Police (Ordnungspolizei); Schiffer, by W. Regenberg.


Reviewers note: Since May of 2005, I have been working on books for Concord Publications, a sister company to Cyberhobby. The reader may wish to take this into consideration. For my part, I will attempt to maintain an objective viewpoint when writing these reviews.


DML kits are available from retail and on-line shops; for details visit their web site at: www.cyber-hobby.com.


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