Tag: t-34

Finnish T-34/76 Tank

The T-34/76 wasn’t just a tank; it was a turning point in World War II. Introduced in 1940, this Soviet medium tank shocked the German invaders in 1941 with its superior design. The T-34/76 boasted a perfect balance of three crucial elements: firepower, armour protection, and mobility.

The T-34/76 packed a powerful punch with its 76.2 mm cannon. This weapon outclassed anything else on the battlefield at the time. German tanks simply weren’t equipped to handle the T-34/76’s offensive capabilities.

The T-34/76 wasn’t just about attacking; it was a defensive powerhouse. Its innovative design incorporated thick, sloped armour. This seemingly simple feature made a world of difference. Shells that struck the T-34/76 at straight angles tended to glance off harmlessly, thanks to the sloped design, leaving the crew safe inside. This feature, along with the tough armour itself, effectively countered most anti-tank weapons of the early war.

The impact of the T-34/76 went beyond its raw firepower and armour. It was also remarkably agile. The powerful V-2 diesel engine propelled the tank at a respectable speed, allowing it to manoeuvre quickly across battlefields. This mobility gave the T-34/76 a tactical advantage, enabling it to outflank and surprise enemy forces.

While the effectiveness of the T-34/76 was challenged by later German tank advancements, its initial impact was undeniable. German General von Kleist famously called it “the finest tank in the world” after encountering it in 1941. The T-34/76 became a symbol of Soviet resilience and innovation, playing a pivotal role in the Red Army’s eventual victory.

The Tank Museum’s T-34/76 is a remarkable example of this legendary tank. This specific vehicle is an early model, captured by Finnish forces during the Continuation War. It served the Finnish army for years, even being used as a training tank well into the 1950s. The Tank Museum’s T-34/76 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this revolutionary tank design.

T34-85

The T-34, was a Soviet medium tank, which had a profound and lasting effect on the field of tank design. At its introduction in 1940, the T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection and ruggedness.

After an unsuccessful attempt to develop a new, better armoured and armed tank, the T-43, Soviet command made the decision to retool the factories to produce an improved version of the T-34.

Its turret ring was enlarged allowing a larger turret to be fitted and thus the larger 85 mm gun. This tank was called the T-34-85.

This T-34-85 was on display at The Tank Museum at Bovington.

T-34-85 Soviet Medium Tank

The T-34-85 was a Soviet WW2 medium tank, crew of 5, powered by 12-cylinder diesel engine, armed with 85mm gun and two machine guns.

T-34/85 Soviet Medium Tank

It went not be used well beyond the second world war in major conflicts across the world, and I still in service today.

The T-34, a Soviet medium tank, had a profound and lasting effect on the field of tank design. At its introduction in 1940, the T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection and ruggedness. Its 76.2 mm (3 in) high-velocity tank gun provided a substantial increase in firepower over any of its contemporaries while its well-sloped armour was difficult to penetrate by most contemporary anti-tank weapons.

A project to develop a new tank following the introduction of improved German Panzer IVs with the high-velocity 75 mm gun, was started by the Soviet Union. The T-43 was  designed to have improved armour, better suspension and a bigger gun. However it was decided that manufacturing a new tank would cause a significant slow-down in production so it was cancelled.

However the T-43 turret was then modified to fit the T-34 and was armed with a new 85mm gun. The T-34-85 was a compromise between those in the Soviet Union who wanted to build as many 76mm armed T34s and those who wanted to build the new T-43 tank.

T-34-85 Soviet Medium Tank

The T-34-85 gave the Red Army a tank with better armour and mobility than the German Panzer IV tank and StuG III assault gun. While it could not match the armour or weapons of the heavier Panther and Tiger tanks, its improved firepower made it much more effective than earlier models.

The development of the T-34-85 led directly to the T-54 and T-55 series of tanks, which in turn evolved into the later T-62, T-72, and T-90 that form the armoured core of many modern armies.

This T-34-85 was on display at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, and they even put Tank Riders on the back.

T-34/85 Soviet Medium Tank

Reading the Hot War books from Harry Turtledove has inspired me to think about gaming some scenarios from the books. British Comets and Centurions versus T34-85 and T54 Soviet tanks, along with American M26 Pershing and M48 Patton tanks. In the book there are also Sherman tanks manned by (West) German forces.

T-34-85

The T-34, was a Soviet medium tank, which had a profound and lasting effect on the field of tank design. At its introduction in 1940, the T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection and ruggedness.

After an unsuccessful attempt to develop a new, better armoured and armed tank, the T-43, Soviet command made the decision to retool the factories to produce an improved version of the T-34. Its turret ring was enlarged allowing a larger turret to be fitted and thus the larger 85 mm gun. This tank was called the T-34-85.

This T-34-85 is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.

T34-85

Rear view of the tank.

T-34-85

Close-up of the tracks.

T-34-85

The development of the T-34-85 led directly to the T-54 and T-55 series of tanks, which in turn evolved into the later T-62, T-72, and T-90 that form the armoured core of many modern armies.

15mm WW2 Russian Infantry in Summer Uniform IN PLASTIC

I was pleased to read that The Plastic Soldier Company have recently released 15mm WW2 Russian Infantry in Summer Uniform in plastic. Very nice they look too.

PSC_15-Russians_packfront-300px_01

If you have read my (main) website recently you will know that I have started looking at and thinking about playing Flames of War (at the time of writing I have only done some modelling and reading the rules).

Now I am not actually playing Russians so these models are less useful than it would seem. However this is just the first release of many planned by The Plastic Soldier Company.

They are also intending to release, in 15mm in the near future:

  • T34 Tank boxed set
  • Late War British Infantry

I would suspect that we will see German stuff too, and a lot more if this stuff sells – which I suspect it will. That’s when I will be buying some… though slightly tempted by the T34 tanks.