Soviet T-24 Medium Tank

Reviewed by Al Bowie

Summary

FirstLook

The T-24 was one of the early Soviet tank designs spawned from the earlier T-12 and T-18 projects, which were based on the Renault FT design. Initial trials of the T-24 found performance satisfactory but the prototypes engine caught fire and the turret was transferred to a T-12 for further testing. Only 24 were built and they were MG armed only until 1932 when a suitable 45mm gun was installed. They were not further developed as they were found unreliable and confined to training and parades. Although a failure the Kharkov Locomotive Factory (KhPZ) gained valuable experience and developed a successful series of artillery tractors from it culminating in the successful T-24 based Komintern artillery tractors which towed Soviet medium rrtillery such as the 152mm howitzer.

With only 24 examples being built it seems an unlikely choice for a mainstream model producer but HobbyBoss has shared parts with the Komintern tractor and offered us an unusual Soviet design from the pre-war period.

The kit is presented in the usual stout divided HobbyBoss packaging with striking artwork depicting a T-24 traversing a snow covered field. The box is packed with tan and brown (track links) sprues with a small photo-etched fret and one-piece lower hull and turret pieces.

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These 312 parts (plus PE) combine under the modeller’s guidance to give a good sized model of a rare design, certainly not another case of Sherman or German which I commend manufacturers such as HobbyBoss. It is great to see companies offering such interesting subjects.

The detail is crisp and the hull rivets well represented. Construction does not appear difficult and test fittings where possible shows no major fit issues. The majority of the construction will be the running gear of which there are 8 assemblies each of twelve parts plus 136 of the 144 track links to make the track runs. The track links, whilst being individual, are glue together and not the snap together type. Their detail is sharp and they are moulded in a earth brown shade of styrene.

Construction of the hull and turret looks pretty straightforward and thankfully can be done as assemblies separate of the lower hull, which will aid in construction as the track runs will need to be on the lower hull and I’d wager will be easily damaged when constructed, not due to the kits design but the originals tank's.

A coloured marking and colour guide is supplied for a single vehicle with minimal markings – a pair of number 3s, a red circle with white cross and a small white 017. Additional hull numbers are provided but no further registration numbers.

This is a great kit of an unusual subject that should appeal to modellers who like something different or Soviet armour. I hope HobbyBoss continues to offer such interesting subjects.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Creative Models Limited for the review sample.