1:35 Stowage SU 76M

The real subject

The SU-76M was a light Soviet self-propelled gun built on the chassis of a light tank and armed with a 76 mm gun in a superstructure open at the top. It was produced in great numbers and accompanied the infantry practically throughout the rest of the war. Among other things, the open fighting compartment meant that the crew had their equipment permanently within reach and in view: they stacked it around the sides of the superstructure, on the fenders and at the rear, so the clean outlines of the vehicle were soon lost under a layer of stowage.

What the set contains

The set brings stowed load and equipment for a model of the SU-76M in 1:35 scale, that is parts which are fitted to the outside of the vehicle. The make-up of the parts and the recommended placement are given in the manufacturer's instructions. The stowage is finished and shaped to suit the real subject, so the laborious job of making stowage from putty, wire and foil falls away.

Building and painting tips

Cut any excess material away with a sharp blade a little clear of the part and sand the remainder back, and choose the glue according to the material of the parts. Before painting, wash the parts, degrease them and seal them with a base color. Paint the stowage separately from the vehicle and fit it only once it is dry, because after it is glued on you will not reach it with a brush. Keep the variety in check, though: most of the equipment was in muted earthy tones and differed mainly in wear and grease, not in color. Finally, tie the whole together with a common wash and light dust, so that the stowage does not look laid on top but belongs to the vehicle.

Who it is for

The set suits modelers who want to turn a self-propelled gun into a machine from the front rather than a fresh product from the factory. It is an accessory to a kit; the model itself, paints and glue are not in the package, unless stated otherwise.