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CMD-41, T-34/76 Model 1940 Cast
Turret in 1/35 scale resin
by Frank De Sisto
Contains 11 resin parts, one turned-aluminum gun tube and two pages
of instructions. Price: $18.00 USD, plus shipping.
To my eye, this version of the 76mm gun-armed early model T-34 looks
to be the sleekest of them all. CMD has captured the look of this cast
turret quite successfully with this beautifully engineered resin offering.
The CMD kit consists of a one-piece hollow-cast turret shell, a separate
turret race ring, a three-part, movable internal gun trunnion and mount,
two small flaps to cover the turret-side view ports and finally a pair
periscopes in their rotating mounts (including separate parts for the
interior sections of the periscopes). CMD’s previously released
turned aluminum 76.2 mm L-11 gun tube is also furnished, making this a
complete “one-stop” conversion.
As one would expect from CMD, the casting is absolutely flawless, featuring
very little clean-up of minimal mold pips. The nicely understated texture
and seams on the cast turret are well done and reflect the relatively
fine workmanship seen on these early production items. The roof plate
features very restrained weld beads. It should also be noted here that
the roof plate is not simply the DML kit’s roof plate grafted on
to a scratch-built turret shell. It is all-original.
The turret is, as I already mentioned, hollow cast with commendably thin
walls. This design feature will aid those who wish to add details to the
turret’s interior. The turned aluminum L-11 gun tube is cleanly
machined with an understated bore cap and thin walls. It is a drop fit
into the DML kit’s mantlet. Detail parts, such as the main roof
hatch, its panoramic periscope, locking lever, periscope covers, lifting
hooks, dome vent, co-axial machine gun and mantlet are added from the
DML kit, keeping the overall cost of this conversion as low as possible.The
instructions are very well done, and feature a single sheet, with detailed
text on one side, that includes historic notes, general construction tips,
and specific notes on how to best build this item. The second side supplies
a photograph of the CMD conversion’s parts, a parts list, and finally,
clear assembly drawings done in the exploded style. This drawing includes
the pertinent DML parts, eliminating any guess-work for the modeler. There
are far more complex after-market items on the market that do not go this
far to ensure that the modeler has what information he needs to construct
what he has purchased. Other manufacturer’s can still learn a thing
or two from CMD.
In short, a small group of manufacturers may be approaching CMD as far
as quality and value for money. Some may also equal CMD. But, in my opinion
no other manufacturer has surpassed them.
Highly recommended.
Chesapeake Model Designs’ products are available direct from the
manufacturer, and can be obtained worldwide by contacting them at: www.chesapeakemodels.com.
E-mail address is: bill@chesapeakemodels.com.
Telephone/Fax: 410-357-5496.
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