Review

MiniArt has released their latest 1/35th T34/85 in the form of a Czechoslovak Production late type. This is supplied in a cardboard tray with a card lid. A look over the contents will shake some due to the very large number of sprues; this is a result of a process that has enabled MiniArt to produce many variants of the vehicle affordably. The result of this is that it can make finding parts difficult depending on how organised you are. Part access is generally good and I only urge that great care is taken when removing the very fine parts.

These range of models from MiniArt have been released both with and without full interiors and so you need to be prepared for an unusual assembly method. The model uses what I call the flat pack method of construction and so flat panels which have great moulded detail on both faces come together, but this means part alignment can be a challenge. The hull of the model is just such a case but is saved due to the engine firewall between the crew and engine compartment being provided. That part helps get everything just right and prevents a problematic build.

None essential internal detail is thankfully kept to a minimum in this release which pleases me. You will find a very nicely detailed machine gun though, an aspect I like. You will find that the hull is closed up very quickly in this offering and so progress is quickly made, but you will also find quite a lot of photo etch in the mix. This approach has provided a great deal of very nice detail, but for those who find photo etch a challenge may be put off which will be a shame.

One thing that you will find is that you need to add a great deal of panels to the model which really increases the detail level greatly but may also create some challenges for the modeller as well. Something I do like about this approach is that the engine vents and intakes can be shown open or closed (A detail I like) and overall gives you a feeling of look at what I have done (we all like to impress).  The cost for this is the use of photo etch in some places we would rather it wasn’t and of a size that hurts the eyes in some cases.

The suspension of this release is surprisingly locked in a neutral height and cannot easily be altered with a skill set beyond me. The road wheels have very nice detail that feature the vented type of wheel design. All told the suspension and wheels are very well tackled using a robust set up that should be a pleasure to build. Something that will cause arguments is the tracks which are non-workable individual track links. The detail on the track links is very nice and clean up is a straight forward task, but when it comes to assembly many struggle and are so deterred (Remember the after-market suppliers have you covered from metal to full assembled and working 3D printed offerings.

Moulded stowage has been provided along with photo etched straps; if you don’t like this it can be replaced with tape and some messing with wire to add your own touch. The tow cables are provided with separate eyes to which you choose your own cable tape (string can be used but with this model get yourself some decent wire instead). One thing that needs to be considered is that there is some details that need to be removed with your weapon of choice and holes drilled and MiniArt has neglected to provide a drill size so start small and increase as a hole can always be made bigger not smaller.

The turret of the model provides a nicely detailed main gun that can moved or more likely set in the location of your choice. You are likely to be surprised that internal detailed panels are provided for inside the turret and I was also pleased to find clear parts provided for where needed. MiniArt has also provided aerials for the vehicle but I would be inclined to use finer metal rod as it is stronger and less likely to be broken off. On the exterior of the turret you find small photo etched loops being added which I feel will be much better replaced by wire as it provides the correct cross section and is durable. These loops are used for securing kit to the vehicle and the metal loops also enable you to add your own mix.

MiniArt has provided six finishing options for this release which are:

Czechoslovak People’s Army, Prague, Spring 1970 

Laos People’s Armed Forces, 2010’s

Czechoslovak People’s Army, Prague, Spring 1970

Czechoslovak People’s Army, Prague, Spring 1970

Czechoslovak People’s Army, Early 1970’s

Unknown Unit, Yugoslav People’s Army,1991