I have built several Tamiya model kits, and was pleased to see their fine detail exhibited in this newer kit. The kit did deviate away from Tamiya's former practice of a molded single-piece upper hull and turret assembly simplicity towards more complexity, however a builder will see that this practice has its advantages in lending towards better detailing. I was quite pleased to find that the upper hull detailing items of bow MG and its protection strip, and front & rear turret race protection strips were all separate add-on items, which lends the ability of the upper hull being able to be utilized towards any other M1939-M1942 project. With a simple swap-out of correct gun mantle and gun tube, the turret would be good for M1939-M1940 projects. Being a fan of the less tedious/messy full-length rubber track systems, I was a bit disappointed that Tamiya had not included such in this kit, at least as an option to the molded sectional link style included in the kit. Overall, I was quite pleased in the kit's detail, and would recommend it to others.

I love the direction Tamiya has been going and this heavy Russian tank knocks it outta the park. The details achieved with the multi piece hull is incredible. The rough texture of the armor, so prevalent in Russian tanks of that period is so realistic. You can almost feel the weight of this heavy tank. And added bonus is a commander in a very natural pose. Now I'd like to see Tamiya come out with an update of the T34/76!