The Rye Field Model 5040 T34/85 Model 1944 No.174 Factory is a 1/35 scale kit representing one of the most iconic Soviet tanks of WWII. The T34/85, an upgraded version of the earlier T-34, featured a more powerful 85mm gun and improved armor, making it a formidable adversary against German heavy tanks like the Panther and Tiger. This particular kit focuses on the Model 1944 variant produced at the No.174 Factory, highlighting factory-specific design details that differentiate it from other production facilities.
Key Features:
- Scale: 1/35, ideal for creating highly detailed standalone models or diorama scenes.
- Accurate Representation of the No.174 Factory Variant:
- Unique features such as weld patterns, turret shape, and other factory-specific modifications are faithfully replicated.
- The kit reflects the rugged, utilitarian design typical of late-war Soviet tank production.
- Detailed 85mm ZIS-S-53 Main Gun:
- Includes intricate details of the gun mantlet, breech, and barrel, ensuring historical accuracy.
- The gun can be posed at various elevations for customizable display options.
- Realistic Engine and Transmission Details:
- Features a finely molded V-2 diesel engine, complete with pipes, wiring, and other components.
- The transmission and gearbox are included, adding depth to the model’s mechanical authenticity.
- Workable Tracks and Suspension:
- Individual track links allow for realistic sag and positioning.
- The suspension system is fully articulated, enabling dynamic poses on uneven terrain.
- Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
- Includes PE components for fine details such as engine grilles, tool clamps, and other delicate features, enhancing precision and scale realism.
- Optional Open or Closed Hatches:
- Hatches can be modeled open to display the detailed interior or closed for a combat-ready appearance.
- External Accessories and Stowage Options:
- Comes with optional tools, fuel drums, spare track links, and other battlefield accessories to customize the model’s appearance.
- Clear Parts for Optics and Vision Ports:
- Clear plastic components for the driver’s viewports, periscopes, and gunner’s optics add a realistic touch.
- Decal Options:
- Includes decals for multiple Soviet units, allowing customization for different fronts and campaigns in 1944-45.
- Instruction Manual:
- Detailed and easy-to-follow assembly instructions with painting guides for accurate replication.
T34/85:
The T34/85 was an upgraded version of the iconic Soviet T34 medium tank, introduced in 1944 to counter advanced German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. Widely regarded as one of the most effective tanks of World War II, the T34/85 combined improved firepower, armor protection, and battlefield adaptability, ensuring its place as a critical tool in the Soviet Union’s eventual victory over Nazi Germany.
Design and Firepower
The most significant improvement of the T-34/85 over its predecessor was its 85 mm ZiS-S-53 gun, replacing the original 76.2 mm cannon. This high-velocity weapon gave the T-34/85 the ability to penetrate the frontal armor of German Panther and Tiger tanks at medium ranges, leveling the playing field in tank engagements. The gun also maintained excellent effectiveness against infantry, soft-skinned vehicles, and fortifications, making it versatile for various combat scenarios. The turret was enlarged to accommodate a three-man crew – a commander, gunner, and loader – which significantly improved combat efficiency by allowing the commander to focus on situational awareness and tactics.
Armor and Protection
To improve survivability against increasingly powerful German anti-tank weapons, the T34/85 featured thicker and more sloped armor, with frontal turret armor increased to 75 mm and the hull to 45 mm. The sloped design, a hallmark of the original T34, remained a key feature, enhancing the armor’s effective thickness by deflecting incoming rounds. Despite these improvements, the tank still prioritized mobility and ease of production over excessive armor, reflecting its role as a fast and mass-producible medium tank.
Mobility and Production
The T34/85 retained the V-2-34 diesel engine, producing 500 horsepower and allowing for a top speed of approximately 55 km/h (34 mph) on roads. Its wide tracks distributed weight effectively, ensuring good performance on muddy or snow-covered terrain, which was critical on the Eastern Front. Like its predecessor, the T-34/85 was designed for mass production, with simplified components that could be manufactured quickly and repaired easily, even under wartime conditions. Soviet factories produced over 25,000 T34/85s during the war, ensuring a constant supply of these upgraded tanks to the front lines.
Operational Impact and Legacy
The T34/85 played a crucial role in major Soviet offensives, including the liberation of Eastern Europe and the final assault on Berlin. Its improved firepower and protection allowed Soviet tank crews to engage German armor more effectively, while its reliability and adaptability ensured its dominance on the battlefield.
After the war, the T34/85 remained in service with many nations, participating in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Arab-Israeli wars. Its long operational life and widespread use underscore its effectiveness and historical significance as one of the most influential tanks of the 20th century.
