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T34 engine trouble #13

T34 engine trouble #13
The base – Part 1. I’ve used the same basic-base idea as was used in the previous panzer III ausf. N scene. A square photo frame was built up with some 2mm balsa sheet. As I need a slightly larger ground surface this time, I added the balsa to the outside of the only frame I had available. The...

T34 engine trouble #12

T34 engine trouble #12
Detail Painting To continue tying all the previous steps into a more solid colour again, I sprayed the whole model with a few filters. The filters were made from Humbrol paints and enamel thinners. Only a small percentage of paint is used, which makes the thinners appear dirty, rather than having a...

T34 engine trouble #11

T34 engine trouble #11
Decals Just a quick update, to explain how I attach the decals. The decals used are the Zvezda-kit supplied decals … I was going to add a simple number, but went with the text to add more contrast to the monotone base green colour. I spray “Johnson – Klar polish” (called Klear outside Sweden)...

T34 engine trouble #10

T34 engine trouble #10
Painting There are quite a few schools of thought when it comes to painting a model. Some want their models to be realistic and keep the painting natural, as it would be on the 1/1 version. Others prefer to take the artistic route, but still aim for a realistic finish. I’d probably sway more with...

T34 engine trouble #9

T34 engine trouble #9
The final touches With the main assembly complete in the previous stage, all that it is left is to add the details. Not only does this stage help with the detail level, it also adds ”life” to the plastic model. These steps are probably the most time consuming .. getting all the small details...

T34 engine trouble #8

T34 engine trouble #8
More Bling!! Now that the top and bottom hull pieces are joined, I added the details in pretty much the same order that they are called out, in the kit instructions. First step was adding the Part fenders. This is a first for me, so I was rather apprehensive and maybe overly cautious. The first attempt...

T34 engine trouble #7

T34 engine trouble #7
Engine painting Getting into the habit of modelling again, after a long summer break, takes some getting used to and to move forward with the rest of the exterior details, I decided the engine compartment needs to be painted, so that the upper and lower hull parts can be joined. Painting was pretty...

T34 engine trouble #6

T34 engine trouble #6
All that glitters is not gold After a long summer break, I was anxious to get back to the T34. I usually try to attach as much as possible before painting, so it was time to break out the photo-etch. The two sets used in this project are both from “Part”. I picked up both sets cheaply in a sale,...

T34 engine trouble #5

T34 engine trouble #5
Preparing to get dirty Every modeller has their own little peculiarities concerning certain details. Things that must be taken care of on their own models, and the first things you notice when looking at somebody else’s model. I’ve often seen beautifully weathered models, dirtied up nicely yet the...

T34 engine trouble #4

T34 engine trouble #4
Building the turret The turret, more or less, got a complete overhaul. The Zvezda turret is supposed to be quite accurate straight from the box, except for the gunner’s sight being too close to hatch hinge. I also decided to add the barrel and resin mantlet from Armorscale (#B35-066; 76.2mm F34 gun...

T34 engine trouble #3

T34 engine trouble #3
Keeping Track(s) The tracks have been the greatest cause for concern so far. I originally had Friulmodel tracks in mind for this project so that everything could be kept separate for painting, but a friend has placed doubt in my head, saying they are too good to use for an old Italeri kit. I listened...

T34 engine trouble #2

T34 engine trouble #2
Is there a mechanic in the house? Considering the engine is central to the theme of the scene, it probably wasn’t the smartest idea to start with such a low quality kit. The Maquette kit wasn’t considered good enough when it was first released so time and advances since haven’t done it any favours. The...

T34 engine trouble #1

T34 engine trouble #1
Biting the Bullet The last few years have seen a lot of changes regarding modelling practices. The days when a new kit was released, and followed shortly afterwards with the release of several “compulsory” aftermarket sets to dress it up, are more or less gone. Many modellers, including myself,...