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From June 1943 onwards, panic began to spread in the ranks of Soviet tank units. They had met the German Panther for the first time on the field of battle at Kursk and the mighty Tiger I was being encountered in increasing numbers. The Soviets desperately needed a tank with a more effective gun and the solution offered up was a T-34 with a larger turret and larger gun. This new tank was known as the T-34/85, it featured an 85mm anti-tank gun (derived from an anti-aircraft gun of the same caliber) mounted in a larger three-man turret. This more powerful tank entered service from March 1944 onwards.
No effort has been spared to achieve a highly detailed and accurately produced 1/72 scale model. It is painted in an interesting camouflage scheme that makes a welcome break from the monochrome green that Russian tanks were typically painted in. Although the unit this tank is from is unidentified, the turret markings reflect actual markings found on an original tank. While the T-34’s new 85mm gun was not quite as effective as either the Panther’s 75mm or Tiger’s 88mm main armaments, it went a long way to restoring some sense of balance. |
