Model Forum / General / Models / April 2008

I have just got a second  Tamiya 1/25 T-34/85 tank I'd like to convert
to a T-34/76 version.  

Using the Tamiya 1/35 T-34/76 version with a Commander's cupola and a
circular hatch as the model to copy I noticed that the T-34/85 turret
may be easier to modify than I had first thought.   It seems to me
that what was done by the Russian engineers to accommodate the larger
85 mm gun was to extend the turret only foreward the original turret
roof armor plate. Thus all I need likely to do will be to cut (the
correct angle @ 60 deg?) from the top deck at the forward edge and
face that with a scratch built 76 mm gun mounting, recuperator housing
and barrel.  A rough dimensional estimate with a clear plastic
protractor puts the lower edge of the turret at 60 deg just ahead of
the turret ring.  This looks right.

I will also need to rework the 1/25 turret's deck ventillator from two
to a single ventillator.  The other details will be to clean up the
turret sides off the lifting hooks and one lefthand square bracket and
add side vision ports and a rear pistol port plug.

Is there anything I has missed or assumed incorrectly?  Other than
being undersized is the Tamiya 1/35 T34/76 turret correct otherwise?

I recall a review (yours?) saying that the 1/35 Tamiya T-34/76 turret
was undersized (and impossibly cramped.)  This certainly appears so.

That done my next project will be to convert a second 1/25 Tamiya
Su-100 to the Su-85 version.