1/72 T-34/85

[Ash]

Whilst hunting for BMP-2 kits I found this:



Thought I'd do it as either an Angolan or Frelimo version, to go with the BTR-152 (see Fireforce thread). As I haven't come across any colour pictures of either, other than burned out wrecks, it'll probably end up Soviet green, with rust . . .

I've built the kit; really nice clean sprues, even got that side molding on the barrel so it's pre drilled, loads of etched brass details. I'm not using the 'bedspring' armour. So far it's ben primed, bass coated rusty (to have a go at salt masking). I'm rather liking the rusty look and as I now have loads of reference pictures of rusty wrecks think I'll get some more to paint up as scenery.

[carlos marighela]

Looking good, the rust effects are fabulous. Which system did you use? Mig, Vallejo etc?

Bog standard Soviet Green is probably the best way to go for Angola.

[Ash]

I'm quite surprised just how well the rust turned out, almost a shame to cover most of it up!

It was a mix of Vallejo cam.black brown & hull red. Then dusted all over with MIG light rust and sprayed with Vallejo matt varnish.

[Arlequín]

I found this


which you might find useful. The T34 is from 4:51 onwards.

[carlos marighela]

That is kinda useful, as I have just finished a 1/56 T-34 in a scruffy sand colour ( Eqyptian)

Probably the two best known photos of T-34s in Angola. Both in b&w but both seem to be in Russian green. Colour photos of most other Soviet kit supplied to FAPLA as well as all the Cuban equipment shows green.


BTW there's an interesting article from the Cubano version of wikipedia on the T-34 in Cuban service witha  bit of detail on their use in Angola.

http://www.ecured.cu/index.php/T-34

[Ash]

That's perfect. Thanks very much.

[Slayer]

looking forward ( as i do with all your stuff) to seeing this  finished, u make me want to get back into 20mm

[Arlequín]

I don't think the sand coloured T34 was by any means common, it is likely to be a vehicle sent from Egypt or somewhere else sandy and just not repainted. The video of one vehicle seems to show, in places, a topcoat which is somewhat 'greener' than usual, especially noticeable where it contrasts with where the original Russian olive green shows through (ex-Cuban maybe?).

 

[Ash]

Just watched the video again and all those tanks just have more of a look of having been abandoned than shot up.
Get the impression that the Frelimo version of REME wasn't up to much. Something breaks down and they just walk away and leave it. Interesting that all the tanks (and I now want a T-54 or 55) are liberally festooned with essence of shredded cam net.

I'm quite keen to have a go at the sand over green over rust, looking T-34, but will need to get hold of some of that  heavy chipping fluid.

[Arlequín]

Yes, there doesn't seem to be anything in the way of obvious battle damage, although it can be difficult to spot with some weapons. Without much doubt in my mind though, these are indeed breakdowns, followed by the stripping out of anything worth salvaging.

The cam netting remnants were indeed unusual, it's not something you typically see on photos, as they are, like Carlos's photos, quite 'clean' and generally lacking in stowage at all for that matter. 

[Ash]

Now with added green . . .

[Ash]

'Tis done. Couldn't find any suitable decals, and as my freehand numbers skill set is non existent I decided to leave it blank.
I do have a crewman figure who will end up squeezed into turret hatch.

[Arlequín]

That looks really impressive... well done! 

[carlos marighela]

Lovely!.

[Rob_bresnen]

sooo lovely.