Still trying to use up some of these oldies, mostly just collections of pats, I dug out three Tamiya T-34 boxes, and actually found enough parts to build a complete model. It also gave me an excuse to use an old Uralmash turret, something in resin from a long out of business company. I also found several frets of DEF PE for various T-34 models, so I'll try and use up some of that too. What I hope to end up with is something I only have a line drawing of, a Model 1943 T-34/76 with the goofy Uralmash stamped turret and all-steel roadwheels.

So far, I've had to build up the lower edge of the upper turret parts, looks like someone tried to get it to fit the wrong way. I used Aves putty, shaped and then added Squadron green putty to blend and final shape, pic below:

IMG_5143 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

I'm doing a little detail work on the lower hull too, cutting the slots for the swing arms and using some old Merkava springs to at least make it "look" right, and beefing the final driv housings. Also, I plugged numerous holes and boxed in the area below the cooling vent louvers, to be added.

IMG_5140 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

IMG_5142 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

IMG_5141 by Russel Baer, on Flickr

I realize it's a lot of work, but I will have a pork-skin purse when I'm done, and I have to confess, I really like this kind of modeling. Call me crazy, but I'm having fun.