Tamiya packed plenty of detail into its 1/48 scale T-34/85, including positional hatches, a commander figure, movable gun barrel, link-and-length tracks, and detailed wheels. Decals provide markings for two Berlin operation Soviet vehicles, one each from the 9th Guards Tank Corps and the 7th Guards Tank Corps. From the kit, the model replicates a later Factory 183 built tank with a one-piece commander’s hatch.
The hull bottom builds from multiple pieces including sides with the suspension arms molded on. I installed the metal weights which just give the finished model a bit of extra heft. The lower rear plate comprises three good fitting parts.
Separate hubs detail the spider-style road wheels. I painted the tires Tamiya dark gray (XF-24) and the wheels and lower hill Mr. Hobby dark green (No. H320).
After painting the link-and-length tracks Tamiya dark iron (XF-84) with a dust wash and dry-brushed silver, I installed them on the suspension; they fit perfectly.
The driver’s hatch has locks and details inside but no periscopes. The prominent rear grille is molded solid, but the three-part fuel tanks got together in a way that minimizes seams. I painted the solid headlight lens silver.
The gun and mount went together well, but the design of the turret produced seams between the sides and rear plate; a couple of coats of Tamiya primer eliminated them.
The hatch is detailed inside and out. Test-fit the figure while assembling him to be sure his hands fit the hatch. I painted the commander with Tamiya field blue (XF-50), flesh (XF-15), and flat black (XF-1), then accented the flesh with Tamiya figure accent color (No. 87201) and pastels.
After airbrushing the body with Mr. Hobby dark green, I hand-painted the stripes on the spare tracks with Vallejo Model Color cold white (No. 70.919) to match photos of the 7th Guards tank I was modeling. The decals went down easily with help from Tamiya Mark Fit.
I spent 10 hours building and painting this model. It’s an easy build that’s perfect if you’re looking for a short-term project.