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RPM 1/35th scale Artillery tractor PzKpfw. 743(r) with Field gun 7.5cm Mle 1897/33 - 322(f)

By Ray Mehlberger

History

The Soviet light tank T-60 was a modification of the amphibious tank T-40. It was designed by a team under leadership of N.A. Astrov. The design was started in April 1941 and plans and drawings were ready in just two weeks. The first tanks rolled out from the assembly line on September 15th, 1941. Between 1941 and 1943, 5,916 T-60 tanks were manufactured, and were being used by mixed batalions of Soviet tank brigades. These tanks were used in front-line units until the end of 1944.

During their offensive, Germans captured large numbers of Russian equipment, including T-60 tanks. Because the tanks were new and not heavily armored , they were used as artillery tractors. Which is the subject of this new kit from RPM.

The Kit

This kit is actually two kits in one. It includes a complete T-60 tank - which was earlier released by RPM as kit no. 35044 and a complete French Schneider 1897/33 cannon - which was earlier released by RPM as kit no. 35014. So, what, you are asking is NEW??? Well, there is a huge sheet of PE in the kit to go on the T-60 and a smaller PE intake screen. Also, the decals are new - but they are the same sheet included in the other two RPM kits we received for review. This new release is supposed to build up into a turretless ammo carrier and gun towing tank. However, the turret for the T-60 is in the kit and can be relegated to the spares box.

The very large fret of PE contains a whopping 143 parts: more to scale fenders, numerous grills and vents, tons of tie-downs, wing nuts, etc. etc. There is a smaller piece of PE that is a intake screen alone.

This kit shares the same decal as the UE 630(f) kit, reviewed also in this issue. Again, the crosses of Lorraine and the French license numbers are not used.

Two trees of light gray parts are the T-60 body and hatches, and the unused turret. 32 parts in all.

Two identical trees of more light gray parts are the link and length tracks, the unused plastic fenders, drive sprockets, and either solid hub or spoked road wheels (you can mix or match them as you see fit). 106 parts total here.

The rubber tired, late version wheels for the Schneider cannon are loose and in acello bag all by themselves (four pieces).

Finally, three more gray plastic trees make up the rest of the Schneider cannon. Alternate, wood spoked wheels are included that are for the early version of this cannon. Total parts here - 53.

Since this kit has the complete T-60 and the complete Schneider cannon in it - plus the PE that was not in the earlier release of the solo T-60 - you are saving $7.00 of the Schneider price and gaining the huge PE set in the bargain. A real deal if you need both kits and want to save a few bucks.

I think that this combination will make up rather neat and be something different on the shelf. If you like captured equipment in German service, this kit will be right up your alley.

I wish to thank the great folks atSquadron Shop for providing this kit for review.