T-34-85 Factory #183 Early (In progress)

My first try at soldering photo-etch. 

The Dragon engine compartment grille is embarrassingly poorly detailed, making photo-etch a must. I used the Tamiya Aber set, since it replaced the whole cover and not just the mesh. 

Also added the movable planks behind the grille (not included, naturally) and PE fenders from the Hussar kit. 

The turret is impressively cast all in one piece, excluding the top. While this is going to make painting the inside a lot more difficult, it's pretty cool. The turret roof needs some sanding to fit properly, but then clicks in tightly. 

All of these resin bits were in one bag even though they belong to completely different assemblies. 

Parts from the other bag. These are all from the gun, aside from the commander's hatches. You'd think that all the gun bits were here, but some are in the other bag. 

The gun mounting pins are cut at an angle, so it's fairly easy to insert the gun breech and click it in place. 

The gun mantlet is one of the few original parts used in this kit, although it has to be modified extensively (the manual does not tell you how, however!). 

Underside of the roof. 

Top side of the roof. The ventilator covers and loader's hatch are pieces of the original kit. 

Primed and ready to go! 

Ready to varnish. 

Decals and wash applied. 

The loader's seat can only be added after the gun is installed.