Dragon T-34/76 Mod.1940

Contents

Sprue A. Shown as one sprue in the instructions, but actually three. Part 55 (which is marked blue "not for use" in the instructions) is actually removed. It seems that this is done manually, and that in some kits even the part number is removed.

Part "B", the lower hull.

Parts "C", the wheels.

Black rubber, and horribly crooked tracks.

PE for the engine mesh and strands of metal wire for the tow cables.

The comprehensive decal sheet, although very few of these early "Model 1940" tanks actually carried any markings or slogans.

The instructions. Notice part 55 and the free choice to slap any decal to the side of the turret.

Variants [1]

		Welded turret	Cast turret	Hull	Box-shaped fuel tanks on side of hull	Driver's hatch	Mudguards	Tracks
Pre-series	until 09/40	Small (bend line at widest point of turret ring - no rectangular reinforcement plate at bottom) Mount for searchlight, but no light; some already without mount Provision for antenna on rear of turret		One-piece nose Rivet line below sponsons	No	Separate plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch (not on all tanks)	Small	Flat
Early series	09/40	Small (bend line at widest point of turret ring - no rectangular reinforcement plate at bottom) Mount for searchlight, but no light; some already without mount Provision for antenna on rear of turret		Three-piece nose Rivet line below sponsons	No	Separate plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch	Small	Flat
	09-11/40	Large (bend line behind widest point of turret ring - rectangular reinforcement plate at bottom) Turret hatch modified accordingly No mount for searchlight Provision for antenna on rear of turret; sometimes plated over when no radio installed More rounded side vision covers during production	(From 11/40, but still rare) Integrated side vision covers Sloped rear roof, like welded turret No antenna pot	Three-piece nose Rivet line below sponsons	No	Separate plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch	Small	Flat
Series	11-12/40	Large (see above) Turret hatch modified accordingly No mount for searchlight More rounded side vision covers Omission of antenna pot	(Still rare) Integrated side vision covers Sloped rear roof, like welded turret No antenna pot Another, very rare type of cast turret existed Welded side vision covers Horizontal rear roof, with heightened rear plate Still with small turret hatch	Three-piece nose Rivet line below sponsons / welded from 12/40 onwards (partially implemented) Antenna moved to right front of hull	Yes	Separate plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch	Extra (removable) front section	Improved surface
	01-02/41	Large (see above) Turret hatch extended to the rear and domed Larger opening in turret front (anticipating F-34 gun) with modified mantlet No mount for searchlight More rounded side vision covers	Rare variant Turret hatch extended to the rear and domed Larger opening in turret front (anticipating F-34 gun) with modified mantlet Integrated side vision covers Sloped rear roof, like welded turret No antenna pot More common variant Turret hatch extended to the rear and domed Larger opening in turret front (anticipating F-34 gun) with modified mantlet Welded side vision covers Horizontal rear roof (integral cast), with heightened rear plate No antenna pot	Three-piece nose Welded sponsons (partially implemented) Antenna moved to right front of hull	Yes	Separate plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch	Extra (removable) front section	Improved surface
	03-04/41	As above, but PKO omitted.	As above, but PKO omitted.	Three-piece nose Welded sponsons Antenna moved to right front of hull	Yes	Integrated plate for optics; single forward visor Reinforcement strips around hatch	Extra (removable) front section	Improved surface

The kit has most (all ?) features of a 01-02/41 series vehicle.

While I haven't studied the accuracy of the details or the dimensions, one thing that is very noticeable is the lack of the rectangular maintenance hatch on the rear hull plate.

References

[1] The First T-34, Birth of a Legend: T-34 Model 1940, C. Mulsow, Tankograd publishing, 2019

Dragon kits can be purchased from

		T-34/76 Mod.1940 Eastern Front 1941
Kit # 7258			Preview by Rob Haelterman

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Article Last Updated: 23 February 2020	Back to Home Page