Let's Build the T-34 with 57mm High Velocity Gun ZiS-4

[@captainhurricane5705]

I've heard about these 57mmAT equipped tanks, but never really thought to look for one in a photo. I presume a lot of these hull/turret modifications were specific to the factory they came from, rather than a general order or anything like that. Good work!

[@Panzermeister36]

Yes, they are 183-Factory vehicles from around September-October 1941. Most of the photos I used for reference are actually 76mm tanks from the same batch. Thank you!

[@8988962]

​@@Panzermeister36 STZ didn't test 57s?🤔

[@Panzermeister36]

There was this batch of around 10 made at the 183 Kharkov Factory, then one prototype on an earlier chassis, and one other vehicle tested later on which has the hexagonal style turret.

[@krautreport202]

​@@sliceslice4440 The one at UGMK is a half-assed mockup using mostly STZ parts and therefore doesn't represent the real deal very well.

[@dilyaratahtaeva1688]

@@sliceslice4440 We don’t have such a tank in Moscow, there is a Frankenstein from Verkhnyaya Pyshma.

[@dean22593]

I’m hoping that we’ll see a follow up video on this kit that covers painting and weathering. Beautiful build Evan, thanks for sharing and teaching us to be better modellers. 👍

[@AdamMann3D]

Thanks for giving me something to watch when I'm all covided up. Also gave me flashbacks seeing you do a T-34.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thanks Adam. Hope you are your family are better soon.

[@BrailleScale]

Great build. I think the most underestimated tool is a chisel blade! Took me the longest time to add one to my arsenal and I was really missing out. Really a game changer when it comes to shaving off moulded on details or unnecessary witness marks. Your super fine tweezers look really nice too. I might have to get some that fine to help with the extra tiny bits. Glad to see you at the bench more often

[@ho-2036]

Thanks for another great build video! I have a couple of those Dragon T-34’s in the pile, and I’m sure these tips will make it go smoother.

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad to help!

[@executivedirector7467]

Beautiful work - stunning. If I am not mistaken, the welds on the turret should follow around the interlocks on the front of the turret. Also, the items referred to as "fire extinguishers" are actually jacks.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you! The front of the turret already had good looking welds in the interlocks, so I only replaced the welds on the turret sides where we had the large gaps. I guess it does make sense that those would be bottle jacks as they're quite large for fire extinguishers 😊

[@joesanchez979]

Excellent video hopefully soon to see t34 painted and detailing 👍

[@MattStunts-]

Cool unusual subject. Everything looks fine, only one minor thing take my attention. Tie downs and loops for ice cleats should be rounded not flat, that's why I prefer using wire than pe for that particular details. Beside this your model looks great

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you for the comment! Yes, you are correct. But, I am not really skilled enough with bending small bits of wire to model them more accurately, so this is a compromise I have to accept for now 😊

[@seanmalloy7249]

One thing that you need to take some care with is that there are two types of track links, one with a guide horn and one without, and they are _supposed_ to alternate on the length of the track. Depending on the circumstances, and what the crew has available to repair a broken track with, this alternating pattern may not be followed, so you might have three links in a row with guide horns, or three without, but the crew would _try_ to keep the alternation if possible. One feature of the T-34 that is rarely modeled is the link pin wedge. The track links are held together by pins runnign through the links; on one link of the pair it fits tightly, the other more loosely. On some tanks from all sides in WWII, there are various devices used to keep the pins from sliding back out, from cotter pins to bolts. The Russians took a more brute-force approach to keeping the track pins in place. The pins were inserted from the side that would be closest to the tank, and there was a metal wedge welded on the side of the tank just behind the front idler wheels, where if a track pin had started to work its way out, it would hit the plate and be forced back in. This would make a distinctive 'clunk' that was an iconic sound associated with the T-34.

[@Panzermeister36]

You cannot have two of the same track link (toothed or non-toothed) linked together. They are not simply the same save for the presence of the tooth; they have a different number of loops through which the pin is threaded -- 4 vs 5. The T-34 did not always have the cotter-pin-less track design either; the early models used a traditional locking nut. And German tanks also have track return pin knocker plates if you look, starting in 1943.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Tedious build but turned out great! A unique variant to add to the collection. I was shocked when Archer announced their closing. Sure, decals are still available but it won't last forever and they had an amazing line! Looking forward to seeing your tutorial at Heritagecon in March! 👍

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you Jerry! See you at Heritagecon 😊

[@steviegibson5847]

Fantastic build and amazingly clear video as always. 10/10. I always thought that thing was a jack

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you as always Stevie! I think you are correct...a bottle jack...it's a bit big for a fire extinguisher 😅

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

Epic build, thank you very much for sharing a lot of your T-34 knowledge! Its great to know that i can rely on you for T-34s as well, not only for StuG IIIs :)

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad you enjoy it Michael 😊

[@Super-Simo-B]

Great video, I am really enjoying your builds/tips & tricks!

