Unimodel 1/72 SU-85 Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | May 2005 | Manufacturer | Unimodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | SU-85 | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 0333 | Primary Media | Styrene & Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nicely detailed kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $11.98 |
First Look
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The SU-85 entered production in 1943 as a self-propelled anti-tank gun based upon the T-34/85 chassis. Armed with the 85mm D-5S, the SU-85 could penetrate 102mm of armor from up to one kilometer way. The SU-85 could carry 48 rounds inside its armor of up to 45mm in thickness.
Powered by a 12 cylinder diesel engine, the SU-85 could move its 29.5 tons up to 55 kph. The Soviets produced over 2600 SU-85s and was a capable match against most of the German armor standing between them and Berlin. The SU-100 would come along later and clean up after the two big cats - the Tiger and Panther.
The kit is molded in green styrene and presented on five parts trees, plus two additional rubber trees cast in black containing the rubber road wheels and a set of rubber track. A small fret of photo-etched parts is also included which contains an engine deck grille, a wood saw, and the mantlet for the hull machine gun (not used in this kit).
The first two trees contain the wheels and suspension parts. The third tree has the armored crew compartment and main gun barrel. The fourth tree has the rear engine deck and side fenders. The fifth tree has the lower hull parts.
The track sections are an interesting touch since they are more realistic than rubber band tracks and easier to manipulate/assemble than true track links (especially in this scale). The results appear to be quite nice.
The rubber road wheels are an interesting touch that will save lots of time painting the wheels. Since there are ten rubber wheels on each side of the hull, this would be convenient!
Looking over the instructions, the details of this kit are quite impressive and the SU-85 should build into a nice scale replica.
Markings are included to represent three different SU-85s:
- Number 741, 3rd Guards Tank Army, Voronezh, Autumn 1943
- Number 843, 1047 SPG Regt, 1st Baltic Front, Summer 1944
- Number C-13, 3rd Ukrainian Front, Romania, Summer 1944
This is a nice-looking kit that is reasonably priced and not a difficult build. You can see for yourself at your local hobby establishment or you can find this kit online at Squadron Mail Order.
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!