35031 T-44 Model 1945 (early)
Development of a successor to the famous T-34 started even as that tank was just entering service. Design work was just beginning when Germany invaded the USSR in 1941; this forced the Morozov design bureau west to the Ural mountains which delayed the effort. In November 1943, the blueprints were ready and three prototype was completed in January 1944.
Two of the prototypes were armed with surplus 85mm guns, while the third had a 122mm (exceptionally large for the era) gun. This large gun was ahead of it’s time and it was decided that the production model would have the smaller gun.
Development was further delayed when the Morozov bureau moved back to Khakiv after it was liberated. Mass production of the T-44 did not start until early December 1944. Production was at the Zavod #75, Stalin Ural #183, and Omsk #183 factories. Only 1,823 T-44 tanks were built as the post-WWII Soviet army had a huge quantity of T-34s leftover and was eagerly anticipating the T-54/55. Contains:
- Best quality resin model kit in 1/35 scale. Over 160 resin parts
- Accurate hull, armament and suspension. All hatches can be open.
- Metal towing cable with 4 resin eyelets by Eureka
- Metal gun barrel
- Photo etched by PART
- Detailed instruction of assembly
