Description

HobbyBoss 1:35 Soviet T-35 Heavy Tank 1938/1939 (83843)

HobbyBoss 1:35 Soviet T-35 Heavy Tank 1938/1939 (83843) is a model kit of one of the most unique and ambitious tanks of World War II. The T-35 was a Soviet-designed multi-turreted heavy tank used in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Overview of the T-35

The T-35 was a large and heavily armed Soviet tank, featuring five turrets—one larger turret on the hull with a 76.2mm gun and four smaller turrets, each with a 45mm gun. This made it a very unusual design for its time, aimed at providing overwhelming firepower.
It was powered by a 500 horsepower engine, and despite its imposing size, it had relatively slow mobility, limited range, and mechanical reliability issues. It was used mainly in 1939 and early 1940 during the Soviet Union’s operations before it was largely phased out due to these shortcomings.

Key Features of the HobbyBoss Kit (83843)

Detailing:
- Highly detailed multi-part turrets with intricate detailing for each of the five turrets.
- A detailed hull with the various armor plate sections replicated.
- Track links and wheels molded to reflect the complex suspension and movement system of the T-35.
- Engine details visible if the model is left unsealed.
Parts and Assembly:
- Designed with over 800 parts, which will require advanced modeling skills to assemble.
- Typically suited for experienced modelers, given its complexity and the number of pieces involved.
Markings and Decals:
- The T-35 kit comes with decals for Soviet units of the era. The decals feature the red stars and other Soviet insignia common on military vehicles during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Gun and Turrets:
- The large turret houses a 76.2mm cannon, while the four smaller turrets are armed with 45mm guns, representing the firepower of this tank.
Detailed Instructions

Historical Context

The T-35 was an ambitious design, trying to combine the firepower of multiple turrets and large caliber weapons in one platform. However, its design ultimately proved impractical in battle conditions, as the tanks were slow and prone to mechanical failure. Only about 50 units were produced, and they saw limited action, mainly in the Soviet invasion of Finland (Winter War) and early stages of the German invasion (Operation Barbarossa). Most of the tanks were destroyed or abandoned in the field due to their mechanical issues and vulnerability.