What is it?

Hi Mechtech 

The part you are referring to is probably the Rotary Base Junction.. It is the electrical power distribution point for the turret

it connects on the left side of the gun cradle...Hope that helps.... probably have to scratch the tube that holds the wires... that's what I did   

tread

Thanks Tread! That never crossed my mind. I was thinking a possible sump pump.

I thought that T-34's were without power for the Turret.

Hey again Mechtech 

Just to be sure, we are both talking T-34-85 yes ? ...'cause I know AFV came out with a limited run T-34-76..I am assuming '85

in any case, the '85 had a lot of electrics...there was a radio  and rudimentary intercom , the turret traverse was electric, there was a large dome light on the roof for closed up battle, and shell firing was electric being triggered by an electrical charge stored in a large capacitor on the left side of the gun. However, the gun could be triggered manually in case of power loss. Here is a picture of the capacitor.  My earlier pics show the turret traverse electric motor, radio and intercom. Hope that helps. 

I have heard a lot of good things about the AFV kit  

tread

oops ! here is a pic of the radio and intercom

Tread , it is the T34-85 kit. I have been taking my time trying to find what I can about the interior colours of various components. While it is supposed to be visible from the outside, when you glue the parts to the clear wall, it is very hard not to get glue leaking out farther than you want. I therefore decided to paint the interior white and paint the exterior Russian green.  I hope to be able to leave enough hatches open so that the work inside can appreciated. Haven't figured out yet how to get the cast texture finish for the exterior. Any ideas?

Hi Mechtech 

Well the turret was a casting so what I usually do for that is to stipple on Mr. surfacer or Tamiya primer or decanted spaybomb auto lacquer primer. Russian war era T-34s were VERY rough cast so I would stipple on one or even 2 rough looking coats and then knock it down a bit with some 600 grit paper and then maybe a coat of primer through the airbrush. I know the sides of the AFV kit are pretty smooth. The actual hull was rolled plate of various thicknesses, but not quite as smooth as most rolled steel, or rolled steel on a German vehicle. The Russian steel has a lot of small divots  and imperfections, kind of ' distressed ' looking. Maybe work it over lightly with a carbide bit or grinding stone . kind of let it bounce around the surface.  Practice on scrap first for this technique ! ... Another way is to brush liquid cement, also in a stippling motion and rather randomly,all over the side of the vehicle. when the cement has dried COMPLETELY, sand almost smooth with 600 grit , then 800, then prime and paint The actual composition of the clear plastic is different than regular styrene so practice on a small area first.

I hope that helps you out man !

tread

Thanks Tread, will probably try the liquid cement. You have been most helpful.