T-35 Heavy Tank ~ ICM # 35043

[David Madsen]

My next project is this beast of a tank, the T-35. Overall this kit looks simple but the order of assembly calls for the tracks to be put on at an early stage since they will get buttoned up around the armor of the tank. I like to assemble as much as I can, if not the entire kit aside from the wheels/tracks, before I start painting. I can never seem to remove enough paint and so the bond isn't strong and it gets messy but that's just me. So I think I may buy some Fruilmodel tracks which should allow me to put tracks on at the very end. Another issue is that the upper hull is such a large molded piece, it has a nasty bend to it. After gluing I think it will hold but I may need to he at it up to tank some of the warping out. I'll update soon with pics.

[Milan Mynar]

This is an interesting project, David, I'll watch it.

[Jamie Tainton]

I've had this one in the hording for decades, what research have you dug up about the kit?

[Pierre Parroux]

nice project. I will look at it very close, because i have one to glue also...and to paint..

[Roy Schlicht]

It's a beast of a kit of a beast of a tank. have fun with it. I know that Friul makes tracks for it and there are metal barrel available. I also think that Eduard did a P.E. set for it as well.

Roy

[David Madsen]

Well as far as research, I think there were only 60 some of these tanks produced in the early 30's, mainly used for parade tanks, these saw very little action, due to mechanical issues with the transmission. I sense these issues were caused from the fact that it was so heavy.

Because I prefer to assemble as much as I can before painting, and that if I used the stock tracks, the side shields would make it difficult to paint, so I ordered the friul tracks; plus it will help show real sag. I opted out of the Eduard PE however, I am pleased with the detail of the kit.

It took me a good part of a day to assemble all of the wheel assemblies and lower chassis, but the fits are very good, and all of the wheels line up very well. Next is the upper chassis, to which I hope I can take more progress shots. I got so into the lower chassis I failed to take any real step by step shots.

[Tim Coulson]

Looking good David.

[Pierre Parroux]

nice, and what is the color of the interior ? I like this monster (i speak about the kit, of course)..

[Jamie Tainton]

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/search

[Jamie Tainton]

ftp://ftp.vitpc.com/AndrewS/SMF/Data/AVFI/t35/t35a.html