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Started on the first of two Rubicon tanks Im doing for the PSC display stand.

Im doing the T34/76 as a Model 41 based upon a photo I have of a real one. Sadly you cant build a Model 40, despite the box saying you can, as they had a different turret, mantlet and gun. Rubicon seems a little loose on advertising variant that cant be built. I find that a little worrying, as if you bought it to build a Model 40, you may well feel a little annoyed...

The sprues are crisp and clean, though I dont like the plastic used. Something odd about it. Reminds me of old Esci and Nitto kits from the 80s. That said it builds easily and simply, despite a few odd moments on the instructions. For instance it tells you to put the steel wheel backs on the rubber rimmed wheels... and the two rear hull variants cannot be mixed. If you do you will get a gap. Dry fit all parts first... but I'd do that with any kit.

It actually looks ok when built. I do have some reservations. The side mounted fuel tanks are very plain and simple, and look slightly too squat. The annoying holes in the rear hull to mount rear fuel tanks that never seem to be fitted to Model 41s was a real pain as these need filling. Oddly the common side fuel tanks get no guide hole for placement... the rear fuel tanks are an odd choice. The small round tanks I have onky seen fitted to T34/85s during the Korean War and the box tanks seem more a feature of Model 43 tanks. Odd inclusion. Bit dissapointed no tow cable was supplied or other tools to mount on the tank.

Those things aside, it does build into what most people will be happy with - a T34/76 for the first few years on the Eastern Front.





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Base colour on...

Looks good, Big P. I like the Rubicon T-34; I think it's one of their best kits, despite the minor errors. The plastic is a bit odd at first, but I've found it quite good to work with.

I like the way you removed part of the track-guards, although I think that tends to expose the simplified track detail a bit.

Decals on, some initial chipping and first oil wash...

Coming along very nicely.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the amazing paint job. I am a bit miffed that this tank also has the insides of the tracks look so simplistic and blank.

Yes, the tracks do let it down.


More filters, followed by heavy paint chipping and metal wear using a pencil...




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Started adding some rain streaks and watermarks...






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Front hull hatch...