UM 1/72 SU-85 Self-propelled Gun Tank By Kent Kirkpatrick

The Kit

Since this kit is similar to the SU-85M the in-box review for it can be seen in the September 2004 issue. Please review it for historical and assembly notes. I will not go into detail about the chassis. My focus will be on the new super structure, road wheels and decal sheet. The rest of the kit is based on the SU-85M kit (#335). The main difference between the SU-85 and the SU-85M are the road wheels and superstructure. The SU-85 uses dish-type road wheels. The hatches on the superstructure are different and arranged differently.



Assembly of the SU-85 is the same as the SU-85M so there is nothing to inform you about. Don't forget to drill out the molded headlight in part 67A and replace with an MV lense.

The decals are high quality. There are markings for 3 different SU-85s. You can choose from 3rd Guard Tank Army (Voronezh Front 1943), 1047th SPG Regiment (Baltic Front 1944) or 3rd Ukrainian Army (Romanian Front 1944). There is a Humbrol paint reference calling for 5 colors to use with Light Olive as the main vehicle color.

Conclusion

As with the SU-85M this SU-85 is another very nice kits from UM. I give this kit two thumbs-up but due to the number of small parts suggest it to an experienced modeler. I would like to thank Squadron Mail Order for the review kit.