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad you like them!

[@williamkoppos7039]

Read about this guy in "Tank Battles on the Eastern Front". Very well done, looks cool with a Long snout.

[@panzer-meister]

Impressive work as always. It's very unique T-34 which I've never known yet. Archer decal weld beads looks excellently but we can't get it in Japan (T T). Looking forward to your art painting. Have a nice week end and stay safe please. Cheers, NOB

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much! The Archer Transfers weld decals are great, but they're also out of production now so the only option is eBay here.

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Excellent build based on the true tank, i'm very impressive of the result!*

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much!

[@artoriusm.3413]

2nd time watching this video and really like the information given about this tank. I purchased Dragon's T-34/76 STZ Mod.1942 kit (#6453) and the Panzer Art's mantlet with Zis4 barrel. Trying to find the "V" style tracks. Masterclub makes a set of tracks but can't find any in stock. Plus, on one of the modeling forums, there was a debate as to 500mm tracks or 550mm tracks. Oh well... Thanks for the great video!

[@Panzermeister36]

Masterclub tracks are made in Russia. Due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, Masterclub tracks are not being exported (occasionally some seem to make it through China). Currently we do not have many good options for aftermarket T-34 tracks, though some of the 3D print companies are working on them. Panzerwerk Design should have some out in a few months.

[@gregbeckman3922]

Nice work, for your next T-34, you may opt to add weld beads for the fenders. They are not fully welded. More like weld, space, weld, space.

[@Panzermeister36]

Interesting. I can still go in and add that here. If you can send me a reference photo on FB it would be much appreciated.

[@gregbeckman3922]

@@Panzermeister36 I posted two/three photos.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thanks I received them in the FB group 😁

[@anthonyfoley3401]

Excellent video of a brilliant build!

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad you liked it!

[@RollingThunderModels]

That's a fantastic looking T-34! I have used MSD tracks before, they are a great option for some types of tracks like the ones you used. Sadly they often mis the trackpin details. Awesome content as always!

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much! Good to hear from you 😊

[@jamesmcansh6393]

Very impressive thanks for sharing and giving us some great advice on how to improve ! ✌Canada✌

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@i-is-fireball708]

As somebody who has tried and failed uncle nightshifts welding technique 100000 times i can appreciate using the decals😂😂

[@Panzermeister36]

Yep lol. Much easier and it still looks very good!

[@rrl4245]

Another great how-to video. Thanks (Happy to see you back and posting - more please.) I'm having a terrible time finding retailers who sell and stock aftermarket tracks, either metal or resin. Who's your favorite supplier?

[@Panzermeister36]

I've had the best luck from Sprue Brothers in the USA, and Super Hobby Store in Poland. But, some track manufacturers sell direct only.

[@rrl4245]

@@Panzermeister36 Thanks

[@TheHateSpeechChannel]

Jeez, who did the box art! A one eyed child in the dark?

[@shlamushaaretz5357]

Was the 57mm gun a German mod on captured vehicles or a Soviet mod? You’d think the 76mm standard gun would be superior to smaller caliber. When I was a modeler in the 80s tank models only came with the rubber tracks.. times have changed 😁. Again great skill! Would be good to see it painted and weathered.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you! The 57mm gun was a Soviet gun, the ZiS-4, which was based on the ZiS-2 field gun. It had a superior anti-tank capability as the shell is fired at much high velocity, but the high-explosive shells are terrible as there is much less volume for explosives in the shell. So, the project failed on the T-34.

[@guidor.4161]

Very nice tutorial with excellent attention to specific details-love that! I do some things a bit differently, like welds built up from acrylic putty. I also use files still (old school - I've had them for decades) but nowadays I also use stick sanders a lot more. I'm currently considering building a KV2 test vehicle with the 107mm ZiS 6 (i think) and a T-34 with the 57mm. I'm not a particular friend of Dragon kits, do you have any idea which other T-34 kit(s) might be suitable? For the KV2 I'm still looking into either an old Trumpeter kit (they require a bit of work but are quite accurate and inexpensive) or maybe a new Tamiya one, though that seems to be a bit pricey... Cheers, Guido

[@red0guy]

For the 10 T-34/57s that went into combat you are more or less Dragon or to the shitty Maquette/MSD (which good luck finding). There also was a latter prototype with a hexagonal turret, maybe try the hexagonal turret prototype from any model depicting a Zavod 183 with a hard-egde turret (for ex Zvezda).

[@guidor.4161]

@@red0guy Zvezda models are certainly mostly very good nowadays...thanks for the tip!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Looking really good!

[@claytonmcclain182]

Always a fantastic build 👍 photo etch does just make a kit pop, although I've at times want to run my head into a wall. 🤣 I'm building Tamiya's Krupp protze ausf 9 with 37 AT gun. Using a very old PE kit from Lion Roar. Looking forward to your paint job.😁👍👍 God bless

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you for the nice comments as always, Clayton!

