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Dragon T-34 Model 1941, Item 6205
by Frank De Sisto
Contains 409 parts in injection-molded styrene plastic, two lengths of
twisted brass wire, 41 parts in photo-etched brass, 14 markings options
and eight pages of instructions in 19 steps. Price: unavailable
This is the most recent iteration of a long series of T-34 kits from
DML. This family includes three different T-34/85s, an SU-85M and -100,
as well as the earlier T-34 Model 1940.This Model 1941 represents a significant
upgrade of the entire series as it is the first of all of these kits to
provide for a separate engine air intake cover, which has been re-worked
to accommodate the included photo-etch screening and framework. There
is also an attempt to give some detail to the area under the screening
via the use of a printed card that has a photo of the slats and fan normally
seen in this area. Weather or not that will be adequate for the more finicky
modeler remains to be seen. Other etched bits are also provided for such
things as belts and buckles for the external fuel cells. For those modelers
uncomfortable with the use of photo-etched parts, the original solid plastic
intake cover is included. Another first for a plastic kit is the inclusion
of wound copper wire, instead of the more traditional nylon string, to
represent the tow cable commonly seen on most tanks.The main visual difference
between this kit and the Model 1940 is in some turret details and, of
course, the longer 76mm F-34 gun tube with its new mantlet, and all new
parts for the gun’s breech. There is also a choice of turret rear
plates, either the type with four bolts or the type with six bolts.The
other difference is in the markings schemes this kit will allow. There
are two specific sets, one of which allows for the peculiar part whitewash,
part cross-hatch camouflage pattern as seen on some T-34s. The other is
also rather colorful as it depicts a two-tone brown and green vehicle.
In addition, there is a separate decal sheet and accompanying leaflet,
which gives various slogans and tactical markings for another 12 vehicles.
I found confirmation in my references for all of the markings, which proves
that the kit’s designers did their homework.Since the vast majority
of the parts come from the Model 1940 kit, some modelers will be familiar
with them. For those who are not, some details are in order. The individual
link tracks are of the so-called “plate” style and are accompanied
by separate ice cleats. The suspension consists of early pattern dished
road wheels with perforated rubber tires, early drive sprocket and early
rubber-rimmed idler wheel. The hull features the round-nosed rear plate,
rectangular transmission access hatch, and early side and top grillwork.
The small access plates and fittings around the turret race are also different
from the T-35/85 kits. The hull sides feature the full assortment of tools
usually seen on early vehicles, the rectangular fuel canisters, (they
are NOT tool boxes as some reviewers have stated) as well as a new tool
box. The glacis plate includes the early driver’s hatch, early bow
machine gun, twin headlamps with separate clear lenses, early tow couplings,
rounded nose fillet, rounded and extended mud guards and early lower bow
plate. Overall, the detail can be considered to be quite excellent. Fit
nearly everywhere is outstanding, with the front turret plate needing
attention, where it meets the lower turret sides, at the turret race.
The small access hatch on top of the engine deck does not quite fit the
opening provided. This may due to this part being from the original kits,
and the upper hull in this kit being entirely new. There are no visible
ejector pin marks anywhere on the vehicle, except for the interior of
the turret’s main hatch. This is a non-starter if left closed; otherwise
it should not prove too much of a problem to clean up. Elsewhere, there
are two pin marks on the inner face of each track link. These can be laboriously
cleaned, or ignored. Or, the modeler can avail himself of the various
after-market sets for this type of track, notably Friulmodel’s set,
ATL-38. Likewise, there are no sink marks visible anywhere on the finished
kit.The instructions are in the newer photographic style and are quite
clear and easy to follow. Painting notes are keyed to Gunze and Testors
colors.For several reasons then, this kit ought to be well received. For
one, DML have finally, after years of producing T-34-based kits, acceded
to modeler’s wishes by opening up the engine intake part and adding
photo-etched screens. For another, the turret/gun combination as seen
on this version saw more service than the L-11-armed Model 1940. And finally
… it’s another T-34, and there can never be too many of them.
Bring ‘em on, DML!
Highly recommended.
DML kits are available from retail and mail order shops. For details
see their web site at: www.dragonmodelsltd.com.
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