1/35 SU-85 by Italeri
The Russians quickly realized the advantage of assault guns as anti-tank weapons. After all, their tanks were being eaten up by the German Stug series. Thus the excellent T-34 had its turret removed and a new upper hull citadel designed to carry the powerful 85 mm gun. It spear headed Russian armored thrusts from 1943 thru 45, although later superseded by the Su-100 and Su-122.
The Italeri kit is a straight forward model without the price nor complexity of Dragon or AFV Club. I found it a very enjoyable build without any real hitches in the giddyup.
I added a touch of battle damage, especially around the external fuel tanks. The tank is awash in red dust of the Operation bagration campaign, Summer '44.
Nice work, Mike. Don't let that airbrush cool down !
Joe, have you ever not liked something I made?
Your encouragement is appreciated. Someday I may be as good a modeler as you are.
Michael,
A very nice looking target...