there's the reason I haven't been around much lately...
I've bought and started a Hobby Boss T-34-85 in 1/48 scale...with full interior!
Of course I wouldn't have started yet another kit in a completely different scale (ahem...
) if it weren't for a good reason...this one is going to become a birthday present for my father-in-law (not quite per law for lack of being married with my significant other but you get the idea... 
). He's something of a military enthusiast but not a modeller himself, and thanks to his service in the former East German army half a century ago he's quite fond of Soviet hardware. After quick consultation with my better half it was agreed that 1/35 would be slightly too large for her parent's living room, and thus I started my first quarter scale armour kit ever.
A long while ago Trumpeter released a series of 1/16 scale T-34s and it's obvious the research and drawings were applied to make this kit. The level of detail is very impressive, as is the overall fit and ease of assembly. Only a bit of flash on most parts, but nothing too serious. It comes with link&lenght tracks - and an engine cover with a photoetched grill embedded into the plastic as a single easy-to-use piece. I've never seen anything like this before!
Here's the tank with the lid off - naturally I should start painting before I glue everything together
Engine with some of the parts removed:
Turret and gun, ammo racks still missing, to be added when painted:
I'll be leaving all the hatches open, so hopefully at least some of the interior will be visible.
By the way: I need to finish everything until mid-November...wish me luck
Philipp
The T-34 has come up very nicely indeed. I think your Father in Law will be impressed.
