The Modelling News: Preview: Miniart's 35th scale T-34/85 T-34/85 Czechoslovak Prod (Late) Kit

MiniArt has just released details on their latest T-34/85 variant. This one, the late version of the Czechoslovakian-built tank. We look at the Czech production, the art, profiles, & the real tanks featured in the kit in our preview...

Preview: Miniart's 35th scale T-34/85 T-34/85 Czechoslovak Prod (Late) Kit

T-34/85 Czechoslovak Prod. Late Type

1/35th scale

Kit No #35078

Product Link on the Miniart Website

The subject: The late version T-34/85's in Czech production:

Czechoslovakia was granted a licence to manufacture T-34/85 tanks in July 1949. Following World War II, the T-34/85 became a staple of the Czechoslovak army, with the first models arriving in early 1945.

These Czech-built T-34/85s were all late model versions, and all of them are featured in this boxing from MiniArt. Three T-34/85 tanks during a parade in Prague in May 1970. These are likely late-production models used by the Czechoslovak army, recognisable by the inscriptions "LIDICE" and "LEŽÁKY" on their turrets, which are names of Czech villages that suffered during World War II.

Modernisation Efforts: To enhance their capabilities, some T-34/85 tanks in Czechoslovak service were upgraded with advanced features, including new radio systems, "starfish" road wheels similar to those found on T-54/55 tanks, and additional fuel tanks.

These T-34/85s were originally put into service by Laos but then bought by the Russians to use in some of their "victory" parades.

Although considered outdated by the late 1940s, the T-34/85 was chosen for production in Czechoslovakia due to its familiarity, ease of production, and suitability for the time period. These tanks were primarily used as training vehicles and experimental platforms, with some seeing service abroad.

Another Laotian tank. We wonder how many of these were just used as parade vehicles...

This new kit from MiniArt: TT-34/85 Czechoslovak Prod. Late Type from MiniArt

This version of the T-34/85 captures the details of late production models used throughout the Eastern Bloc. This kit is a non-interior kit for that faster build and those who do not want a myriad of parts to wade through. It has all of the same accuracy standards and most of the features of Miniart's kits, with a feature list below:

Kit Features

All hatches can be posed open & closed

Individual tracks included

Clear plastic parts included