Zvedza T-34/85 for Simon's Memorial build

[The Smythe Meister]

Can`t help with the info request Chris!
I just wanted to say that i love the job you`re doing on this one,looks really good!!
That`s one smooth paint job!
Cheers,
Andy

[Guest]

Russian tanks were very light on the markings, and the turret numbers deliberately don’t exactly refer to units like the German ones did. Really, if you put any two- or three-digit number on the tank and nothing else, you’ll be fine. Other markings may have been used, like geometrical figures with numbers etc. inside or next to them, but you can’t go really wrong with just numbers.

The white turret markings, though, should almost certainly be there if your intention is to model a vehicle from the Battle of Berlin. They were air recognition markings, to prevent aircraft from the Western Allies attacking Russian tanks because they didn’t recognise them as “not German”. These consisted of a white line around the sides of the turret and a white cross (front-and-aft, not diagonal) on the turret roof. Usually, this was painted by hand and none too neatly, but leaving room for the turret numbers.

[langy71]

Thanks Jakko, that's just what I needed to confirm.. :thumb2:


just found this pic, and apparently according to the article ' T-34/85's had three towing loops on the rear of the hull.... ??? first time I've seen this, would I be correct in saying this looks like an 'addition' done after the vehicle was made..?

http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/t34-85-russian-soviet-medium-tank-kent.html

[Fernando N]

Nice swift build and paintwork Chris, the highlighting has done it :thumb2:

[Guest]

Chris .
First Guards Tank Army, the 3rd Guards Tank Army and the 4th Guards Tank Army .A full account can be found on the Berlinexperiences.com /the- battle- of- Berlin - 1945 -day -day - account/ .
Never seen 3 towing points before, agree with you about being an addition.
John .

[langy71]

Chris .
First Guards Tank Army, the 3rd Guards Tank Army and the 4th Guards Tank Army .A full account can be found on the Berlinexperiences.com /the- battle- of- Berlin - 1945 -day -day - account/ .
Never seen 3 towing points before, agree with you about being an addition.
John .

Thanks John.. :thumb2: :thumb2: :thumb2:

[langy71]

Did a bit more on the turret decal markings today, however, best laid plans and all, the decals literally disintegrated upon adding water..so it was out with the white paint and a pointed brush..
I think they look OK, but maybe the numbers are a tad too shark and need a bit of weathering to tone them down..

your thoughts as always..

[Steve Jones]

Nice build Chris. The markings are very realistic. Great work all round

[Guest]

To be honest, I think the white stripe needs to be starker. It looks more weathered than the turret number now, but if this is a tank in the Battle of Berlin, the stripe would have been applied within the past week or so.

[Jim R]

Looks good Chris. I agree with Jakko in that the number could be toned down or the stripe made more pronounced - just to tie things together more. The hand painted numbers are very well done, actually better than decals.
Jim

[langy71]

had a quick hour at the bench today...
mainly worked on toning down the turret numbers, and early pigment work on the hull.

[Si Benson]

Coming along very nicely Chris :thumb2:

[Tim Marlow]

Looks even better now you’ve toned the markings down. Really nice build.

[Guest]

Nice changes.

[langy71]

Nice changes.

Do the paint drips look ok ?.. or are there too many ?, would there have even been paint drips ?...(I'm going with the crew kind of slapped the paint on without too much care and attention to detail).