Reviews : Tamiya Russian 734/76 1943 Tank

This is a nice kit from Tamiya that has been around for a while, having built mine approx. 26 years ago. The tread system is of the long rubber strip type, with no option of either molded sectional or individual link varieties. The kit makes a nicely detailed T-34/76 M1943 Hard Edge turret vehicle, in the builder's optional choice between the Early and Late Production versions. It comes with a reasonable array of optional hull accessories/stowage items and roadwheel choices. The kit also has a choice of optional external fuel tanks, between the hull rear-mounted box-type sometimes used with the early production version, or the hull side drum-style which had become standardized with the late production units. I included a short tube feature in the turret top periscope location in front of the loader's hatch, for the flare launch-port that many vehicles had (not included). The kit also comes with 2 crewmen, which helps make the price quite reasonable. If a future update on the kit ever happens, optional track link system would be nice for the more detail-orientated builders, and possibly an optional ATO-42 flame thrower device for the bow MG location. Overall, the kit is of good quality and nicely detailed, and I would recommend it to others.

If you are looking for a quick build of a T-34 that has a fair amount of detail, then this is the kit for you. I would highly recommend aftermarket tracks and used the TRex T-34, set A tracks. The tracks took as long to build as the tank itself. The tank was simple to build, easy to outfit, and had different options for external fuel tanks and hand rails. Wheels work, so the tracks work, especially with aftermarket tracks. I think that the tracks that come with the tank make it look cheap and does nothing to dress it up. I spray painted all the parts on the sprue's using Tamiya TS-4, Dark Green, spray paint and did touch up with Tamiya XF-61. This allowed me to focus on the build, keep things simple, and follow the standard Russian paint scheme of WW2. I would recommend this tank to all modelers needing a T-34 for their diorama. This is going to go into a much larger diorama, where I am building out the parts now and will subsequently bring it all together when I am ready.

The Tamiya Russian T34/76 '43 Tank is a nice kit. The model allows the choice of several options, including two slightly different turret tops (including different commander's cupola), the choice between all metal running wheels or a mix between metal and rubber lined running wheels, and between extra gas tanks or storage compartments at the rear of the tank. The kit includes extra tread sections, cables, two logs, and the normal shovel, pick, etc. The commander can be assembled with or without a flare gun. A driver and loader also come with the kit (all figures are half or three quarters bodies - no legs on any). Treads are the typical one piece rubber type that Tamiya regularly includes, but with good detail on both sides. My kit only contained instruction in Japanese, so it was a bit of a struggle to paint it accurately, but as with all Tamiya kits, the box art is excellent, so I was able to improvise. Overall, a very nice kit that turned out to be one of my favorite tank models.

Bought on a whim and glad I did. Plan to do a dio w it as a captured tank being repainted, found some cool pic's in some old Squadron books and the German's weren't shy about using captured equipment. Opted to use the additional front armor plating so dremeled down two mounting points to get it to fit. Did some thinning on fenders and gave them a beat up appearance also. Went together like a dream, chose the late copula and round drum fuel tanks, nice little details, no gaps. I did discover there is a pattern the Russians followed when mixing road wheels, quick research will clarify (sorry not at home so cant detail here). Havn't fitted tracks yet as getting ready to prime it but test fitting shows they will be snug, might try some hot water to see if I can cheat and stretch them to add some minor sag when installed. Plenty of extra tracks and detail items for future projects.

This is a great kit for beginners into military vehicles. Parts fit is excellent and the instructions are good enough to get the job done (at least the English version of them are). There are a LOT of extra pieces, parts, equipment included that allows you to customize its look to fit your every whim - there are almost more of these pieces than the pieces of the tank itself. There are not a lot of decal options included in the kit, but in reality, Russian tanks had very little markings on them during the war, so the kit is really period accurate. I also liked the history of the tank, its development, and its uses that take up the back half of the instruction sheet - very informative and a real history lesson on this Panzer-Killer. In its price range, this kit can't be beat IMHO.

This is one of the older Tamiya kits, but it still turns out great – typical of Tamiya. The dimensions of this kit are perfect. The figures are dated and the old, clunky style of Tamiya. I think I remember that Tamiya figures back then scaled out to being 5’4” The tank couldn’t be used in any early war scenes since it is a 1943 – but the side of the box illustrates a 1942 version? This kit shows the balance of price vs. value, and while it isn’t up to modern standards, it isn’t up to the modern price, either. I think its worth it, and while it can’t be used in the early war, it could be used right before or after Kursk to the end of the war and even up to relatively recent times.

This is another classic Tamiya kit with pretty good detail that is not overly complex to build. I enjoyed putting this one together and did not come across any major fit issues. You do have several options for the commander cupola and the kit does come with 3 figures. There are a lot of exterior accessories you put on this kit and you can elect to have the hatches in open/closed positions. I'm not a fan of the rubber band tracks they had this kit, I found that it was difficult to hide the section where you have to glue/seal the 2 ends of the track together. Overall this was a fun kit to build and I would recommend it to all skill levels.

An older kit of a widely built kit. Has some nice features and extras. The newer type of turret is welcome. Some extra flash present with seam lines. Easy clean up. Great fit of parts, good representation of welds and seams. Noticed it was missing the convoy tail lamp, not included. Wish it had track link assembly, the rubber tracks were short and will not sag. Decals were perfect! Overall a nice kit and fun to build. Modified mine with the 85MM gun from another kit.

This tamiya kit is one that I enjoyed building and painting. It comes with 2 options to make it early or late production which is good for diorama builders who want it at a certain time period or just want a variety. This kit also come with accessories which you could use to make your tank look more authentic. I would recommend this kit to anyone.

This was a relatively easy model compared to some of the others I have done, I think it would be a great one for 1st timers. You had 2 options on the wheels and also had 2 options on the turret top. You could choose between the early or late model production. A lot of options as to which type of tank you chose to build. I enjoyed it.

I know it was Tamiya (I checked the box twice! But the usual fit was lacking. Instructions had several pages of history, and sometimes vague building directions. When I was done, I covered it in mud to hide the gaps and poor fit. Looks OK, but not the usual Tamiya fun build.

Used this one to build a resin conversion of a recovery vehicle found at the Skoda works using a T34 chassis, and building a winch in the superstructure with a rear spade like a Bergapanther. Nice inexpensive donor kit.

This is definitely one of the best designed and engineered model kits on the market. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone from those looking for a first glue kit to the grizzled old veterans of the glue army.

A beautiful rendition of the Mickey Mouse Ears twin turret hatches on this T-34. With the addition of the Russian Assault troops, a building and three scratch-built Germans, it turned into a terrific diorama.

Easy go buildin', one of the Best tamiya's kit i've ever put together, combined with the dragon tank riders makes a great diorama, only con i've found is the tracks sag don't looks natural

Great kit. easy to build. Parts fit well and the instructions are easy to follow. Additionally, there are a lot of accessories to the kit which makes it good to use as a diorama.

An enjoyable build that looks great when completed. A simple build with great detail and the infantry figures that really are a great bonus.

Good kit at a great price. Will up load pics later. Went together as most all Tamiya kits do

great price. 1943 kit. easy build. does have a mistake on model no.but nice