Introduction:

Major plastic model companies offer the T-34 in various variants and in different modeling scales. These kits provide a great base to model an accurate depiction of the tank, with the aftermarket companies catering to specific need of die-hard modelers. DEF Model recently released two sets of 1/35 scale burnt wheels for T-34, catering to those interested in modeling a damaged/destroyed vehicle. This review deals with T-34/85 Burnt Roadwheel Set (2) - Spider Type (DW30065), while the review of the first set of DEF Model T-34/85 burnt wheels can be accessed here: link.

Review:

The set comes packed in a side-opening cardboard box featuring the typical DEF Model design. The box art image displays the contents of the set fitted to a T-34 hull.

The box contains a zip-lock bag, safely securing 15 resin pieces.

I inspected the pieces and was once again impressed with the quality of DEF Model resin. The level of details is amazing, with the details superbly defined and delivered in resin. I found no casting imperfections whatsoever. The casting blocks are thin and should prove easy to remove using side cutters and some fine grade sandpaper. I would also suggest using appropriately sized drill bits to make sure all the wheel openings are perfectly round. On the other hand, these pieces represent burnt wheels, so perfectly round openings are probably not a must.

The set includes 10 identical wheels and 5 wheel hubs, all the pieces to make complete wheels for one side of the vehicle. The set depicts spider wheel, with 12 small lightening holes close to the hub and 12 larger holes at the wheel rim as well as 12 full-radius reinforcing ribs. This type of wheel was installed on very late-WWII and post-WWII vehicles.

Source: https://www.net-maquettes.com/

After the tank is hit, the tire is often burned off the wheel leaving ashes powder residue and exposing the characteristic groove pattern on the wheel itself.

Two T-34-85s destroyed in the ‘Bowling Alley’ Battle, part of the Battle of Kyongju. Source: https://www.redpowermagazine.com/

Korean People's Army T-34 destroyed during the Korean War. Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org

The wheels in this set provide a great representation of the burned T-34/85 spider wheel. As far as I can tell, all the characteristic features of the wheel are authentically reproduced and the details nicely defined. 

The wheel hubs look really good and should provide a slightly different look to the vehicle with no hub caps attached.

Assembling the wheels is pretty much straightforward. Two wheels need to be fixed making sure the wheel openings are oriented well, and the wheel hub attached to the center opening of the wheel. The image from DEF Model could help: link.

The wheels are designed to fit any 1/35 scale T-34/85 model on the market. And yes, these wheels will probably fit any model with the possibility of having to adjust the size of hole or axle a little. 

Conclusion:

T-34/85 Burnt Roadwheel Set (2)- Spider Type (DW30065) from DEF Model offers 5 complete burnt road wheels as an upgrade for 1/35 scale T-34/85 kits. Perfectly cast and with loads of nicely defined details, I can highly recommend these wheels for all those interested in modeling a damaged/destroyed vehicle.

Additionally, combining these wheels with the second set of burnt wheels from DEF Model (T-34/85 Burnt Roadwheel Set (1) – Plate Type (DW30064)) should provide a nice variation of different wheel variants on a model, often witnessed on real vehicles.

A T-34/85 tank knocked out in Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950 stands at testimony to the heroic action of Major General William F. Dean, Commanding Officer, 24th Infantry Division. Korean War Signal Corps Collection

A big thanks to DEF Model for this review sample.