BaI-M

Awarded: Gold

By: Vladimir Yakubov

Manufacturer(s): UM Models

Description: Model is a conversion from UM's Ba-3. Basically everything back from the middle of the driver's cab is scratchbuilt - hull, fenders and turret. Also all of the small details are scratchbuilt, except for the saw, which was taken from Extratech's T-34 PE kit. Kit wheel hubs were also modified to make them look better (more bulged). Suspension was also detailed. The model color scheme was taken from a well known photo of the 1935 Kiev Maneuvers.

Judge 1: This little kit has really grown on me,Russian vechicles are not one of my main interests ,the great photo of WIP has shown that there has been lots of corrections or finer improvements, especially noticeable is the front lamps. The OD is nicely painted & the weathering is at just the right level & looks perfect on the tyres The front mudguards & hatches could have done with abit of drybrushing with a mental colour to add more interest & tones. Also the white turret adds visual variation & I guess is to represent at later paint job than that of the rest of the vechicle but could still do with a heavier drybrush to show more detail.(as white always wears out quicker anyway) Good collection of photos with higher angles & the underside & WIP.
Judge 2: An excellent model, everyone would liked to have seen more of it and less of the background, see our photo guide for some tips on cropping. The build is absolutely first rate, what a fantastic job you’ve done on the scratch building and especially the mud guards. The colour is good and well applied but could have been made more interesting with some tonal variation and a deeper pin wash around the smaller details. The dusty look is well done and the small amount of wear and tear is consistent with a pre war vehicle. I would though expect to see more dirt, dry mud and grime under the vehicle.
Judge 3: Excellent construction and very nicely painted. The dust looks especially convincing and has been thoughtfully applied to add more interest to the colour scheme. Well done!