ChTZ T-34 Stalingrad

[Rich H]

Indeed, the assumption is that the interior of a tank is empty and available for crew.

I didn't want an Stalingrad force but I'm now looking.... plastic partisans and plastic soviets....

[FreakyFenton]

The Wargames Atlantic kit for partisans is a good base, however you will need to provide soviet style weaponry. And maybe a few headswaps.

Apart from that, great bit of modelling with a nice blend of modern (printing) and classic (scratchbuilding) techniques! Top job.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Excellent.

Reminds me of "The Sniper" model in the Osprey T34 modelling book (though I think that lacked an engine).

[Rich H]

Thanks I'm enjoying kit-bashing again, I probably enjoy that more than scratch build and printing.   

My second t-34 arrived so I've now got a pair... Obviously I now need a third. 

This one has no engine deck but the rear plate will be partially fitted (missing the access hatch and most of the bolts!). I'm also going to put a red banner over the missing engine deck (come adrift in one corner to show off the engine obvs  )

The engine is now modded so it's a single block and all the fiddly wires are attached and printed too

I've ordered some WG Atlantic partisans and I've got a load of Soviet rifles and assorted bits left over.  I wasn't planning a Stalingrad force but now I'm pondering a full table... Don't tell the wife...

[Rich H]

I'm now pondering getting the laser cutter fired up and cutting hull panels so I can make T-34 hulls being built in the factory....

[FramFramson]

So the model kit actually comes with a recess for the engine already? What goes in that space in the regular model? Or is it just there on the friendly (and reasonable) assumption that some modellers will want to kitbash?

[Rich H]

  If only... that's after chopping! 
There is a handy internal bulkhead in the lower hull but the rest is chopped out.   
The engine deck is likewise one piece and needs cutting back.  It's not that bad, there is a line to follow at least, it's also flat so I rough cut with a jewelry saw then file/sand flat.

[Rich H]

OK so quite taken by the idea of empty hulls, problem is they are automatically welded (ground breaking tech at the time) so I can't really do partially built hulls as thye were in the (Big complex) machines mostly.  Though a hull in a turn over jig does appeal... 

[Smokeyrone]

A great looking build - and now with even more detailing!

Me too, with the engine exposed it really brings home how small the fighting compartment is

Lol, just scratchbuilt that engine for a captured German t-34 and KV-2 in 1/35


BTW, to learn EvERY detail of  t-34, buck up, drop 40 dolluhs, and build the AFV Club T-34 with full interior.

I can now make a full interior on a 1/56 model using scraps, without measuring, after doing the AFV

[Rich H]

Cool, any more pics of the whole thing?

I've recently done a captured KV1 and KV2 in tropical colours for the invasion of Malta

[Smokeyrone]

Cool, any more pics of the whole thing?

I've recently done a captured KV1 and KV2 in tropical colours for the invasion of Malta

Yes, hang on, ill do it right now

[Smokeyrone]

Decided against airbrush, hand pInted for fun.  Too dark, but ill drybrush it lighter.

Hope you can see interior, very bright Fla sun today

[Rich H]

Nice.  If you've access to a resin printer I made the German ammo rack for the KV2.

[FramFramson]

If only... that's after chopping! 
There is a handy internal bulkhead in the lower hull but the rest is chopped out.   
The engine deck is likewise one piece and needs cutting back.  It's not that bad, there is a line to follow at least, it's also flat so I rough cut with a jewelry saw then file/sand flat.

the lower hull picture was what I was referring to. It's hard to see in your photo of the assembled lower hull (sans engine), and the sprue picture just shows the lower hull halves side-on. The transverse bulkhead is what made it seem like it was all part of the original lower hull model. So you just cut away the rear of the lower hull behind the bulkhead to create the recess, but ordinarily the lower hull's top surface is level all the way back and the bulkhead is just a structural brace underneath?

[Rich H]

Correct.  there is a double bottom as it were with reinforcing cross members too. 
It forms a strong chassis for the whole thing, overkill IMHO.
You can see it on the sprue pic the rightmost lower hull pic shows it.

Also the rear of the upper hull needs to be cut if you want to remove the back plate.  The back plate is separate (Providing for early and late back plates) but the upper hull has a solid bulkhead still (Again for strength I guess?)