Zvezda 1/35 T-35

[Guest]

With a couple of aircraft under my belt it was time for some more armour. I got this as a Xmas pressie from Zoe along with the Lightning, so decided to crack it open, and immediately regretted it.

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Looks like it had a hard life in the back of the couriers van as a few parts on the sprue were broken, and 3 of the return roller axles were smashed off the main hull. I managed to find 2 of them so they were glued back on. The broken sprue parts were still in their bags so managed to find and fix all of those.

Lots of bits to deal with, including 4 identical sprues of wheels & suspension. Oh joy.

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The damaged hull

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As usual for Zvezda assembly started with some subs. This time it was these grilles, covers and hatches for the engine cover. The exhausts were just flat with instructions to paint the outlet black, but I hollowed them out the best I could. Might try a bit more now they are fixed in place and easier to handle.

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The support for the main turret needed a bit of persuasion and some filler. Will sand that down once it's gone hard and might need to add a bit more

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There were plenty of weld beads moulded into this section so where the parts didn't quite meet I added some tiny styrene rod which I'll "sculpt" later, but it tidies the joint up nicely. Sorry about the awful picture!

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[Dave Ward]

Did this a couple of years back - watch out for that frame aerial!
Dave

[Guest]

Cheers Dave, I remember you giving me a similar warning when I built the T-28.

Any other major hiccups that spring to mind with this kit?

[scottie3158]

Andy,
Count me in for this.

[Jim R]

Hi Andy
Front row next to Scottie.
Jim

[Guest]

Welcome aboard chaps.

[Guest]

I'm looking in, tea and biscuits I hope, not been fed since tea time...

[JR]

At least they gave you a tub hull Andy, the KV and the SU 100 had a 3 part hull and the KV was warped.
Will take a seat .

[Mini Me]

453, we're all a little warped, otherwise we wouldn't be here!!!:rolling:

[grumpa]

Always wanted to do a T35 don't know bout a Zvezda kit though, Good luck with it.

Jim

[Guest]

Good to have you all here, I'll see what the missus can rustle up in the way of refreshments.

[papa 695]

Just sat down Andy, ready to watch.

[Dave Ward]

The Zvezda T-35 was new tooling in 2016, it's detailed & fits together well & looks impressive when built. Recent Zvezda kits have been on a par with Far East makers, they suffer from memories of past simple clunky models. Their 1/48 & 1/72 aircraft models are very good & their modern 1/35 Russian AFVs are superb ( having made the Armata, the T-90, Tiger Kornet ).
There aren't any surprises in assembly, I remember the plates that support the side skirts being a bit fiddly, but that's it, the link & length tracks fitted VERY well
All that running gear is sadly hidden by the side skirts! Andy, hope you don't mind me slipping in a picture of my build................
Dave

[Guest]

Welcome Ian.

No problem at all with the picture Dave, and thanks for the info.

The T-28 was similar, lots of detail in the running gear that got completely hidden.

[Steve Jones]

The Russians are coming!! What a beast of a machine!! Will sit with the rest of the rabble. Got the heater on in the shed yet? :smiling5: