|
Three new kits from UM:
T-34/85 with D5-T Gun
Self-Propelled Gun SU-122
Self-Propelled Gun SU-85M
UM, 1/72
S u m m a r y |
| Catalogue
Number: |
UM
327, T-34/85 with D5-T Gun
UM
332, SU-122
UM
335, SU-85M
At USD$7.96 each from Squadron.com |
| Scale: |
1/72 |
| Contents and
Media: |
142 parts in dark green
plastic on five sprues, 22 parts [tyres and tow cables] in black
rubbery plastic on two identical sprues, 3 etched metal parts on
a small fret, decals for three marking examples and 2 double
sided A4 pages with history, parts plan, build diagrams and
painting and marking instructions. |
| Price: |
each
USD$7.96 from Squadron.com |
| Review
Type: |
First Look |
| Advantages: |
Interesting subjects, highly
detailed and cleanly moulded. |
| Disadvantages: |
Commander’s hatch moulded
closed, rubber tyres may be difficult to clean up |
| Recommendation: |
Recommended
|
Reviewed by
Glen Porter
UM's
1/72 scale T-34, SU-122 and SU-85M kits are available online
from Squadron.com
SU-122
UM has released several kits in 1/72 scale based upon the same
basic T-34 chassis. The first being examined is the Su-122
self-propelled gun.
Four of the five sprues in this kit are shared with the T-34/85
and the SU-85M kits, and the level of detail in all three is very
high. Consequently, the comments for one can apply to them all.
Parts common to all kits
(different wheels in SU-85M)
Click thumbnails below
to view larger images:
The fifth unique sprue comprises the fighting compartment and gun
in this kit, and the SU-85M and turret and gun in the T-34. The
rubber and metal parts are also common to all three.
T-34/85 with D5-T Gun
This was the initial production T-34 with the bigger 85mm gun.
Unique parts are pictured below.
Click thumbnails below
to view larger images:
SU-85M
This vehicle was based on the superstructure of the
SU-100 with the bulged right side, but fitted with the 85mm gun.
This kit is supplied with later style wheels with lightening holes.
Unique parts are pictured below.
Click thumbnails below
to view larger images:
Common Attributes
All the grab handles are moulded in plastic and look almost to
scale, the tracks - link and length - have plenty of detail inside
and out and there’s no flash to be seen anywhere. This kit is so
good that it is hard to find anything to criticize.
Well, I have found some issues but I’ve got to say they
almost represent rivet counting. First of all, I’m not thrilled
about the rubber tyres, I think it will be hard to get rid of the
seams on them and would have preferred them to be separate but in
normal plastic. Secondly, the commander’s hatch is moulded closed,
although it wouldn’t be too hard to open it. Everything else is
above reproach.
The small decal sheets don't display much detail on it but this
was typical of Soviet armour. The markings are in register, and the
film looks nice and thin. Nothing to quibble about there. The colour
schemes are a bit dull but again that is just the way that Russian
Armour was. It will be up to the modeller to introduce some variety
with weathering and the like.
If I had to give points out of ten for these kits, they would get
nine point seven five. They are that good.
Recommended.
Thanks to
Squadron for the review sample.
Review and Images Copyright © 2004 by Glen Porter
Page Created 15 September, 2004
Last updated
15 September, 2004
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