B a c k g r o u n d

Early in World War II, Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and KV-1 had adequate firepower to defeat any of the German tanks then available. By the fall of 1942, Soviet forces began to encounter the new German Tiger tank, with armour too thick to be penetrated by the 76.2 mm guns used in the T-34 and KV tanks at a safe range.

The Soviet command also had reports of the Panther tank, that was in development then and possessed thicker armour than the Tiger; both represented an advance in German tank design. Although the Panther was not seen in combat until July 1943, the new generation of German vehicles meant the Red Army would need a new, more powerful main gun for their armoured formations.

In May 1943, work was begun on a new anti-tank gun. Military planners directed the design bureaus of both Gen. Vasiliy Grabin and Gen. Fyodor Petrov to modify the 85 mm anti-aircraft gun for use as an anti-tank weapon. Petrov’s bureau developed the D-5 85 mm gun. Though much too large for the T-34 or KV-1 turret, it was thought the gun could be mounted upon the chassis of the SU-122 self-propelled gun to give the weapon mobility. The version of this gun intended to be mounted upon the SU-85 was called the D-5S, with the “S” standing for self-propelled. Initially the production factory at Uralmash rejected the proposed design.

Nevertheless, the administrators at Uralmash were persuaded to proceed, and the new design was put into production. The weapon was later modified to include a telescopic sight and a new ball gun mantlet.

The SU-85 was a modification of the earlier SU-122 self-propelled howitzer, essentially replacing the 122 mm M-30S howitzer of the SU-122 with a D-5T high-velocity 85 mm antitank gun. The D-5T was capable of penetrating the Tiger I from 1000 m. The vehicle had a low profile and excellent mobility. Initially given an armoured commander’s cap on the first batch, the SU-85’s observational optics were improved by the introduction of a standard commander’s cupola - the same as on the T-34/76 model 1942. In addition to the already existing prismatic observation sights installed in left side and rear. On later vehicles, the same optics were added, almost allowing all-around observation.*

F i r s t L o o k

One of MiniArt’s latest additions to their SU-122 / 85 / 100 family is this SU-85 Model 1943 Early Production.

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As a bonus, this release also includes a five-person winter crew. These have previously been released as a standalone figure set.

Some of these recent Soviet tank destroyer releases have included a full interior. In this case, and mercifully I think, it does not.

MiniArt’s 1:35 scale SU-85 Model 1943 Early Production comprises 530 parts in grey plastic, 10 parts in clear plastic, 73 parts in photo-etch and markings for two vehicles.

Considering the total sum of parts includes individual link tracks, the number should be quite manageable. The parts are presented on around 60 (yes, six zero) separate sprues, so hunting for sprues and parts may take a little longer than usual!

Otherwise, the model appears to be quite straightforward. There is a core of parts including the flat-pack lower hull and the upper half shell. The latter really only provides the engine deck and the track guards, with the superstructure comprising separate mantlet, sides, rear and roof.

Clear parts are provided for headlight lenses and vision blocks.

The vents on the sided of the engine deck are hollowed out, and MiniArt offers optional solid plastic or photo-etched mesh for the rear deck grille.

The running gear is beautifully detailed, and the road wheels are crisply presented. The tyres are the perforated variety.

On vehicle equipment looks good, including a pair of all-plastic tow cables!

The five crew figures are well done too. They are all dressed up snugly in their winter sheepskin long jackets.

Markings are provided for two vehiles.

C o n c l u s i o n

MiniArt’s SU-85 Model 1943 is a very well detailed model and should be appropriate for experienced modellers.

Thanks to Creative Models Australia for the sample.