1/72 T-34/57
Dated: December 12, 2009.
Hi guys
No, it's not a typo! The Russians converted some 300-odd T-34s into tank destroyers by swapping the 76mm gun for the Zis-4 57mm AT gun. One batch was converted in 1941 using the 1941 model of T-34, and photos exist of these, showing a very long and thin gun barrel. Apparently poor machining meant that the barrel was weak and would gradually bend out of shape as the tank moved about, so the idea was abandoned. When machining techniques improved a second batch was converted in 1943 - I can't find photos but it seems likely that the 1943 model would have been used.
The beauty of doing the model conversion using the Hat kit is that the gun barrel is separate and just plugs into the hole. Even better is that you need not glue the guns, which means that the models can be converted back into carrying 76mm guns as the wargaming scenario dictates. So I have a convertable platoon of tanks for the first time! Nice to have options.
Hope you like!
Paul Vearncombe
(UK)
Many thanks to Mr. Vearncombe.