ESCI T34/76: with AB Figure Soviet Tanker

T34/76 MODEL
Although one of the old Esci kits this model holds up well for its time with good detail all over and link length tracks as ( as well as a couple of decent figures included with the actual kit) and it is great to see this model being re-released by Italeri.

PAINTING AND DETAILING
The vehicle is ment to be a 1942 version from the Krasnoye SormoveZovod Nr.112 factory under Polish service. I detailed the kit by adding loads of hand holds replacing the hull machine gun and adding an antenna. (the hand rails could have been done better :-). I first painted the kit with various greens then handpainted the whitewash then applied mud with polyfila and then painted the lower hull with various shades of brown.

AB FIGURES
The figure is from AB's winter Soviet AFV crew range and comes with a heavy winter jacket

CONCLUSION
I was very happy with this one at the time I finished it but I feel now I am capable of doing better but still feel it looks good. I do like the look of all the variants of the T34 and it is great to see over the last few years companies like Eastern Express, Revell and now Italeri filling the gap in the market. (We only need someone to bring out a good SU100 and the set will be complete, here's wishing!!!!)

Reference:
T34 in Action by Squadron Signal
Armoured Battles on the Eastern Front by Concord

Thanks to Ian Hanratty for taking the pics