T-34/ D30 122mm Syrian Self-Propelled Howitzer

Ryefield Model, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

B a c k g r o u n d

The T-34/122 was an Syrian SPG conversion of the T-34 tank.

It was a self-propelled vehicle armed with a 122 mm D-30 howitzer on the rear of the upper hull.

This wild self-propelled gun looks like a fantasy vehicle but a number were built from surplus syocks of the T-34. They were first used against Israek in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

F i r s t L o o k

Who would have expected that we would ever see an injection-moulded 1:35 scale Syrian T-34/ D30 122mm from a mainstream manufacturer?

Rye Field Models’ 1:35 scale Syrian T-34/ D30 122 comprises 338 parts in dark yellow coloured plastic (although this number will be reduced by quite a few parts that are not required on this vehicle) and one photo-etched fret. 

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Three sprues are specific T-34/ D30 122 parts - mainly upper hull attachments, gun and detail parts.

The gun is nicely presented with breech and recuperator detail.

A number of the frets are generic T-34 parts. These contain the upper and lower hull parts, rear armour plate, and other detail parts mainly associated with the hull.

RFM supplies alternative engine deck hatches - one with solid mesh and one with photo-etched mesh. This is a nice touch.

A vehicle-specific barred engine deck cover is also included.

Two sprues are devoted to the road wheels. These are the plain dished style with smooth rubber rims. The tyres are separate parts but they are moulded in plastic (personally I think this is preferable to vinyl tyres), making painting this demarcation easier if done separately.

A further two sprues are dedicated to the remaining running gear parts and the link-and-length tracks. The drive sprockets and idler wheels are the "half-spider" variety.

Swing arms, suspension boxes and springs are separate parts. They are designed to be posed flat on the ground but could be modified to conform to rough terrain.

The tracks are well detailed but will be fast and easy to assemble. The top and bottom runs are one-piece each per side, with the remaining runs around the idler wheels and drive sprockets requiring just 23 links per side.

37 parts are included on the photo-etched fret including straps, tie-downs, engine deck grille and the partial turret ring cover.

Decals are neither included nor required. The instructions suggest two schemes - overall sand, sand and green and sand, green and brown. The modeller can choose between building a pristine machine in service or a hulk rusting in an outdoor museum. Either would look great!

C o n c l u s i o n

This is an impressive model of a fascinating subject.

The parts breakdown is relatively straightforward, including link-and-length tracks, and the parts count is not intimidating.

RFM's 1/35 scale T-34/ D30 122mm will be an interesting subject well within the skills of the average modeller.

Thanks to Ryefield Model for the sample www.ryefield-model.com