Hello again TMP,
Thought I'd continue to review the new Zvezda 1:100 plastic tanks as they're being released.
First up this time is the Panzer III G. This is a lovely model, very fine detail as with all the other vehicles in this set. With the highest part count of the current Zvezda 1:100 models (9 parts plus the 'flag' for the game its made for). This allows for a lot of detail, even the machine guns are moulded as part of the tank and are very thin, but due to the plastic's slight flexibility these aren't to delicate. Some of the detail is a little flat, such as the vision ports and hatches on the side of the turret, I think it'll look ok with a good wash and dry brush though.
Detailing is all correct for the G model, as you'd expect from a big professional company. I also own a pair of Battlefront Panzer III G and the models look ok next to each other. I'd say they'd be fine to be used in the same army just avoid them being parked side by side: size wise they're a close match, however the detail on the Battlefront model looks quite thick compared to the very thin detail on the Zvezda models.
Sizing for the Panzer III:
Actual Scale Model
Length 5.38m 54mm 54mm
Width 2.90m 29mm 29mm
Height 2.44m 25mm 25mm
For further reading on other models of this tank in this scale I suggest this article or Wargames@Nordalia:
linkNow on to the T-34 obr 1940, I'm not as familiar with Russian tanks but comparing this to the George Bradford drawing and various photos this seems a nice accurate model. The shape of the turret looks spot on, something that other manufactures haven't quite got in my opinion. This is a much more simple kit than the Panzer III, with only 5 parts (again plus the flag), yet the detail is still nice and crisp. There is a small amount of stowage on this model but not a lot. Due to the fact the upper hull comes as one piece the rear exhausts are a little simplified and the hull MG is missing. However this is hardly uncommon with 1:100 scale tanks.
Sizing for the T-34:
Actual Scale Model
Length 5.92m 59mm 59mm
Width 3.00m 30mm 29mm
Height 2.45m 25mm 24mm
Once again Wargames@Nordalia is the place to check out other T34 models:
link
As for what's coming from Zvezda in the near future I've seen the following advertised:
'Spring' 2011
BT-5 (hoping the turrets are easily interchangeable with the T26 as it'll be a quick way to get the earlier tanks).
Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. B (interesting choice of variant, should be quite simple to convert to a C for all the mid war gamers)
'Summer' 2011
BM-13 Katyusha
Zis-5 Truck
KV-I
Pz.Kpfw. 38(t)
Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D
German 3 Tonne Cargo Truck (referring I'd assume to an Opel LKW)
Hope this has been helpful to someone,
Rob.