[@red0guy]

I'm glad I was wrong regarding the panzer art Mantlet. The back towing hooks are serviceable but now quite right, as they more straight and the end is not wavey. And the drive sprocket in the photo is without the ridge, so you should have filed it out with putty., Other than that, congrats .... PS there is a re-release of the 42 stz so there are 3 kits...

[@Panzermeister36]

Ah, you're right about the drive wheels. I'll fix those. The rear tow hooks are barely visible so nobody will notice 😁 Thanks for the tips!

[@elmorientez3787]

If you want another hack for thin fenders, you can press kitchen foil over a kit part then trim it down.

[@Panzermeister36]

Great advice, thanks!

[@od1452]

I've built a lot of T 34s over the years but never a Dragon or Trumpeter kit. Do you have a preference?

[@Panzermeister36]

I haven't tried the Trumpeter ones...do you mean Academy? I've only tried the Dragon options personally.

[@jakob80]

Hello Evan, are you building the White 20? Cause the White 20 got a cast turret (like in 6418).

[@Panzermeister36]

Hello Jakob. I am building a different turret number for my vehicle 😊 both cast and welded turrets were used for the 57mm vehicles.

[@markcharles2853]

I have a question to ask hopefully you can help me I have a kit from academy it's a stud 3 do not want to use the rubber tracks, I wonder if you can recommend workable tracks that will fit the sprockets right please and thankyou

[@anonymous5810]

Quick question do you by any chance know how the panzer 3 cupolas were mounted on beute STZs like the skijager 1st regiment one?

[@Panzermeister36]

Oh most likely. The Germans captured a lot of T-34s, from all manufacturers. I will see if I can find a specific image of an STZ vehicle with a cupola.

[@user-qg4st8ih1d]

Really great work! Sad to hear Archer has went out of business

[@Panzermeister36]

It is unfortunate indeed

[@chrisdoppler]

Awesome as usual.

[@michaelmichael5643]

Real nice video as always....

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@riff2072]

If you have a metal barrel that will not fit. Place the metal barrel in the freezer. Once it gets cold in my slip right in.

[@Panzermeister36]

Good advice, thank you!

[@pacset2]

nice work

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@fjdexx]

Looks nice. Thx

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@joesanchez979]

Excellent 👌

[@WelderART]

What camera u using right now ?

[@Panzermeister36]

I use a Sony Handicam. It's a few years old but still works alright for me.

[@8988962]

​@@Panzermeister36 Full HD version or 4K?🤔

[@WelderART]

@@Panzermeister36 vxf1 ? ;p got the same as uncle nightshift xd

[@shcolotron-13]

Т-34-57, с башней СТЗ, данной модификации никогда не выпускался

[@Panzermeister36]

183 factory used the same turret as STZ...both cast and welded. There are photos of this exact vehicle I am modelling. So it was produced.

[@dilyaratahtaeva1688]

@@Panzermeister36 This is a Frankenstein from Verkhnyaya Pyshma. It is made from the remains of various modifications of the early T-34-76, and the gun on the tank is fake, in fact it is a pipe and that's it.

[@shcolotron-13]

@@Panzermeister36 И ещё возле пулемётного гнезда, на месте когда-то стоявшей 2-ой фары, там оставался даже на этих выпусков танка горбик защиты проводов 2-ой фары, но с заделанным отверстием

[@shcolotron-13]

@@Panzermeister36 Также если ты делаешь вариант танка под номером "20" то ты ошибся с башней и люком механика-водителя. Там на танке стоит башня не от СТЗ а от совсем другого завода, а также люк мех.вода там раннего типа, а не позднего.

[@shcolotron-13]

@@Panzermeister36 И до кучи зачем пилить модель от дрегона, если есть от MSD Макет. Набор от МСД дешёвый, и не дорогой как дрегон.

[@danreed7889]

Great video. Get some paint on it!

[@Panzermeister36]

I will! It is being weathered in a live demo in 3 weeks so I will have to paint it soon :)

[@joesanchez979]

I worked on isu 122 it came with rubber tracks😮

[@Panzermeister36]

That's unfortunate 😔

[@bengtwahlstedt1021]

NICE !!!🙂

[@SDOne-or6vm]

Hi, are you sure there are welds around those pieces: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmS2g3p7g8d-iLs considering they are fixed by 6 bolts

[@Panzermeister36]

Yes, I noticed it specifically in photos of the real vehicle. The tow hooks are not meant to be removed, so they bolt/rivet them on and then weld it for extra strength.

[@ВладимирСавченко-ч7я]

Супер! 👍

[@R.A.V.E.Design]

It is not ZiS-4. It is ZiS-2.

[@Panzermeister36]

ZiS-2 is the name for the field gun configuration. ZiS-4 and later ZiS-4M is the name for the version in a tank; it has some slight differences.